[geoblewis]

Tonight was my 12-year-old son's first trick-or-treat experience in the U.S. He wasn't going to go, but one of his buddies had to accompany his three-year-old cousin out for a tour of the neighborhood and he asked my son to come along. Rhyan brought a small bag with him for a little candy.

While they were out, at several houses in our neighborhood, rude adults made comments to my son about his girth. The three-year-old would get a handful of candy, his big, skinny cousin would be given a couple of pieces, and some of these neighbors made a point of remarking how my bigger son probably didn't need any candy at all. They just gave him one piece.

I am shocked! It's Halloween! A holiday that pushes unhealthy treats on to children, and it's been going on for a very long time! On every TV station there have been candy ads for weeks. They don't show kids going house to house, lured by the promise of candy, only to get snarky commentary and create a root for future body and self image issues.

If they don't want to participate in the candy thing, then they shouldn't. If they think they're "helping" to fight obesity, then they need to think again.
Verbally attacking chubby children does not fight the obesity problem in our country. Not buying and giving out candy does. I didn't buy or hand out candy. Perhaps next year I'll pass out pamphlets about the dangers of processed sugar and brief guides on manners.

I really want to do something about this! I really want to go around to everyone who made comments to my son and egg their houses. And salt their lawns. And give them a piece of my mind because they could probably use a few more brains! Of course, I won't. Maybe I'll just write a letter to the editor of the local paper.

I made sure that my son understood that those people made comments that weren't really about him, but rather, it spoke to their lack of character.

I'm considering putting the candy those people gave to my son into a little package, complete with a note that reads, "Wish I could return the rude comments you made to my son about his size. Instead I'm returning the candy you gave to him. Can you guess what I'd like you to do with it?"

[bargoo]

I don't make rude comments to the kids who trick or treat but they all only get one piece from me. My youngest son was overweight but I don't remember any one making rude comments on Halloween. Most parents that I know usually comment on the costume. I usually say something about the costume but only give out one piece, each.

[Heather]

Wow, that was really inappropriate!!! I'm sorry that was his first experience!

[Jacquie668]

People suck...Halloween is supposed to be about many things, including fun for kids and the rules are you go "ohhhhh..look a scary costume" and give candy. You don't fuss about the size of the kid, my goodness. I mean have a little fun people lol.

*HUGS*

[Windchime]

How awful! I had a ton of candy and I could tell that there weren't as many trick-or-treaters, so every kid got 3 pieces from me last night. Tall, short, chubby, skinny, young, old--they all got 3 pieces.

Some people refuse to give candy to older children (or give them a bad time for daring to trick or treat). To me, if an older teenager has the guts to step on my porch with a costume and a bag, then they're getting candy from this mommy.

I am so sorry that people were rude to your son. How horrible. What is wrong with people, to say such things to a child!??