Today’s the day, everyone. The day you’ve been waiting for since the beginning of the month. The day that you’ve been preparing for for days, maybe even weeks.

Halloween has arrived.

When I think of Halloween, I think of a tradition that has brought many children happiness and joy for days after the big event: trick-or-treating.

For me, this means that I’m going to be spending my Thursday night taking my six-and-seven-year-old cousins around their neighborhood as they embark on their journey to fill up their pillowcases with candy.

Then, I get to watch them eat their collections and brag about how many Twix bars they got or the amount of people who complimented their costumes.

If there’s one thing that they’re not thinking about, it’s the risks of eating too much candy, which means that obesity is far, far, far from their minds.

This is how it goes for American children across the country…and then there’s this one woman in Fargo, North Dakota.

This woman, identifying herself only as Cheryl when she called her local radio station’s Y-94 morning  program, is taking this opportunity — Halloween — to monitor obesity in her neighborhood.

How? She’s planning on sticking a care-frontation letter in the bags of children that she deems obese — in lieu of candy.

The term “care-frontation” was coined in the television show “Awkward.” During the first season, main character Jenna Hamilton received a letter filled with ways to improve her life – though, the wording was less than nice.

One in three American children is considered obese, according to Kid’s Health.

Cheryl, in her interview with the Y-94 morning program, said that it was “irresponsible” of parents to allow their children to scavenge for free candy because “other kids are doing it.” This is what motivated her to take action.

“You [sic] child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season,” the letter says. (See the full text of her letter below.)

When I first saw this letter at CBS News, I was outraged. Who was this lady to do this, to write out letters that could (and probably would) ruin kids’ Halloween night, along with their self-esteem?

Yes, obesity is a growing problem in children, but when do people like Cheryl cross the line in trying to “help”?

Does she think that this letter will help fight obesity? Chances are, it won’t.

Dr. Nancy Sherwood, a research investigator for Health Partners and the University of Minnesota, says that in order to fight obesity in children, people should limit the treats they buy or buy healthier food options year-round, not just on Halloween.

Weight is a touchy subject best left to the experts — the child’s family and health care providers.  It shouldn’t be pointed out to young children by a stranger in a rude care-frontation.

That’s decidedly un-neighborly, and ultimately, instead of finding cute Iron Men and Disney princesses this year, Cheryl could just end up with a lot of angry parents on her doorstep.

Cheryl’s letter:

Happy Halloween and

Happy Holidays Neighbor!

You are probably wondering why your child has this note; have you ever heard the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”? I am disappointed in “the village” of Fargo Moorehead, West Fargo.

You child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugary treats to the same extent as some children this Halloween season. 

My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits. 

Thank you

What do you think? Leave me a comment!