As a kid, I remember how excited I got about dressing up for Halloween. There’s just something magical about pretending to be someone or something else for an evening, having fun and getting lots of yummy treats. Carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and drinking warm apple cider are some of the things I looked forward to most about Halloween. However, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of the scarier things about the holiday–the creepy costumes, the jump-scares, and the haunted houses.
As parents, Halloween has the potential to be scary or fun for different reasons. It’s scary because keeping kids safe on Halloween might be a challenge, but fun because our kids are so excited about the holiday as we once were ourselves.
Here are some suggestions for how you can keep your little ones safe and still have a fun Halloween together:
- Make sure that your kids’ costumes are easy to see in the dark. You can do this with choosing lighter and brighter colors or attaching reflective strips, glow-in-the-dark paint or glow sticks to their costumes.
- Use crosswalks or cross the road at street corners, and make sure to check for cars before crossing. Especially as it gets dark, it can be hard for drivers to see people crossing the street. Help your children pay attention and be an example of safely crossing the street.
- If possible, try to use face paint or makeup instead of a mask for your child’s costume. Depending on the costume mask, a child’s sight could be impaired, making it difficult for them to see and walk safely. If you use face paint, make sure it’s non-toxic!
- Accompany younger children on their trick-or-treating adventure. While older kids (generally 12 or older) are likely okay trick-or-treating in groups of friends, younger children should not be sent out alone. Older children should have a plan, follow a parent-approved route, and know when they should return. Consider making sure they have a cell phone or means of communication just in case. All children should know how to get in contact with you in case they get separated or an emergency arises.
- Be sure to check all treats before allowing your child to eat them. While the idea behind trick-or-treating is fun, unfortunately sometimes strange or unsafe things do end up in your child’s candy bag. Make sure to inspect your child’s haul before allowing them to have free reign.
- Consider rationing the goodies. Come up with a plan to allow your child to enjoy their candy and treats while still helping them practice portion control and avoiding a stomach ache. Determine how often or how much candy your child can have access to in a day and then help them stick to it
Keeping your child safe is a great way to make sure that your Halloween is a happy one!
