Trick or treating safety during the holiday is a way to insure that everyone has a great holiday, without having any problems. It is important to be alert yourself, as well as make children aware of things to be careful and cautious about. This also means using good judgment about what to do and how to do it as well as making sure you do not frighten your child.
Trick or Treating Safety for Costumes
Halloween costumes are a great way to make the most of the holiday. There are some things to keep in mind, though, when it comes to costumes and trick or treating safety. The best thing you can do is have your child try on his or her costume and walk around the house or yard for a while. This will give you and your child an idea of how easily the youngster can maneuver in the outfit. Also, it will determine if the child is comfortable for more than a few minutes in the costume.
The other things to watch for are how well a child can see and if there appears to be anything that could become a “wardrobe malfunction” during trick-or-treating. Be certain the child doesn’t have anything that could obstruct his or her vision. Additionally, make sure there is nothing that dangles from the outfit that could cause the child to trip or get snagged on something. If either of these are a problem, usually just some minor adjustments or sewing mends will correct the problem.
While on the Streets
Before leaving, make sure your child has a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Also, the costume should have some reflective tape somewhere. And be certain your child has his or her cell phone in a pocket that is easy to access but that won’t allow the phone to fall out too easily.
The child should wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, even if it goes against the look of the costume. Adults should plan out a route in advance and give each child a map of this route. Worst case, if the team gets separated, the child will have some indication of where the following stop would be to try to meet back up.
When possible, travel in groups of trick-or-treating goblins with as many chaperones as possible. Have the little ones ‘buddy up’ and make sure each child is accounted for before moving to the next house. Of course, be extra careful when crossing the streets and try to work one whole side of a street before crossing to cut down on the number of times this is done.
All about the Goodies
Since all treats must be checked over before a child is allowed to eat them, there are some tips to keep in mind about the collected loot before even making it home. To prevent your child being tempted to snack along the way, make sure she or he has a good, full meal before setting out to trick-or-treat.
Make it clear to your little one that he cannot have any treats until getting home. To help avoid the urge to sneak a snack from the bag, offer to carry the loot for him. If a neighbor suggests your child go ahead and take a cookie to snack right there, step in and tell the well-meaning neighbor you are closely monitoring your child’s sugar intake. Lastly, to prevent the chance your child may cheat and sneak a candy, bring a few from your own stash at home. That way, if the youngster won’t back down at least you know the treat you are giving him is from your own safe candy from home.
Once home, you should know the drill by now. Every single item gets inspected, and when in doubt, throw it out. Check all wrappers for even a remote sign of tempering. Any candy that has come loose from its wrapper is not an option. Any of these warning signs should result in immediate discarding.
Baked goods are rarely a great idea. Even a chef with only good intentions could accidentally make someone sick, not to mention the hazards if allergies are a concern. Accept only those goodies baked by someone you know. Fruit should be washed well and inspected for injection, puncture or slit marks. Cut up a piece of fruit before allowing your child to eat it so you can inspect the inside as well as the out.
Trick or treating safety shouldn’t be about being paranoid, just being safe and smart.
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