Lisa Douglas of crazyadventuresinparenting.com joined us in our first ever G+ hangout on Halloween fun a few weeks ago. You can watch our hangout here for more Halloween tips and tricks!
See and be seen. To be safe at night on Halloween, kids need to be seen. Flashlights, reflective clothing or accessories, glow-in-the-dark jewelry or sticks, can be used to prevent accidents. These fun LED Treat Bags serve to both help collect candy and illuminate your children so they can be seen!
Stranger danger. Children should be spoken to before trick or treating about not accepting rides or entering the home of any stranger, whether a neighbor or not. An adult or older sibling should always accompany children so they can ensure they obey this important rule.
Plan a route and stick to main roads. For older children trick or treating, it’s best they plan a route and stick to it before leaving, so you know where they’ll be. Instruct them they shouldn’t cut through yards, alleys, empty lots, fields, or anywhere that’s unlit and appears unsafe. Stick to the roads and sidewalks where streetlights and other people are to avoid danger.
Stay connected and together. If older children are traveling alone, be sure they have a phone within the group (or more than one), one hopefully with a map (so they won’t get lost), so they can be reached and can reach you, if necessary. They should regularly check-in with you, too. Kids should also remain together and never split off. Staying together in a tight-knit group will help ensure their safety while out and about.
No snacking. Remind your children not to eat any treat in their bag until they get home and it’s searched. Since we eat all-natural and organic treats, we buy our own treats and “trade” with our kids when they’re done trick or treating. We also have a few pieces of candy on us while out trick or treating so they can enjoy a piece or two without temptation from their bag. You can also thwart a lot of snacking by eating a good dinner beforehand. Full bellies will mean less candy consumption, especially due to hunger.
Travel with others. If you don’t have eleventy billion kids like us (ahem), if possible, try traveling with other families or neighbors in a group, and always count heads before moving on from one area to another, to ensure everyone is with you.
Skip Trick or Treating Altogether. If you’re still too afraid of the possible dangers, there are plenty of other events out there to celebrate. “Trunk or Treat” get-togethers are on the rise, especially at churches and schools, and many people opt to do a Halloween party with friends instead of door-to-door.
Remember these tips when planning your fun Halloween festivities, and don’t forget to dress up yourself!