Laura

Trick-or-treating is fun for children, but safety is necessary for a healthy Halloween.  Halloween customs should be made of flame retardant in a bright color.  Visibility is important on Halloween.  The child needs to be able to see and to be seen by others.  Reflective tape can be added to the child’s costume and/or trick-or-treat bag to be seen more easily.  Flashlights are important when nigh falls.  To prevent your child from falling, be sure that if the child is wearing a mask that the eye holes are large.  Also, be sure that your child’s shoes fit properly to prevent falling.

If your child is going to be going trick-or-treating without you, know your child’s route.  Explain to your child that he/she must stay with a group or friend and the importance of not going to strangers houses.  Be sure to set a curfew for your child.  Most children enjoy the “tricking” part of Halloween.  Explain the difference between a trick and vandalism to your child to avoid conflicts with your neighbors and the police. 

Once your little monster returns home go through their candy.  Remove any candy that has been opened, ripped, or looks as though it has been tampered with.  Baked goods are a big no, no!  Throw baked goods into the trash.  It is extremely easy for people to put harmful drugs/items into baked goods.  Throw any suspicious treats into the trash. 

To avoid snaking on treats while trick-or-treating, make a nice Halloween meal for you little monster.  Try to space out the consumption of candy.  Also, be sure that the candy is appropriate for your child.  For example, do not allow your three- year-old to eat  hard candy (duh!). 

Remember these tips before, during, and after trick-or-treating.  Have a safe, happy, and healthy Halloween!