Sometimes even the most fun-loving parent can't help but cringe when the kids dump all of their collected Halloween candy on the living room floor.
Unfortunately, candy is no longer limited to evening trick or treating.
Well meaning teachers, bus drivers, cashiers, and even coaches sometimes give out candy.
Although some experts claim that children's behavior is not affected by excess sugar, any parent or teacher who has witnessed a roomful of kids jazzed up on sweets would certainly disagree.
No one can argue that candy is nutritionally void and full of sugar that can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.
According to the U.
S.
D.
A.
Agricultural Research Service, some kids already consume an average of 21 to 23 teaspoons of sugar a day.
And the U.
S.
Centers for Disease Control say that at least 15% of children today are overweight.
Luckily, there are fun alternatives you can give out in lieu of candy that will be loved just as much by kids and loathed much less by parents.
There are also safe, politically correct ways to purge your kids' excess candy, put it to better use, and safe your kids' teeth and waistline: Alternatives To Candy: 1.
Tiny bottles of bubbles that come in a case at the dollar store.
2.
Kid-sized water bottles -- trick or treaters get thirsty and the water will help keep the sugar from sticking to their teeth.
3.
Tailgating-type treats.
Buy bulk hot dogs and grill them in the front yard.
All of your neighbors can stop by to grab a snack and visit with one another while the children play.
Everyone can socialize and take a break from trick or treating for candy.
4.
Pennies.
Many kids will chose money (even pennies wrapped in orange cellophane) over yet another piece of candy.
(Not an option for small children who could choke on small objects).
5.
Glow in the dark bracelets.
These are popular with kids and make them more easily seen.
How To Rid Your Home Of Excess Candy: 6.
Immediately recycle it.
Have your kids quickly pick out their favorite few handfuls of candy.
Send items still tightly packaged and sealed right back out the door to the next batch of trick or treaters.
7.
Package up candy along with other packaged food items and create a care package for soldiers oversees that weren't able to celebrate a traditional Halloween this year.
8.
Save many varieties of candy for a Thanksgiving day pinata or save hard candy for Christmas gingerbread houses, wreaths and ornaments.
9.
Save a few handfuls of candy for a rain or snow day scavenger hunt.
10.
Offer to buy it ($5 for the whole bag) or trade it for a small toy your child wants.