Keep the kids safe this Halloween

Halloween is a time-honored kid-centric holiday that’s all about having fun! But parents need to be aware of potential risks and take precautions so everyone stays safe
while filling up those trick or treat bags.

Let the kids have fun:

There are plenty of times when parents need to enforce the rules. Of course, they need to keep an eye on their children and make sure they are safe, but Halloween is a fun holiday, and the kids deserve to have a good time. This should be one night of the year where they really get to be kids, eat candy, and get a little crazy.

Desensitize children before Halloween night:

For younger kids who are easily scared or appear nervous about Halloween, desensitize them ahead of time. When you eliminate the unknown and any surprises, children do better. Show them pictures of people dressed up. Take them to a Halloween store in the daylight and show them decorations, masks and costumes. Explain to them what happens on Halloween. Show them movies where people are trick-or-treating.

Keep it age appropriate:

Halloween can be a little overwhelming and scary for some kids. Remember that what doesn’t bother a 13-year-old may terrify a four-year-old. A great way to keep things age-appropriate is to trick-or-treat with groups of friends based on age. Remind older kids that they need to go easy when smaller children are around.

Don’t push kids who aren’t into it:

If children prefer not to go out trick-or-treating on Halloween, it’s okay. Some kids just don’t get into it and that’s perfectly acceptable. Parents can encourage alternatives to trick-or-treating. Maybe their children would rather stay home and hand out candy. Maybe they want to have a small party or get-together of close friends. Perhaps they just want to stay in and watch TV. Gage a child’s level of interest and go with what makes them happy.

Know when to intervene:

Sometimes children don’t want to look scared in front of their friends for fear of being made fun of. Some kids will hold it in and push themselves to experience more than they can handle. This can lead to nightmares, increased stress and anxiety. If a parent notices their child is struggling or appears scared, they should know when to call it a night.

Have fun but be safe:

Halloween is all about having fun, but never forget basic safety. Don’t ever enter someone’s home no matter how nice they seem. Always trick-or-treat in groups. Younger children should be chaperoned by a responsible adult. Never eat any candy that is opened or appears tampered with. If trick or treating in the dark, keep a flashlight, such as the super-bright Duracell 2000L Tri-Power Lantern, glowsticks, and phone handy.

Talk it out:

After the night is over and the kids are finished trick-or-treating, parents should talk to them. How are they feeling? Are they scared, nervous or upset? Do a quick emotional check before going to bed to make sure they are not shaken up or feeling disturbed in any way. If something is bothering them, talk it out until they are feeling better.

Fun without being disrespectful: Halloween is a time for kids to have fun, but they should be taught to be respectful to people with physical or mental health conditions, disabilities or other impairments, and to be polite to the persons handing out treats.