26 Oct 13 Tips for a Spook-tacular & Safe Halloween

It’s almost Halloween!  As kids take to the streets dressed as their favorite superheroes, princesses, and scary creatures it is our duty, as adults, to ensure a fun and safe holiday. Check out our 13 tips to keep kids safe this Halloween:

1. Avoid letting your kids trick-or-treat alone. Have your children walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
2. Stick to familiar territory. By trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood, you are more likely to know the people handing out candy. It also helps prevent children from getting lost.
3. Only trick-or-treat in well-lit areas. Make sure to avoid unlit and isolated areas while trick-or-treating. Avoid approaching houses that are unlit. Look for signs that welcome trick-or-treaters, such as Halloween decorations or carved pumpkins.
4. Never enter the home of a stranger. Even with a trusted adult, children should never accept an invitation inside a stranger’s home.
5. Teach your children to never approach a vehicle or accept a ride from a stranger.
6. Check the sex offender’s registry ahead of time. You can use the Family Watchdog’s national search, found here.
7. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
8. Work as a team. If trick-or-treating with a large group of children, ask a trusted friend to tag along and help you keep the kids in your care safe.
9. Save money and create memories. Halloween is a great way to get creative with your kids. Use items you can find around your house and spend quality time with your kids crafting the perfect costume.
10. Remember, not all children are ready to be scared. Many kids, especially those of a younger age, are not developmentally ready for a haunted Halloween. Instead, focus on the fun aspects of Halloween, such as dressing as their favorite T.V. character or attending family-friendly events and parties for all ages.
11. Celebrate National Brush Day. After all of the candy, the day after Halloween is the perfect time to talk with your kids about the importance of a good oral hygiene routine. To learn tips and tricks to good oral hygiene and to take the pledge, visit the website here.
12. Be flexible. Trick-or-treating can be a fun, yet stressful, time for parents.  Be sure to take deep, calming breaths when needed and remember that kids are kids.
13. Most importantly, HAVE FUN! Halloween can be a wonderful time to make memories. Ensure your kids will have lasting ones they can cherish for a lifetime!