(Slightly) cooler weather, fall colors, and mums on porches puts us in full fall mode, which means Halloween is right around the corner! For some of us adults, that may mean spider web draped front doors and going all out on the best candy on your block – but for a lot of adults, it means navigating the somewhat overwhelming yearly pilgrimage with their kids from door to door to Trick or Treating. As adults, it can be scary thinking about everything that can go wrong, which is why we rounded up a list of tips and tricks (get it?), for a fun and safe night of Trick or Treating for all!
Costumes
As the star of the show, costumes are such a fun part of the night for kids to dream up, plan, prep and get excited for. Just remember to look for costumes that ADD to the fun instead of putting a damper on the night!
- Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes, especially dark ones. Lighter costumes will be more visible.
- Make sure costumes aren’t too long, tripping and falling is no fun!
- Don’t allow masks to be worn that limit visibility – remind your kids that being able to see on Halloween is just as necessary as any other day! (Face paint is always a great alternative to masks, but be sure to spot test paint and makeup first!)
- Make sure any props (swords, lightsabers, etc.) aren’t too sharp or too long. Props aren’t worth it if someone is liable to get hurt! (Bonus tip: Be sure your child no he or she must hold it the entire time – you have to commit to it!)
- Be realistic about the weather. With the fluctuating temperatures of October – be ready to make quick costume adjustments so your kids aren’t too cold or too hot on the night of!
Trick or Treating
Silly as it may sound, planning ahead for trick or treating is key. (Turns out, planning ahead for a lot of things is key!). Planning your route ahead of time and going over ground rules leading up to the event makes for much more of a safe and relaxing night out.
- Plan your route before leaving the house to avoid any last minute decisions. Don’t forget the bathroom breaks!
- Ask around for the “go to” neighborhoods or events for trick or treaters if you know your neighborhood doesn’t make a big deal out of it. Always more fun (and safe!) to be around lots of other families and trick or treaters.
- Use sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals just like you would in everyday life!
Never let kids trick or treat alone. - Go to houses that are well lit and easy to spot from the sidewalk or street.
- Don’t forget to bring water with you!
- Bringing a flashlight or something that lights up with you is never a bad idea.
Treats
With every child’s eye on the prize (candy), it’s important to think ahead on how to keep the sugar and safety at bay!
- Examine all treats before giving them to kids, avoid homemade all together.
- Be sure to check for choking hazards for younger children.
- Have your kids eat a big dinner before and bring a snack for later. Kids will be less likely to over-indulge with a full belly!
- Set the expectations early on that you will have to check the candy before anyone eats it. (Helps avoid last minute “need to have it now” meltdowns!)
Tricks
Whether at home passing out candy, or out with your own kids, there are still safety tips to keep in mind for your own property.
- If you will not be there, be sure to not make it obvious. The goal is to make it look like you are still home, even if not handing out treats – so think of turning the TV on, along with some lights.
- If you are hoping for trick or treaters, make sure the path to your house is cleared and well lit.
- Park your car inside a garage or in a strategic spot unlikely to be filled with trick or treaters.
- Drive slow and careful! Not everyone is thinking about safety as much as we are : )
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