The bell rings and ghosts, goblins, ninjas, faeries and princesses stand at your door. It's a night of make-believe and fun for adults and children. Free candy. Community gatherings. Halloween can be a celebration of creativity and artistic expression. It can also be full of danger, so whether you are making the rounds or handing out candy following a few basic rules will make this a night to remember.
Tips for Adults
Although children have most of the fun on Halloween, adults play an important part in making sure every child stays healthy and safe. Using common sense and pre-planning can assist in determining any problems and their solutions prior to sending the children out the door.
Feed your children before they go out. Although your children might come home from school full of cupcakes, candy and punch, make sure they eat something filling and healthy before going Trick-or-Treating. This will make it less likely they will snack on pre-inspected candy due to hunger.
Inspect their candy. If your children are like mine, this is the rule they whine most about. It is also one of the most important. When children return, dump their treasures out and inspect each piece. Get rid of anything with ripped wrappers or that looks compromised in any way. As nice as they are, toss any home-made goodies unless you know and trust the person who made them. With small children, remember small, hard candies pose a choking hazard and should be kept in a safe place. A good rule to follow: When in doubt-Throw it out.
Know your children's route. Agree on a safe route before they go out. Your concept of "our neighborhood" might be different from your children's, especially when they are told on the street about the great house giving out full candy bars several blocks over. If the community is hosting any functions, such as a party or hand-outs at the mall, set down the ground rules about where they are allowed to go.
Have a parent or older child go with them. No one should go Trick-or-Treating alone. A trusted parent or child over 12 should be assigned to accompany the younger ones. Make sure you know the name of the chaperone and that the chaperon knows they are in charge of keeping the younger ones safe. If possible, send a cell phone with them.
Set a time for them to be home. Every family has a different idea about how long children should be out. Whether it's 30 minutes or two hours, ensure the time limit is understood. Make sure the chaperone has a watch. Also, many towns have Halloween curfews. Adhere to them. You might have to adjust the amount of time your children go out due to weather. Colder nights or inclement weather can affect your child's safety.
Put a slip of paper with child's information in his/her pocket. Make sure if your child gets separated from the group, they have information to get them home safely. Write down the child's name, your name, address and phone number. Let them know you are giving them the information. That way, if they get flustered, all they have to do is hand a safe adult the paper.
Explain the difference between tricks and vandalism. Children, especially older ones, sometimes see Halloween as a day they can get away with more. Smashing pumpkins and throwing eggs are common pranks. Make sure your children know vandalism will not be tolerated and they will be required to clean up any mess they make. Also, reinforce politeness. This is a good night for children to practice please and thank you. After all, they are begging for candy from others.
Explain cruelty will not be tolerated. Any acts of cruelty whether to animals or other children is unacceptable. Explain to your children these types of behaviors are not only wrong but have legal consequences. Encourage them to report any acts they observe to a responsible adult.
Tips for Children
Getting dressed up is the point of Halloween and kids love it. Whether they want to take on the world as superheroes, ninjas or army men, imagination is what children are all about. Again, as parents, we have the responsibility of making sure our children's presence out on the street doesn't pose a hazard to them or others.
Costumes should be safe. When buying a costume, make sure it has a label stating it is Flame Resistant/Retardant. Make sure their shoes are comfortable and hem-lines aren't too long. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Try to use make-up instead of masks. If using a mask, make sure the eye-holes are big enough to see through. Where appropriate clothing underneath. Being too cold not only makes Trick-or-Treating miserable, it is a health risk. Place reflective tape on costumes and accessories, including bikes, wagons and treat bags. Send them with a flashlight or two.
Weapons should be safe. If your child is carrying a knife or sword, buy one that is soft and flexible. Children should never be allowed to carry a real weapon even if it is perfect for the costume.
Reinforce basic safety. Before they go out, sit down with your children and their chaperone and remind them of basic safety rules. Do not cross between parked cars. Use cross-walks when provided. Stay on the sidewalk. Do not talk to strangers. Do not go into anyone's house or get inside a car. Only go to houses with a light on outside. Stay in a group. Ensure children and adults understand the reason for these rules.
Tips for Pets
Halloween can also be a fun time for our four-legged children. It can also be very stressful. As a responsible pet owner, you will want to ensure the safety of your pet and also the children who are coming to your door.
Keep your pets inside. All of the noises and chaos that come with Halloween can make even the most docile pet nervous. Keeping them inside, preferably in one portion of the house, can keep you from worrying about them getting out and keep them feeling safe amidst the excitement.
Don't let them eat candy. People food is for people. Some types of people food, such as chocolate can be fatal to cats and dogs. Make sure your children know this, so they don't spread their stash out where Fido can have a smorgasbord.
Halloween can be a lot of fun. Children love it. Adults love it. It's an evening of make believe. Common sense, adhering to safety and ensuring children and adults understand and follow the rules will offer Halloween memories to treasure for years to come instead of creating a nightmare no one will forget.
