Safe and happy halloween, kiddos!

Tricks and tips for a safe Halloween!

Kids love a good scare on Halloween! But not when it comes to staying safe on this spooky holiday! Fortunately, there are many things both children can do to keep themselves safe and parents can do to make sure their little trick-or-treaters stay safe too!
  
Choose costumes wisely:

• The brighter the better! Choose bright colors and flame retardant materials. Consider attaching reflective tape to his or her costume or treat bag!
• Make sure the size is right! Make sure child’s costume has room for extra clothing underneath if it’s a chilly night. Check if costume is too long to avoid tripping.
• Pass on the masks! Masks can block your child’s vision, especially if the fit isn’t right and it slips out of place, consider non toxic makeup instead! 
• Limit the accessories! Pointy props such as wands and swords can pose some safety hazards. Look for flexible props made from rubber or plastic!

Trick or treat with care:

• Join the fun! Children under the age of 12 should always be accompanied by an adult. You can also pin a piece of paper with the child’s name, address and a phone number inside your child’s pocket in case of separation, but this can be done with older trick-or-treaters venturing out with friends too!
• Set the rules! If your child is trick-or-treating without you, plan a route, and set a curfew. Encourage them to stay with a group at all times, walking only on the sidewalks and approaching clearly lit homes. Have them carry a cellphone.
• Check out the treats! Don’t let your kids snack on the candy while trick-or-treating. Inspect the candy before they eat it, discarding candy that isn’t sealed, or has torn packaging. If you have small children pass on the gum, peanuts or hard candy as they can be choking hazards. Check labels carefully if your child has a food allergy. 
• Ration the treats! Best part of Halloween is the candy! If your child collects lots of treats, consider giving them a few pieces at a time. Save goodies for good behaviors, getting homework done or chores!

Preparing your home for the trick-or-treaters:

• Straighten up! Remove any tripping hazards, such as, garden hoses, toys or bicycles. Clear out leaves, snow or any debris. 
• Lights on! Check for burned out bulbs, ensure your walkway and front door are clearly lit. 
• Keep an eye on pets! Don’t take any chances when it comes to our furry friends! They might get frightened with all the excitement, make sure they are secured and can’t run out and harm the trick-or-treaters!
• Be mindful of the candy you hand out!  If your neighborhood has lots of tiny trick-or-treaters steer clear of small hard candies like gobstoppers or skittles! And don’t forget not all kiddos can safely eat every type of candy. Opt for regular M&Ms rather then peanut ones!​

If trick-or-treating isn't right for your child, consider a candy swapping party with friends and neighbors! You could have a costume contest, monster mash dance off, or, mummy wrap game using toilet paper or crepe paper, first one to completely covering their partner wins! 

You can also check local schools or community centers for other options such as trunk-or-treat! Where costumed children walk through a parking lot, stopping at cars with decorated trunks and receiving candy! 

There is a lot of fun to be had on Halloween, and can be safely enjoyed! Putting some extra care into planning can ensure you aren’t fearful as you and your children celebrate! Happy Halloween!