5 Tips for a Safe Halloween

Unless you’re in a haunted house, Halloween shouldn’t strike fear into parents’ hearts. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and friendly trick-or-treating experience so you can focus on having fun with your loved ones.

Costume. Try it on before the big night. If your little princess is tripping over her ball gown or falling because of her special shoes, she won’t be the happiest girl at the ball. If your child is wearing a costume with a full face or mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough to see out of at all angles.

Street safety. Make sure your little one’s costume allows them to see cars approaching. Have your child wear reflective gear or glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets so they are more visible to others in the dark.

Navigation. Plan ahead and check out your route for trick-or-treating. Pick safe neighbourhoods or only go to the houses of friends and family. Accompany younger children and follow behind your older children. Set rules to which streets they’re allowed to go on.

Candy. Check your child’s stash as soon as you get home. Look for hazards or potential allergens if your child has a food allergy. Do not eat any home-made treats unless you know who made them and do not eat any unwrapped candy.

Rules. Go over the expectations with older children before they venture out. Set clear limits about when they need to be home, where they will be and talk to them about the potential dangers. Have your child travel in a group whenever possible.

Fun at home. Throw a party or go to an indoor party instead of trick-or-treating. If the thought of going to a stranger’s houses makes you nervous, then invite a few close friends or family members over and have your own Halloween fun. Some towns host public Halloween parties or dances for children as an alternative.

Naomi Pelss is a wife and mother of four children ages 12, 10, 7 and 1. Naomi is the manager of a child care centre, and has been a registered Early Childhood Educator for almost twenty years. She blogs about her parenting journey at www.morewithfourblog.com.