TIPS & TRICKS: 5 HALLOWEEN RULES TO TRICK OR TREAT BY

So once a year we all get to dress up, ring doorbells and we are given sweet treats…bags full! How did this dream holiday occur and why can we not do this several times a year? 

Besides being a win on the candy side Halloween is also a really nice family and community event. It gives families the opportunity to walk together and potentially visit with other community members and neighbors. Several things can help improve the evening and help manage a potentially damaging sugar high spiral…

Set Some RulesFrom candy consumption in route to the duration of the Trick or Treat evening, it is important to put in place some rules before the evening starts. Make sure everyone is on board and has been informed. The sure fire-way to ruining the evening is to forget to communicate the rules for the evening to everyone
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Dress appropriatelyOctober weather can be tricky. We have taken our kids dressed in winter coats and mittens and other years shorts (no joke). Whatever the weather just make sure there are layers that can be put on or taken off as needed.

Be politeThis is a pet peeve of mine…make sure your kiddos know to say “please” and “thank you”. No one has to spend a lot of money on candy and then give up their evening to give it away.  This is a lovely tradition that should be surrounded in gratitude.

Safety

Stating the obvious but safety is always the first order of business! Whether you are with your kiddos or not, make sure some type of reflecting device (flashlight, lantern or what have you) is being carried. Stay on the sidewalk and never walk on the street. Only “visit” homes with a porch light on and never go inside.

Make sure costumes are flame resistant and not too long that feet can get tangled in the material. If your little one is wearing a mask make sure they can see clearly. If not either alter the mask to assist in this effort or go without.

Travel in a Group
The more the merrier! This goes for parent lead groups or just friends. There is safety and more fun in numbers.

Have fun and be safe!