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We all know that kids love Halloween! The costumes, candy, the going door to door for treats (or tricks).
There are parties to go to, trunk or treating, zoos put on trick or treating, there are pumpkin patches, and the list just goes on.
With all the fuss of deciding where to go and what to do and which costume to wear, which bag or bucket your kids want, we can’t forget safety!
That is the top priority, right?
So, here are a few things that will allow your family a safe and happy Halloween that my family go over and use every year!
Pumpkins.
I know carving your pumpkins is a tradition and honestly, that’s what I prefer. However, trying to carve pumpkins with little ones isn’t that safest activity. Instead of carving your pumpkins, try painting pumpkins! Let your little ones get as creative as they want. They can do it themselves and not have to wait for mom and dad to carve their idea!
Also, you could get a couple pumpkin decorating kits! There are some cute ones. I’ve seen cats, gnomes, bats, etc!
Instead of using the traditional candles, use led candles! If you’re worried about batteries running out, you can get some that have a timer to go on at the same time every night and you can set them for 4, 6, or 8 hours! You don’t have to worry about forgetting to blow candles out!
Glow sticks and flashlights.
Now I know it’s Halloween and people know to watch out for kids, but you can’t just trust others to do that. Make sure that your kids will be seen! You can grab some glow sticks at the Dollar Tree. There several glow sticks to choose from. There are various styles and colors. Personally I like the ones they wear around their neck and the bracelets. You can also have them around their ankles, bags, etc. They also have several flashlights!
View.
Make sure your child can see! Choose a costume that doesn’t interfere with your child’s view. If the mask keeps them from completely seeing where they are going, (even if it’s cute) they shouldn’t wear it. They need to see and be seen!
*Try face paint instead of a mask*
AVOID dark houses!
If there are no lights on, do not go up to the house. It’s just not a good idea. Just skip that house and go on to the next fully lit and alive house! It will also save you time from going to a house that isn’t giving out candy.
Watch for cars
It’s a given, but I felt the need to put it on the list! Don’t only watch for cars driving down the street, but watch out for the ones that could be backing up!
Contact Information.
Just incase, in the event that you and your child get separated, (highly unlikely, right?) Use a thin marker and write your name and number on their arm or hand and cover it with clear nail polish! There you go! Your contact information is right there. You don’t have to worry about a paper or anything else getting lost.
Buddy up!
Never go alone!
Remember the “Buddy system” from school? There’s a reason we had that.
Always go with a buddy! Even if you’re in a group, (which isn’t a bad idea) you should still utilize the Buddy system. Four eyes are better then two. (I can’t help but seeing a four eyed monster lol!)
Map it out.
If your kids are older and won’t be walking with you on Halloween night, discuss the neighborhood you will be in, where you will start, and where you will end. That way you know where they will be. If you have a smaller one that you’re taking door to door, the older ones can have their own fun with friends while you’re with the little ones and you know where they will be.
Emergency meet up point.
Let’s say for some reason there is an emergency in the area, or you can’t find each other for whatever reason. Choose a meetup point and make sure everyone knows where that is. It could be the corner of two streets, the bench across the street, that lamppost etc. Wherever you choose. Just make sure that everyone knows where it is.
Stranger danger!
I know it’s scary to think that someone would grab your child. And I don’t want your child to be scared, but really they should know how to try and escape someone. It might make them a little nervous, but I’d rather them be a bit nervous and know some tactics than being unaware and not knowing any self defense. Teach them, what I like to call, KSS! Kick, scream, & scratch!
Also, give your child a whistle so they can draw attention!
Chances are most of us have already had these conversations with our kids. But, if you haven’t, please do!
Check your candy!
Our rule is, if it has air in the packaging, it’s safe to eat! We never eat tootsie rolls, bubble gum or anything else that is not factory sealed, which includes homemade treats! Sorry if you hand them out, but you never know who you’re getting it from.
Right when we get home from trick or treating, we put all candy in the floor and check every piece. If it’s not safe, it goes in the trash.
*Bonus*
If you have a garage, I would highly suggest parking your vehicle inside so you don’t have to worry about vandalism. Also, of course, bring your dogs inside! Not only will it keep them from barking but also, you can be sure that no one tries to hurt them when they do bark! There have been several instances where dogs have been poisoned during trick or treating hours.
All that said, I hope you all have a happy and funfilled Halloween!
I’m always looking for new traditions to start with my family, so if you have some you would like to share, I would love to hear them! Also, If you have any tips or even stories that you’d like to share in the comments, please do! 🙂
Until next time!
All my love,
Angela xoxo
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