Parenting Big Kids (5-8) Support Group

I divide mine in little bags and hide it on the top of my closet, when I give them some I give them one bag at a time ;)

here it's different each year. sometimes I gradually throw out handfuls and my son never notices. when he was younger he'd forget about the candy after about 3 or 4 days and I could hide it and then pitch it a week later.
but now he notices. so we set up limits. actually he suggested it. yes, he's 7 going on 39 LOL
so we said on weekends, 5 pieces a day (small ones) and weekdays one in his lunchbox, one after school.
yesterday he ate all 5 after breakfast = )

We don't bring very much candy into the house. I try to reward the kids with stuff other than candy. When they watch movies I give them popcorn. After school snacks include fruits, fruit snacks, cracker with cheese and stuff like that. Night time snacks include item like cake, cookies, Ice cream, puddings and jello. The only time they get candy is when they have been especially good or as a treat once in a while. After holidays when they get large amount of candy I put it away and only allow them so much at a time. They know where I put it but they know if they get into it I will throw it all away. They also know if they pester me about it I will not give them any. I suggest telling them if they get into it you will throw the rest away and no more will be brought into the house for a month. They may try you a couple times but if you stick to what you say they will learn that it is better to stay out of the candy than to have it thrown out and banned.