How to create a candy routine that actually works

Halloween is magical and messy all at once — especially when toddlers are involved. Between costumes, staying up late, and general overstimulation (and yes... the candy!), it can leave parents wondering what exactly to do when the sugar rush starts kicking in.

If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about how to handle Halloween candy in a way that feels good for your family. Maybe you’re worried about your child eating too much. Maybe you’ve heard about giving unlimited access, but that feels confusing too. Or maybe you’re just trying to get through this holiday with fewer tantrums and more peace.

You're not alone. I get questions like these every year as a pediatric OT, former feeding therapist, and mom of two:

How much candy should I let my child have?
What if they beg or tantrum for more?
Should I be teaching them to self-regulate by allowing them to eat as much as they want, or should I put limits in place?

There’s a lot of advice out there — and while much of it comes from a good place, it can feel confusing (and even a little paralyzing). So let me say this right up front: There’s no one right way to handle Halloween candy.

But if you're a routines-loving parent (or wish you were!) and want some practical, predictable structure that supports your child AND keeps you sane — I've got you. Let’s walk through a few things that can make this whole candy situation way easier to manage.

First: It’s Okay to Set Boundaries

In some parenting circles, there’s this idea that kids should have unlimited access to candy so they “learn to listen to their bodies.” While I love the heart behind that — and I do believe in intuitive eating as a long-term goal for our kids — toddlers and young kids are still learning those skills. Expecting them to regulate themselves around highly palatable food like candy is kind of like asking a 2-year-old to ignore a toy they’re not supposed to touch (or for adults to consistently regulate themselves around our addicting smartphones and social media apps….). It’s just developmentally unrealistic.

Candy is sweet, fun, and exciting. It’s okay to set limits around it. In fact, it’s healthy to do so — especially if your child has the type of personality or temperament that you know does best with structure.

The Magic of a “Candy Routine”

Instead of constantly negotiating or reacting on the fly, try choosing a predictable “candy plan” and build it into your child’s existing routine. Just like with bedtime or snack time, your child thrives when they know what to expect! So, after Halloween ends, decide on how you will incorporate candy into their ongoing daily routine.

Here’s how to create a candy routine that works:

Step 1: Choose Your Longer-Term Candy Plan

Pick a plan that feels doable and aligns with your family’s values. Here are a few options:

Your child can have one piece of candy per day until it runs out (or for a set number of days)
Your child can have candy only on certain days (like weekends or after school)
Your child can have one piece daily, with occasional “free choice” times for multiple pieces (like movie nights or weekends)

You don’t need to justify your plan to anyone else — just choose something that feels right for YOU.

Step 2: Connect Candy to a Pre-Existing Routine

Kids do best when treats are connected to existing parts of their day. For example, you could say, “You can pick one piece of candy to eat with your dinner every night this week.”

Not only does this help reduce the begging and the power struggles, it also allows you to support their regulation. Serving candy with a meal helps their body absorb sugar more slowly, and it makes the candy feel like just another part of the day (instead of something to obsess over).

Step 3: Explain the Candy Plan Clearly

Make sure your child knows what to expect. Try something like:

“Hey! I know you’re excited about all the Halloween candy. Here’s the plan: You can have one piece every night with dinner. We’ll keep the rest in the pantry. You can pick your piece each day, and I’ll be there with you if you need any help choosing.”

Let your child know when they’ll get the candy and what the boundary is. Predictability builds trust, and it reduces the “but pleeeease!” moments over time.

Step 4: Set the Environment Up for Success

Out of sight, out of mind — truly. Whenever they’re not actively picking their piece(s), store the candy somewhere your child can’t reach or see. A high shelf or the top of the fridge works great. If they don’t see it 15 times a day, they’re far less likely to beg for it.

Step 5: Stick to the Plan (Even When They Ask Outside the Plan)

This is where it gets real. If your child asks for candy outside of the plan, stay calm and repeat the boundary:

“I hear you. Candy is yummy! It’s not time for candy right now. You can have your piece with dinner soon!.”

You might get some whining or even full-blown meltdowns. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong — it means you’re setting a boundary. And your consistency will help them adjust.

But Wait… What About the Sugar Rush?

There’s no denying that candy is, well, candy. It has sugar. But pairing candy with a balanced meal (protein, fat, and other carbs) slows down how fast their body absorbs the sugar. This can help reduce that “wild” energy spike — AND it helps candy feel like a regular part of eating, rather than a high-stakes, super special, all-or-nothing event.

A Note on Flexibility

This isn’t about perfection. You can always tweak your plan if something’s not working. You can skip candy some nights. You can let them choose extra if it’s a special event. You can do a “candy clean-out” after a few weeks and let your child donate what’s left. The point isn’t to micromanage. It’s to give your child a predictable framework on MOST days that helps them learn, grow, and thrive — without the chaos of managing a candy obsession.

Final Thoughts

If you're someone who finds comfort in routines and you want a practical, judgment-free way to support your child through this season, creating a simple candy routine can be a total game changer. You’ve got this — and your child will benefit from the clarity, consistency, and care you bring to the table.

If you’re craving more routine-based tips, I’d love to help. My FREE Routines Guide walks you exactly through how to set up an appropriate routine at each age to give your child the consistency and predictability they (and you!) crave.

👉 Click HERE to grab your FREE Routines Starter Guide!

Thoughts on this candy strategy? Add a comment below!

Wishing you and your littles a happy (and drama-free) Halloween 🎃

Should You Let Your Child Eat Unlimited Halloween Candy? A Pediatric OT’s Take