180: ADHD-Friendly Halloween Hacks with Andrea Daigle

Halloween can feel like chaos on steroids for families of children with ADHD. Sugar highs, late nights, artificial dyes, and the inevitable meltdowns can make the holiday overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay, ADHD health practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Method for Kids, is joined by regular guest, expert practitioner and mom, Andrea Daigle. Together, they unpack practical, creative ways to enjoy Halloween without sacrificing your child's health, progress, or your sanity. From managing candy swaps to creating new family traditions, Dana and Andrea share real-life strategies that reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and keep the fun alive. Whether it's reframing food choices, setting expectations ahead of time, or making memories without the sugar crashes, this conversation is packed with hope and actionable tips to make Halloween both safe and magical for ADHD families. Links Mentioned in the Show: ▶ ADHD Thrive Institute – Website Key Takeaways: [01:19] The challenges of Halloween with ADHD [03:07] How candy and artificial ingredients affect kids [06:03] Creative alternatives to candy (Switch Witch, candy swap, cash-for-candy) [07:46] Setting expectations and reducing stress with family agreements [09:29] Reframing food choices and mindset so kids don't feel deprived [12:42] Favorite non-candy traditions (pumpkin painting, dance parties, haunted hunts) [13:57] Final actionable tip and takeaways: focus on mindset Memorable Moments: "Halloween isn't just costumes and candy. It's chaos on steroids." "You don't have to choose between protecting your child's progress and letting them be a kid." "Halloween can actually be fun, safe, and meltdown free without you feeling like the bad guy." "Sugar highs and crashes can lead to hyperactivity, mood swings, and even meltdowns." "My son had a bag of Skittles and cried the entire night after Halloween." "We choose foods that make your brain calmer and stronger." "If I stayed in a place of loss, then my child would start to feel that loss too." "When kids know the plan, they're less likely to push back, and everyone gets to enjoy the night." "Mindset is everything. Our kids feed off of our energy." "Just a little planning and creativity can really help keep things safe and fun without all the sugar crashes." Dana Kay Resources: 🔗WEBSITES: ▶ https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ ▶ https://dana-kay.com/ 👋SOCIALS: ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/ ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/ ▶ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/ ▶ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute 📕INTERNATIONAL  BEST SELLING BOOK: ▶ Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/ 💻FREE MASTERCLASS ▶ Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ⭐COURSES & PROGRAMS ▶ ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ▶ ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/