Five Ways to Safer Trick-or-Treating for Your Child

Halloween is exciting for most kids. It’s a time for make-believe – to feel like a scary ghost, superhero, or a princess. Some parents choose to have home parties to keep their kids extra safe. But Halloween can be equally safe inside or outside with the right precautions.

#1 – Go with a group.

Since it’s usually dark when trick-or-treaters go out, it’s best to go with a group. That way everyone can stay in sight and watch out for each other as well. A lone tricker-treater would have no one to look out for them if they had a bad fall or encountered any other problem. Also, it’s a good idea for those who are old enough to carry a phone and dial 911 in an emergency. But even with the best safety precautions, a group is the best way to ensure the most safety for all.

#2 – Parental supervision with young kids.

Any child under a teen’s age should be accompanied by a parent.
Youngsters are more likely to stray from a group and get lost. But even teens should go with their peers. Safety is better in numbers. Costumes are the perfect disguise for someone with ill intentions. A lone ranger is a much easier target for a predator.

#3 Stay outside.

Unless you’re at a friend’s house and there’s parental supervision, it’s best to remain outside. That way you’ll avoid any misfortunes by anyone who might have nefarious intentions by inviting you into their residence. The same holds true for allowing anyone in your home that you don’t know well. You might feel like you’re being a good neighbor to let someone into your home to use the restroom or get a drink of water, but it’s not worth risking getting robbed or otherwise harmed.

#4 – Talk to your kids about safety.

The best prevention for any unforeseen misfortunes is to talk to your kids before they venture out. This need not be a lecture, just a brief review of the above-mentioned safety guidelines. You’re not trying to scare them; you’re just giving them safety guidelines so that everyone returns safe and sound.

#5 Check the candy.

It’s unlikely that there’s anything dangerous in your child’s treats, but it doesn’t hurt to check. In recent years fentanyl-laced drugs that look like Skittles, have been confiscated and reported by the DEA.[1] A small amount of this drug is deadly. Why not take a few minutes to be sure your child’s treats are properly labeled and packaged?
Explain to your child that you might need to toss out anything that isn’t properly wrapped or seems unusual. Let them know this is for their safety. You might also set limits on their sugar intake so that they don’t feel ill later from a sugar binge. You can also explain that too much sugar isn’t good for them because of the way it alters their brain and affects their blood sugar levels.[2]
It’s also a good idea to have your kids eat a healthy meal before they venture out. They will have more energy and will process the candy differently than on an empty stomach.
When given the right information, most kids will make good choices. Before your kids go out, whether they’re with you or not, after you review these safety tips, assure them you feel they will make good choices. This will instill confidence instead of fear.

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