Trick or Treat! October is here and for the past few weeks kids and stores have begun reminding us of the most important night of the kid calendar—Halloween! By now I’m sure you have seen the piles of candy overflowing in supermarkets and the catalogues filling your mailboxes with both simple and elaborate costumes for kids, pets, and those of us who are still young at heart. When preparing for the merriment of all Hallows Eve, keep these tips in mind as a parent and safety reminders to inform your children about.
- Create a familiar route for your children to follow in your area. This route should be well lit and one that the houses are not too far apart.
- Give them a flashlight with fresh batteries so they can see and so others can see them. Remind them of the safety rules they follow on a day to day basis; look both ways when crossing the road, do not go near or get in a strangers car, do not entry any house, stick to the designated route, and stay in the group they went with and not to split up.
- Regardless if you decide to buy or make costumes, make sure they aren’t too heavy or too long so your child is comfortable walking in it. The lighter and more breathable the material the better. There should be no excess material that would make walking or holding their candy bag difficult. If your child’s costume requires props or accessories such as broomsticks, wands or anything they may need to carry, make sure it’s not too big or too heavy, or has any sharp or pointed edges.
- When it comes to masks or face paint, check that the mask has wide enough eye, ear, nose, and mouth holes so they can see, hear, and breathe easily. Read the label on the face paint to know that it is washable from both skin and clothing. The final touch to all costumes should be some fun glow bracelets and necklaces. These colorful lights will make your child stand out in the dark.
- Let your children know before they leave they should not eat ANY candy until you have said it is OK. Inspect their bounty for small candies that could pose a choking risk as well as hard or chewy candies because they are harsh on not only young teeth but also on any braces they may have. Make a separate pile of candies such as these to be donated or given away. You also want to make sure all the candy is in its own, individual wrapper and not unwrapped.
Article By: Alison Rhodes, also known as The Safety Mom
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