Generation Next

Avoid Halloween sugar shock by following a few handy hintsToo Much HalloweenWhat’s a Parent To Do With the Spoils of Trick-or-Treating?

By Victoria Rich

Make the costume, buy the treats, put up the decorations … then deal with the tummy aches, sugar highs and fights over candy.

How do you set limits so that a good-old holiday tradition doesn’t turn into bad times?

Finding the time to establish ground rules for Halloween candy can be a tricky task for parents with so many other things on their mind, especially when kids are so excited about their giant stash of milk chocolate treats and Halloween goodies.

Kidshealth.org comes to the rescue with easy-to-do Halloween tips for parents. There, the Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media suggests serving a healthy meal before trick-or-treating so that kids aren’t hungry when the candy starts piling in the basket.

Second, know how much candy your child has collected and store it somewhere out of sight. Having it handy can be an irresistible temptation for children – and parents alike.

Third, consider being somewhat lenient about candy eating on Halloween, within reason, and talk to your child about how the rest of the candy will be handled. The site even suggests buying back some or all of the remaining candy from your child. This acknowledges that the candy belongs to him or her and provides a treat in the form of spending money instead of cavities and empty calories.

Lastly, be a role model to your children. Eat Halloween candy in moderation and consider handing out alternatives such as non-food treats (stickers, toys, false teeth or little bottles of bubbles), healthy snacks (pretzels, trail mix, small boxes of raisins or popcorn), sugar-free candy or a small box of cereal.

For more information about healthy Halloween habits, visit kidshealth.org.

A Fun Family Vacation is Just a Click Away

By Victoria Rich

Picture this: You’re in a beautiful, tropical oasis with sunny skies, a light breeze and sand beneath your feet. Your favorite novel is in one hand and your better half is beside you. But add a crying, teething toddler who is fast running out of diapers into the mix and your tropical paradise could quickly turn into a vacation nightmare.

Ciao Bambino is an online family vacation guide for parents looking to plan the perfect getaway, with destination and accommodation reviews and other services to help relieve the seemingly inevitable stress that accompanies families on the go.

The site features properties in the continental United States, Hawaii, Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, all reviewed by the Ciao Bambino community of traveling families.

Ciao Bambino’s newest addition to the site, “Community Reviews,” allows parents to evaluate and recommend properties they have personally experienced. These profiles even include age-appropriate ratings for properties because, after all, a 7-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl may not have the same idea of fun.

Visit ciaobambino.com for more information. 

Be a Lean, Green Recycling Machine

By Victoria Rich

Turn off the lights when going out, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, bring reusable bags to the grocery store ….

Lately, we’re constantly being asked to change small aspects of our lives as our community tries to clean up its act. The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science has taken its own approach to environmental awareness through its “Your Energy Generation” exhibit, running through 2009.

The exhibit showcases a variety of experiences focusing on everything from hydroelectricity and natural gas power to the benefits of energy conservation, all in an attempt to promote a “bright green” and energy-efficient future for our community.

So whether you’re racing cars on the solar-powered racetrack, examining your “carbon footprint” or learning how to make your home or business more eco-friendly, the exhibit is a learning experience the whole family can enjoy.

Visit thebrogan.org for more information.