For kids of all ages, Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year. Nothing can match the spooky night’s magical suspense, intrigue, and fun. If your children are planning to trick-or-treat, you’ll want to make sure that they are as safe as possible. The following are 5 simple steps to guarantee a fun Halloween night that won’t include any health scares. I hope you and your young ones have a sweet, spooky, and safe Halloween!
1. Plan your route before you head out.
A little bit of preparation will go a long way towards a safe Halloween. By mapping out your route beforehand, you won’t have to worry about unexpectedly crossing streets and encountering unwanted foot traffic. If you’re familiar with your neighborhood, even better. Nobody gives better candy than familiar and friendly neighbors.
2. Prevent tripping by wearing costumes that are short.
You’d be amazed at the number of Halloween injuries that happen due to excessively long costumes. Kids can get so excited while trick-or-treating that they don’t really pay attention to things like, you know, their feet. It’s quite easy for them to trip and fall while hurrying from house to house, and with their hands full of plastic pumpkins and bags of delicious candy, they usually don’t have their hands free to break their fall. Make it easier on your kids by dressing them in costumes that are short and, as a result, safe.
3. Bring a flashlight.
In addition to attaching reflective tape to your child’s costume, be sure to bring a flashlight when you head out on your trick-or-treat adventure. The mysterious darkness is one of the best things about Halloween, but it can also present unwanted risks. There is always a ton of foot and car traffic while trick-or-treating, so your best bet for ensuring a safe night is to stay well lit.
4. Wear face makeup instead of a mask.
Even the safest masks can lead to visibility issues for your kids. The best – and most creative – way to get around this problem is to spend some time painting your child’s face. The best costumes are usually the ones that take some time and preparation, so go for it. You’ll find a fun outlet for your artistic skills while also ensuring your child’s safety.
5. Carefully inspect all of your child’s candy.
This is probably the most obvious step you can take to keep your kids safe this Halloween. While the chances of someone pulling a trick instead of providing a treat are slim, you can never be 100% sure. There are some sick folks out there, so carefully inspect every single wrapped piece of candy to make sure it has not been tampered with. Halloween is perhaps the most appropriate time to practice the always necessary parenting skill of being safe so that you and your kids won’t be sorry.
I’d love to hear any other suggestions for keeping kids safe while trick-or-treating. Feel free to leave tips in the comments. Happy Halloween!
The Music Mom: Eileen Carey 