1. Start the night on the right foot, Eat a healthy meal before the Party or Trick or Treating
2. The Costume: Make sure your Child can See. Masks, wigs, and hats can sometimes block vision so plan ahead think of things like non-toxic face paint or colored hairspray instead.
3. Make sure costumes are fire-resistant —not always easy to do with homemade ones…..and make sure the costume fits, too long leads to dragging costumes that can trip a child or get caught in a Jack o Lantern with a candle (watch closely for these).
4. Treats don’t have to be candy. It can also be granola bars, Teddy Grahams, prepackaged Chex Mix or Rice Krispie bars, Welch’s fruit snacks, colors and coloring books or pencils are just a few examples of something different
5. REMEMBER parents ALWAYS go through the treats first to remove opened ones and one’s children should not have such as home-baked goods, popcorn balls, hard candies for the young kids, etc. And remember the 48 hour rule—after 48 hours the treats disappear.
6. Travel in a Pack—teach your child the buddy system and travel with other kids of similar age with plenty of adults following along.
7. Kids need to be SEEN so flashlights, glow sticks and reflective tape every child so they are easier to see by any automobiles that may be on the roads too.
8. Parents and kids put your cell phones away—all eyes up to see all your surroundings and look out for cars, etc. It’s good to have a cell phone in your pocket in case an emergency arises.
9. Know your child’s and any children who may be with you, without their parents, food allergies—again parents go through the treats first.
10. Watch closely when crossing the road and going through driveways and don’t assume the car sees you or the kids. As an added precaution—do your best to stay off the street during trick or treat hours, especially younger inexperienced drivers.
