Halloween is so much fun for kids and adults alike. As excited as the children are to have so much candy at their disposal, Halloween in your house does not have to be a time of sugar-induced hyper activity. In fact, there are several easy ways to keep children’s glucose levels down and teach them about their virtues at the same time. Instead of letting Halloween become an opportunity for disaster, parents can use Halloween as a teachable moment to help children practice five important virtues of character.
Virtue #1 - Generosity
“The gift which is given without thought of recompense, in the belief that it ought to be made, in a fit place, at an opportune time, and to a deserving person-such a gift is pure” – Bhagavad-Gita 17:20
On the day after Halloween talk to your child about how fortunate they are to have so much candy now. Tell them that not everyone has this much candy and that it would be very kind and generous to share some. Suggest giving five pieces to grandma, grandpa, or a person of your child’s choice. Then have them choose the pieces and put them into a little bag with a ribbon. When you deliver the present acknowledge your child’s action with a statement such as, “Sarah, I saw your generosity today when you gave some of your candy to grandma.”
Virtue #2 - Moderation
“One who lives without looking for pleasure, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong,…the temper will certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rock mountain.” –Dhammapada 8
Teach your child moderation by offering candy to them after their regular meals or along side a healthy snack. Offer them their bowl of candy and allow them to choose one. Then give them a plate with crackers and cheese or apple slices and yogurt. As they enjoy their snacks remind them that you see they practicing moderation by enjoying some candy and some food that is good for their bodies. Even children as young as three will understand the concept of balance. Use statements such as “See, we can have a little bit of candy and a little bit of crackers. We are being moderate.”
Virtue # 4 -Thankfulness and Gratitude
“What is to come is better for you than what has gone before: For your Lord will certainly give you, and you will be content…Keep recounting the favours of your Lord.” – Al-Qur’an 93
Halloween is a great opportunity to teach children the virtue of gratitude. Before going trick-or-treating remind them to say thank you to all the adults that are sharing their candy. Help the child to see that this is a gift and to be grateful for the generosity of their neighbours.
Virtue #4 – Patience
“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young? ~Paul Sweeney
Use candy to teach patience by following the boundary you set with your child regarding how many pieces of candy they can have daily and when they can have it. Tell them in the morning, “Today, Chris, you can have three pieces of candy. One with you snack, and one after dinner and lunch.” If they protest, remind them that too much candy is not good for their teeth or their tummies. If they ask for candy throughout the day remind of the boundary you set and ask them to use their patience as they wait for the right time. After their lunch when it is time to have the candy, acknowledge your child by saying, “Jordan, I noticed you were patient all morning waiting for the right time for your candy. Thank you.”
Virtue #5 - Self-Discipline
“Discipline, to be sure, is never pleasant; at times it seems painful, but afterward those who have been trained by it reap the harvest of a peaceful and upright life.” – Hebrews 12:11
Before dinner, acknowledge your child’s self-discipline in waiting for the right time to have their candy that day. You can let the child pick a candy of their choice and then either let them hold on to it or keep it in their reach until they have finished their meal. Use affirming statements such as, “Susan, I saw you practice self-discipline today when you waited until after dinner to have your candy.” You’ll be surprised at how well a child can do with this exercise. (Tip: Make sure you give the child the treat at the time you said you would.)
Once a year we tell children it is okay to talk to and take candy from strangers. By practicing these five virtues --Generosity, Gratitude, Moderation, Patience and Self-Discipline – at Halloween it shows children that they can be mindful at any occasion. The added perk of using these tips is that it means there will be more candy left over for Mom and Dad to enjoy. And that is not a bad thing, is it?
