A Scary Thought: Sugar-Free Halloween

These days, we rarely indulge in fast food, try to buy organic broccoli, don't put "Hostess Ding Dongs" on the grocery list and in general try to not keep a constant stream of M&Ms flowing into the lunchboxes. I often offer my kids cantaloupe for dessert, buy the super-lean hamburger meat and use whole-wheat bread for sandwiches (even though I really want that buttery, white-flour Kaiser roll).

So please ... I beg of you: Allow my children and I to enjoy our Halloween candy in peace. I promise I won't eat 13 Hershey's miniatures in one sitting. I will send my kids immediately to their toothbrushes post-Laffy Taffy and make sure they spend extra time on their molars. Fear mongers of the world, please stop frightening the world's mothers into foisting pencils and temporary tattoos into those adorable pumpkin-shaped trick-or-treat buckets in lieu of Smarties and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Kids (or perhaps their parents) work really hard on those costumes; give them a "treat" and skip the "sneak them a high-fiber snack" trick.

As it is, we've gotten good about making sure our kids are prepared for the more realistic and immediate dangers of trick-or-treating: Dark sidewalks and busy streets. We've equipped them with glow sticks; high-beam, megawatt LED flashlights; reflectors on their backs, fronts and shoes; GPS tracking systems and a helicopter that flies overhead to shine a spotlight on their path.

But is candy really more evil than that gruesome Jason costume or scarier than the 12-year-old girl dressed like a trampy Brittney Spears? No, I don't think so.

I know, I know. Childhood obesity is a serious problem in this country, and I can't argue with the statistics. But it's not Halloween that led to the major health epidemic. Bad eating habits start at home, and we have to begin with the basics of serving fruits and vegetables, limiting candy and promoting active play. I was, in fact, horrified the day I found out my son had recently traded his healthy, well-balanced lunch for the chocolate sandwich in his friend's bag. Not casting aspersions, knowing that it can be difficult to pack a perfect lunch every day for my two kids. But a chocolate sandwich? (Perhaps that's a kid who should be limited to apples for Halloween.)

As parents, we all must confront several fears and dangers and worries when it comes to our kids. But on Oct. 31, I'm going to throw caution aside and allow my kids to eat some candy. And if I catch you putting a sticker – or heaven forbid, a granola bar – into the trick-or-trick bags, I will be forced to haunt you.

Haunted Anniversary

We're in Halloween mode at L.A. Parent (look for the October issue to hit stands on Monday), so I wanted to offer this reminder for those who might get a little nostalgic this time of year: The creeky and cool Haunted Mansion at Disneyland turns 40 this year.

I remember the first time I was actually brave enough to set foot inside the spooky ol' Southern beauty – and let's just say it wasn't too long after my 21st birthday. Jack and Kate were ready for it at a pretty early age, although they both clung to me like little shivering monkeys when the room began to "stretch."

These days the Haunted Mansion is a crucial stop on any Disney visit – we can't miss the "Doom Buggies" and hitchhiking ghosts. The little touches and special effects are what make the long line worth the wait, and it retains that original Disney charm while giving you a few chills up your spine. In fact, Walt planned out the original but passed away from cancer in 1966 before its unveiling – the Haunted Mansion was the first attraction that didn't receive Walt's walk-through and final stamp of approval before it opened. The mansion reopens on Sept. 25 in full Nightmare Before Christmas mode, complete with Jack Skellington and the rest of the regalia.

Check out this video for a little more background and a look inside the mansion – if you dare: