Halloween is magical for kids: What other holiday can they stay out late with their friends in silly costumes and eat candy?!
As parents, we want our kids to have fun but we also stress over how to make sure they trick-or-treat safely. Whether you’re tagging along door-to-door, or your kids are old enough to go off with neighborhood friends, here are 5 parent-approved tips to ensure children of all ages have a safe Halloween.
1. Plan Your Trick-or-Treat Route in Advance
Your family likely knows some neighborhood streets better than others. Pre-plan a familiar route with your kids that is well-lit. For younger kiddos, planned routes help set expectations so you can avoid any meltdowns. For older kids, this gives a clear boundary of where they can go and steers them clear of any secluded streets.
2. Reinforce Clear Rules for Crossing the Street
Kids get excited on Halloween, and it’s easy for them to forget about cars as they run from one house to the next. Set and reinforce rules for crossing the street beforehand, such as:
- Only cross streets at crosswalks
- Come to a full stop at every curb
- Look both ways before stepping onto the road
3. Add Glow Sticks or Reflective Tape to Make All Costumes Visible
Visibility is key to staying safe on Halloween night. Encourage your kids to wear costumes that are bright or reflective. If they insist on a dark-colored costume, add reflective tape to their clothing or trick-or-treat bag. Glow sticks are a fun way to make it easier for drivers to see your children, too.
4. Inspect All Candy Before Your Children Begin Eating
Once you’re home, take a few minutes to inspect every kid’s candy haul before they dive in. Look for any open wrappers or homemade treats from people you don’t know. It’s unlikely that someone in your community would try to cause harm, but better to be safe than sorry!
5. Be Cautious with Stranger Interactions
Halloween may be all about knocking on doors for candy, but it’s important to remind your kids about staying cautious around strangers. Encourage your children to only approach houses with clear signs of Halloween participation, like decorations and porch lights. Remind them to never enter someone’s house, even if invited, and to always stay with their group.
Happy Halloween from Bambino Sitters!
At Bambino Sitters, safety is always our priority. With a little preparation and communication, Halloween can be exciting and safe for your kids. Enjoy the spooky season!