The Voices section is a place for physicians, staff and community leaders to share their perspectives on all things healthcare. Dr. Venkata Sushma Chamarthi is a pediatrician and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) with more than 15 years of clinical experience.
MADERA, Calif. – Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children – a chance to dress up, laugh with friends and enjoy sweet treats that seem to appear everywhere. For parents (and pediatricians!), it’s also an important time to pause and talk about balance and moderation.
As a pediatrician specializing in obesity medicine, I often remind families that holidays and celebrations can absolutely include sweets – it’s all about how we enjoy them. The goal isn’t to take away the fun, but to create healthy habits that allow kids to celebrate without overdoing it.
Most Halloween candies fall under the category of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) – foods high in added sugar, unhealthy fats and artificial flavors that provide quick energy but little nutrition. When eaten in large amounts, these can lead to sugar spikes, mood swings and an upset stomach. Over time, frequent exposure to UPFs contributes to unhealthy weight gain and other chronic conditions.
Here are a few practical ways families can enjoy a healthier Halloween this year:
🎃 Ration the candy. Instead of eating everything at once, let your child choose a few favorite pieces each day. Store or donate the rest – some families even create a “Candy Fairy” tradition where extra treats are exchanged for a small toy or book.
🎁 Offer non-edible goodies. Kids get just as excited about pencils, stickers, bubbles, mini Play-Doh, or erasers. These small surprises keep the fun alive without adding more sugar.
🥦 Eat before trick-or-treating. A balanced dinner with protein and veggies helps kids feel satisfied and reduces the urge to snack excessively afterward.
🩵 Model balance. When parents talk about moderation and demonstrate mindful choices, children learn to approach food with confidence, not guilt.
Healthy celebrations aren’t about restriction – they’re about creativity, conversation and connection. Each small choice – whether handing out non-edible goodies or encouraging slower candy consumption – helps build lifelong habits that support children’s physical and emotional health.
At Valley Children’s, we’re proud to partner with families to nurture wellness in every season. Let’s make this Halloween one filled with joy, laughter, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Valley Children’s Healthcare!
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