Have adult supervision. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick-or-treat on their own.
There is safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.
Map out your plan. Designate a route before your kids begin trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it.
Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around. They should also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
Try tick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
Remember, shorter = safer. Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
Quality-check treats. Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
Say "no" to strangers. Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.
Obey the law. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.
Have a great time! Finally, make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
5 comments:
Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
Thank you for adding the part about decorations. I live in an apartment complex and the out side lights are automatic and can't be turned off. I often run out early and when I do, I bring the decorations inside as a signal. Some people will take their kids to a complex because they are large and not a lot of traffic and they don't even live there. We have plenty of chidren without the drop offs.
How can they obey the law if they intend to egg someone's car? I'm pretty sure egging a car is illegal. Right?
And kids, arm yourselves with candle wax and soap for the screens and windows of those who are home but won't answer the door!
oh! you will give up candy. its the law.
Thanks for the comment about kids staying in their own neighborhood and being with an adult. I am tired of seeing a zillion kids show up in our development (Quantico Creek) that don't belong there. Certainly it is not the kids fault that their parents live in the getto, but it isn't our fault either. That is why we moved with our two girls out of town - CRIME! We all want kids to have fun, but seriously - enough is enough. Last year I bought almost 70 dollars worth of candy, only to see hoards of kids arrive and clean us out by 7 p.m.! I could have just turned them away I suppose, but I didn't have the heart to ruin their fun. And another thing, I hope the local police will be out in force randomly checking out the parents for this reason, and also for the drinking! Last year we had the cutest little girl dressed up as a lady bug arrive. Her parents and what I guessed to be grandparents were proudly standing at the curb when a large pick up pulled up and at least 10 kids jumped out (seatbelts - what seatbelts?) The kids nearly ran over this little girl (who I guessed was about 4 years old) - As my wife and I got over our shock, I clearly saw what I assumed to be the father (the driver) with a can of beer in his hand. I told him that wasn't safe and against the law, and for him to take his kids home and then we all had to endure this loudmouthed red neck let off a stream of cuss words that would make a sailor blush! We did call the police and gave them a report, but I'm sure nothing really happened. Sherrif lewis, if you are reading this, can you tell your deputies to be on the lookout for this kind of behavior? I'm sure I sound like some sort of whiner, but it really annoyed me - let's all get together and not let this sort of behavior ruin it for our kids.
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