Every fall in Columbus is different, but one thing that remains consistent year after year is Buckeye football….and holidays. This month marks one of my favorite traditions, trick or treating in our community with friends. I am not sure what I love more, seeing my kiddos dressed up in their costumes, or sneaking some of their candy when they are asleep. The challenge is REAL, and the entire month of October, I am playing roulette with my willpower on avoiding the candy and making different choices. I also worry about my kids and the quantity of candy they are eating, which let’s be honest, is slightly past the uncomfortable mark. 

A few years ago, a good friend of mine let me in on a little secret for helping to manage the Trick or Treat candy gauntlet. She introduced me to the Switch Witch. Some of you may know about the Switch Witch already, and if you do, spread the word. This tradition was developed in response to a parent who wanted to have a way to celebrate the joy of Trick or Treating with their child, newly diagnosed with diabetes. We introduced the Switch Witch to our children as a kind of ghost story at first. They liked the excitement of getting a prize, and we let them keep a little baggie of their candy to eat. Then, while they are sleeping, we switch out the candy and give them a toy, usually around $10 in value. 

This year will be a strange year for trick or treating, if it happens at all. But one thing I know for sure is my kids are already talking about the Switch Witch coming to our house, and the candy doesn’t stand a chance. Check with your dentist office or nutrition programs in your area about ways of donating the candy if you are not comfortable with tossing it. Start a new tradition this year!

If you are interested in learning more about how the Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you navigate some of the challenges ahead, please reach out to us by email here or online here. 

Photo credit: istockphoto.com