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Keeping Little Ghosts Safe: Your Go-To Guide for a Worry-Free Halloween Night
The season of the Great Pumpkin, falling leaves, and fun Halloween costumes has officially arrived! My kids are so excited to show off their Halloween costumes this year. If you see a Fairy Princess and Thomas the Tank Engine wandering around your neighborhood, make sure you say hi!
As kids get ready for trick-or-treating, there are some important things parents can do to keep them as safe as possible! Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about Trick or Treating!
Prepare your little ones for Halloween
- Trick-or-treating can be fun, but slightly intimidating for little ones. Practice trick-or-treating with your kids. Have them come to your door and say, “Trick-or-treat!” You can also practice saying “Please” and “Thank you!”
- Practice handing out candy. Handing out candy is my daughter’s personal favorite. You MUST take candy from her before you are allowed to leave our yard. She will follow you.
- Talk about what they might see on Halloween and walk around the neighborhood beforehand.
For older kids
- Sending a responsible adult is always a good idea.
- Older kids who can go trick-or-treating by themselves should only visit houses they know and follow routes that are pre-approved by parents.
- They should avoid going by themselves or with just one other friend and instead go in large groups.
- Arrange specific check-in times throughout the evening.
- If your teen is driving to a party, make sure they are driving slowly and know to watch out for little kids.
Trick or Treat: Give me something good to eat
- For little kids: Avoid candies or treats that are small and might be a choking hazard.
- Check the candy: Practice going through the candy haul with your kids before allowing them to eat any.
- You want to look for candy that may have been tampered with or look-alike food items that might contain illicit substances like THC or CBD.
- Giving out candy: I always try to make sure we have a peanut-free option for kids! We keep a separate bowl with non-peanut candies like Skittles or Smarties.
- Allergies: Regardless of your child’s allergy status, inspect all candy before they eat any. You want to look out for food allergens like peanuts or candies that are made in nut-containing facilities.
Too much candy?
As a Reese’s lover, my answer is that there is never too much candy. However, as a mom, I try to remember that the combination of sugar, chocolate, and the excitement of Halloween can lead to an upset stomach. Try to limit the intake to just a few pieces on Halloween night.
Keep It Reel: Staying Safe in Costume
If possible, avoid all black costumes, particularly if your kids are trick-or-treating later in the evening. Dark costumes can be hard to see in the evening.
If your child is wearing a dark costume, make sure that your child is bringing a flashlight to help them be visible or wear glow sticks.
This article, written by Laura Romano, D.O., hospitalist at Cook Children’s Medical Center- Fort Worth, for Cook Children’s Checkup Newsroom, is shared with permission.
