Candy at a Parade-What to say to DS?

[CarricksMom]

We are going to a July 4th parade and there will be tons of candy thrown. DS has never had any and probably will ask "what's that?" How should I handle this? Should I tell him that is not a grow food so we don't eat it? Should I tell him I don't know what it is and distract him? Any ideas or experiences with this? TIA!

[Alyantavid]

What we do at parades is let our boys collect what they want and they can eat some of it and the rest we take home and put away (and eventually throw away).

There will be tons of other kids there I'm sure, you could ask him to give it to them. Or just don't encourage him to collect it.

[kjbrown92]

My kids can't have corn, which rules out most candy. They do like collecting it with the other kids, but then they give it to someone else. We don't bring it home with us.

[CrunchyChristianMama]

Why not let him have fun running and around and collecting it and let him know that since he's three (or whatever) he can pick three pieces to try! If they're big you could always share them with him or something. While I think it's important to keep our kids from having sugar be a regular part of their diet, it's also important to realize that it really won't be the end of the world if they eat it every now and again.

[MoonStarFalling]

I usually avoid those parades for that reason. If we are at one I let him collect candy and have a few pieces but then the candy disappears.

[34me]

If you don't want him to parteke I would use your "It's not a grow food" statement. Since he doesn't know what it is, it shouldn't bother him to much and it will prevent him from getting in the melee.

[CarricksMom]

Thanks for all of your great replies! It ended up not being a problem at all - he was so excited about all the people, horses, dogs, etc that he didn't even notice the candy! Some people were giving out flags and beads and he loved that! On the other hand, my ten year old niece brought home a half of a grocery bag full - with mom and dad's help - I guess it all depends on what your family teaches and expects/allows. We are sooooo different from my sisterIL's family - glad that visit with them is over, but that's a whole other thread!!!! Thanks again for your help!

[vioburn]

Our kids love parades and we let them gather candy. They know that they don't get to keep it after the parade, but we do allow a couple of pieces for each child. We have a great wagon that has a hidden drawer underneath and that's where the candy goes. The next time we go to a parade, DH thinks it's funny to throw the candy we already have, back to the crowd! (As long as it's not too old).

[BoringTales]

I would've given him some candy.

[WuWei]

I carry "emergency" chocolate and lollipops in my purse. Organic, no artifical yada yada, and pull them out for just such an occasion.

Pat