With ghosts, ghouls, and goblins out and about visiting each house in hopes of getting some treats, dangers can lurk when you least expect it. By staying safe on a dark night, your kiddos will be happier—and might get more candy. Here’s a list of simple actions you can do to bring peace of mind and avoid a real scare.
Preparing for the big night
Pick a light or brightly colored costume: Spooky, dark-colored costumes are hard for others to see. If your child chooses a dark costume, use reflective or glow-in-the-dark tape. You can also add this on to the candy bag to help increase visibility.
Grab the glowsticks: Use these as an accessory—such as a glow stick necklace or bracelet—to help increase visibility to drivers. A flashlight or themed light stick can also be used.
Leave the mask at home: Take a picture of the full costume but leave the mask at home when it’s time for trick-or-treating. Instead, use face paint or non-toxic makeup to complete the look.
Avoid a fall: Getting candy is exciting, and chances are your child is going to run door to door. Help them avoid a fall by choosing a costume that doesn’t drag on the ground.
While You’re Trick-or-Treating
Kids under 12 should always trick-or-treat with adult supervision. If your kids are older and want to go out on their own, map out an agreed-upon route, set a curfew, and make sure that at least one person in the group has a cell phone for emergencies.
You may want to venture out in a group, so make sure you stay together. Be sure to stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk at the edge of the road and in the direction of oncoming traffic.
After the Haul
Inspect the loot: After you’ve conquered the neighborhood, take a look at your child’s candy bag. Look for any treats that are open or have broken packaging and discard them. Also get rid of any homemade items. If you have young children, throw away any hard candy or gum that can be a choking hazard.
Remove allergens: If your child has allergies, remove any candy that may cause an allergic reaction. To make sure a child isn’t left out, exchange their candy for something that doesn’t contain allergies, such as an allergen-free treat or a toy.
Take care of your teeth: With increased sugar intake, it’s important to remove bacteria, food, and sugar by brushing those teeth. Sweet treats like candy can cause periodontal (gum) disease and break down the enamel of the tooth, leading to dental cavities. Be extra diligent in making sure your kids are brushing and flossing twice a day to help prevent cavities.
Tip: If you are handing out treats, throw in some fun for kids who have allergies such as Halloween-themed school supplies or trinkets like spider rings or glow sticks.
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