Dear Dorie,

Starting with the fall festivals and ending with Halloween, my daughter is on a sugar high. What am I supposed to do with all this candy? I don’t want to throw it away, but I don’t want it around the house either.

Outsweeted



Dear Outsweeted,

The candy issue is just beginning as we ramp up toward the winter holidays. If you’re opposed to just storing it in the house (out of sight) and giving it out as you see fit, consider the “Switch Witch.”

Allow your daughter to choose a special gift and put all the candy out in a bowl on the porch (one mom I know puts the candy in shoes — I’m not sure why). The witch comes when your daughter is sleeping and switches it for the special gift. This may be a good option for you.

If this doesn’t suit you, consider a donation to your local senior center or elementary school teacher’s lounge. I’ve never known a group of adults to turn candy down either. The key for your daughter is to enjoy some candy and learn when to let it go. You’ll do a great job of teaching her that by enjoying some with her and donating the rest. Good luck.

Dorie

Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Submit your questions to meek@smmusd.org.