Safe Trick or Treating

Every year we so enjoy our family party & candy gathering methods during the Halloween season.

Admittedly, times have changed...so I worry a little more than when I was a kid - however, with the right safety guidelines, it can still be a barrel of sugary fun where I feel ok with the gallivanting costumed littles! I can be a bit protective, heehee.

One great idea that a group of parents had and the kids loved: Trunk or TREAT!

Gathering in a community parking lot, families decorated their vehicle trunks and handed out candy in costume from the car. This great idea kept everyone in a well-lit central area, out of traffic, and allowed a small stage with music and dancing. Some families even set up a little bake sale and cocoa area for the chilly paws.

Here are some fun pics for ideas if you want to try it out:

 

Here are tips on how to have a safe holiday:

1. Instruct your older children to TAKE FRIENDS when “Trick or Treating.”
2. Make sure a TRUSTED ADULT, an older child, or you accompany your younger children when
“Trick or Treating.” A trusted adult is a person parents/guardians have come to rely on
and with whom they and their children feel comfortable. Discuss with your child who will
accompany him or her and make sure you are both comfortable with the choice.
3. Accompany, or make sure a trusted adult accompanies, your younger children to the door
of every home they approach. Become familiar with each home your child visits and the
people who are providing Halloween treats to your children.
4. Teach your children to only enter homes with your prior permission and only approach homes
that are well-lit both inside and outside.
5. Teach your children to NEVER approach a vehicle unless they are accompanied by you,
even if it appears no one is inside the vehicle.
6. Make sure your children wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight or glow stick when
traveling during the evening hours.
7. Make sure your children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks.
All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
8. Teach your children to always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into
isolated areas.
9. Teach your children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report anything unusual to
you and/or law enforcement.

Here are the tips, on a printable sheet to share, from missingkids.org

 

Hope you and your family have a very Happy Halloween!

Maya