Goblins, Ghosts, and Gremlins – oh my! With Halloween right around the corner my kids are getting excited to wear their costumes and hit the street to Trick or Treat! As a parent we want our kids to have fun but be safe. Check out this guide to make this Halloween “spooktacular” for everyone!
- Glow in the Dark - Make sure your kids can be seen in the dark. Many stores sell fun, affordable Halloween flashlights your kids can carry with them. Consider adding a small flashlight to their candy bucket to make it glow. Have your child wear glow bracelets, clip a flashing bicycle light to their waist or hat, or add reflective tape to their costume.
- The Zombie Pack - It's a simple rule of safety in numbers. Let's face it, kids reach the age where they don't want parents supervising them. So make a deal with your older kids that they must stay in a group. Like the buddy system at school make sure everyone is accounted for before moving to a new street. It's more fun with friends anyway!
- Caution! Do Not Enter! - Teach your children to be aware of their surroundings. Stay on the sidewalks when possible and off of the streets, watch for traffic before crossing streets, do not enter anyone's home. Remind your kids to apply the golden rule, "Treat others how you want to be treated" and be courteous to other trick or treaters.
- Spooktacular Events - Are you new to the neighborhood? Are you uncomfortable going door to door to trick or treat? Then brew up some Halloween fun at local events instead. Watch for events such as Trunk or Treats hosted by area businesses and organizations, Trick or Treating at the mall, Halloween parades, or Fall festivals.
- Candy, Candy, Candy - A sweet success! The kids have brought home more candy than you want them to consume in a year. What do you do with it all? Consider donating it and make someone else's day a little sweeter. Check for local businesses or organizations that do a collection. Make goodie bags and drop them off at a local nursing home, care facility, or shelter. Or see if your local police and fire departments can accept a treat. Your kids could write a message of thanks to attach to the goodies. Another option - turn that candy into cash. Some local dentists and businesses will actually buy Halloween candy, then you could donate the money to a charity of choice.
Happy Halloween!
