BOO! Have we SCARED you?! Consider it your friendly warning- Halloween is nearly here! October 31st will meet us on a Monday this year. No need to tell your grandkids; you can bet they already know exactly when it is! But one thing we could all use is some helpful tips to keep the Halloween celebrations safe and enjoyable.
No driving like Dracula!
Putting all joking aside, very tragically, children are more likely to be fatally injured by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. Although this is mainly connected to teenage drivers, it is, nonetheless, crucial to be alert and safe when driving this spooky night. Drive extra slow through neighborhoods and anywhere kiddos might be out and about, using extra caution in general. Stay alert as you watch other drivers, and if you notice any wild and reckless driving, don’t hesitate to contact the police. If you’re out walking, carry a flashlight and shine it towards any oncoming cars.
Keeping treats sweet and simple
Unfortunately these days, with so many crazy incidents in the news, most parents (understandably) feel that homemade treats just can’t be trusted. So if you want to please the crowd, it’s best to stick to individually wrapped candies, so parents can have confidence that no one has touched it except the manufacturer. Wondering what to give out? It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate! Other favorites are Skittles, Starbursts, Sour Patch Kids, or lollipops, but you can also get creative…
Little treasures for the tots with allergies
Perhaps you have a grandchild with allergies or just want to get a little creative for your trick-or-treaters. The latest trend is to get some non-food treats and put a teal-blue pumpkin in front of your home. The pumpkin can be either painted teal-blue or you can buy an artificial one. (Sure, times have changed, but pumpkins are indeed still orange)! The teal-blue pumpkin lets families know that you have allergy-friendly options available for treats. An additional sign noting you have toy treats might also be helpful. Simple and inexpensive toys are wonderful. Things like bouncy balls, glow sticks, bubbles, slinkies, or any other little toys you can find at the Dollar Tree or a party supply store. Don’t feel pressured to try this– the good, old-fashioned way of giving candy is still a delight for most! But if you’re wanting to brighten things up for a child with allergies, or perhaps just want a healthier option, toy treats can be all treat and no trick for any child!
Signaling trick-or-treaters, whether to come or go!
Contrary to popular belief amongst children, there is not an endless supply of candy behind every door! If you’re ready to hit the hay or perhaps don’t want to give out anything at all on Halloween evening, you can signal this with a simple tip. Turn out as many lights as possible, and in particular, avoid having any outdoor lighting on. Inevitably, a few eager beavers will still come knocking. There’s no need to answer the door and explain– they’ll get the hint to move on when no one answers. On the other hand, if you want as many visitors as possible, signal them over with lots of bright lights inside and outside your home. Decoration is also very welcoming. But don’t feel bad setting a cut-off time for answering the door. Kids will still come in the dark, but by about 8:30, most folks will probably be done, so you can set a cut-off time between 8:30pm and 9pm, or 9:30 at the latest.
Avoiding troublemakers
Particularly as it gets later, sometimes rowdy teenagers (or even older young people!) can come knocking, and although it’s unlikely, occasionally they are up to no good and looking for trouble. Stay safe by taking a peek out the window before answering the door; if they look older or are acting at all unusual, don’t answer. Mostly, troublemakers come out later in the evening when it’s more isolated, perhaps from about 9pm (and certainly 10pm) and onwards, so turn your lights out and stop answering the door as it gets later.
Have fun!
Hopefully the scariest thing you’ll encounter all Halloween evening is a mini-monster toddler (or worse, your neighbor dressed as Madonna). With these simple tips, you’ll have more time to enjoy the night and maybe even do the “Monster Mash” dance! Stay safe, and have a very happy Halloween!
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