As grocery store aisles turn pastel, and chocolate bars are replaced by chocolate bunnies we are reminded that spring is in the air and Easter is approaching fast! While it may be tempting to fill your child’s Easter basket with marshmallow chicks and jellybeans, it will be healthier for their teeth to choose not-so-sweet treats.
To help, here are 5 non-candy treats the Easter Bunny could deliver to your house this weekend:
• Coloring books and crayons – what little kids don’t love to sit and color? Take the extra step and buy scented crayons or markers. They will be elated and it will keep them busy while you make lunch!
• Candy and gum with xylitol – these candies not only save your kids from a sugar attack on their teeth, they may actually reduce their chances of getting a cavity.
• Inexpensive jewelry or toys – your little ones will be so excited to play, they will probably forget about the sugar they were expecting…at least for a while!
• Books – fun Easter books can help explain to children why we celebrate Easter and keep their minds off all the sweets.
• Money – Kids these days are always excited to get money. Whether they want to put it in their piggy bank for safekeeping or hit the store to buy a new game, you can’t go wrong with money.
Whether or not you decide to celebrate Easter with a candy overload, it is important to instill that candy is a “sometimes” treat. If your kids understand that little tidbit, you are looking at a lifetime of healthy smiles.