Trick or Treat Safety Tips for Youngsters

Children should carry or wear something lit for visibility on a dark night – this could include a flashlight, glow-in-the-dark bracelet or necklace, or something flashing on their costume.

Trick or treat in familiar, friendly neighborhoods. It’s a good idea to stay away from unknown areas – stick to places you know!

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well! While the 3-inch heeled, sparkly go-go boots that don’t quite fit are just precious, you will avoid lots of whines and winces with well-fitting shoes. Trust me on this one – I have walked this path before! Save the clunky robot feet for the party.

Plan a bathroom break, and make sure the costume is… accessible. I have also learned this lesson the hard way! Remember that scene in “A Christmas Story”? “I can’t put my arms down!” Yep. Been there, done that.

Choose a treat sack that is easily toted. It is easy to get sucked in by the cutesie Halloween bags on display in the stores, but there is potential for an unpleasant experience when your sack is too heavy (Moooommmmmm – carry this!), too small to hold all the confectionary goodness, easily ripped or broken, or has any protruding parts.

The same goes for props – make sure they are not sharp. Swords, daggers, large and awkward items can become very dangerous if the child trips and falls on them. Though they add the icing to your child’s costume, they will be ditched or broken early into the evening.

Use common sense when it comes to local weather and costume type. If necessary, keep children hydrated and cool; or, on the flip side, make sure they are warm enough in colder climates.

Stick to the sidewalks. Do not let your children run across residents’ lawns. Not only is it disrespectful, but in the dark most obstacles (sprinklers, hoses, rocks, lawn gnomes) are not visible.

Listen to your child’s cues. You may have mapped out and ambitiously planned a marathon route under the guise of “more loot for the children”, but if your little one is getting tired, cold, or just plain over it… go home!

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!!

He sleeps in this costume...

My warped daughter