Halloween just may be the ultimate kids holiday when you think about it. Costumes, candy, running amok in the streets and, unlike Christmas, no pesky “good” and “bad” lists to sweat over all year long. That said, there are a few things parents need to do to make it work—and keep kids safe!
What to Wear
Costumes should never restrict the kids’ sight or mobility. This means be careful with capes and tails, and masks need large eye openings. Actually, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trying non-toxic makeup or well-fitting hats instead, especially for younger children. Any way you can work in reflective tape or glow sticks is all to the good, too.
Where to Walk
Keep kids on sidewalks, where they exist. Where they don’t, stay to the left so you’re facing oncoming traffic, especially if trick-or-treat is at or after dusk. Even with the reflective tape or glow sticks, a flashlight is a must for nighttime revelry.
Who to Walk with
Begging for candy is more fun (and safer) in pairs, or with a group of friends. Find a neighbor or import a friend or two from across town, and let the kids hang together. Stay back as much as their ages allow. Obviously, no one goes in a house without you, or out of sight!
Digging In
Once everyone’s home, it’s time to go over the haul. Again, it can be fun to do this with a few kids, so everyone can sort and trade. While they do their inventories and bartering, you can surreptitiously give the booty a once-over to make sure it’s all pre-packaged candy with intact wrappers. Once the quality control and trading is complete, let them choose several pieces to enjoy immediately and store the rest in the kitchen.
While they’re watching a Halloween video, and trying to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll, take out a few pieces for yourself, a few for the office, and leave behind only as much candy as you’re comfortable with them devouring over the next couple of weeks.
Oh and something to keep in mind as you try to balance healthy eating and having fun: researchers at Louisiana State University found that kids who eat candy are less likely to be obese than the no-candy kids. So Snickers all round!
