You may call it Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve or All Saints’ Eve or just October 31st. This annual haunting involving costumes, treat-or-treating, and things that go bump in the night is just around the corner. It is an evening filled with excitement for many children (and some adults too) who enjoy disguising themselves as their alter ego, a favorite pop idol, an ordinary household object, or a scary creature from the another world. I see it as a day that orange and black can legally be worn together without the Fashion Police writing citations for the obvious fashion "DON'T". I also enjoy the seemingly endless supply of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (mini and regular) and other tasty but rot-your-teeth-just-by-looking-at-'em gooey morsels. As a child, I remember the anticipation of the big reveal of my costume to my friends - some years they were hand-made by my mother, and in other years, my costumes were straight from the box, complete with the plastic mask held in place by that nasty, pull-your-hair, snap-your-eye-out elastic string. We carried pillow cases to collect our candies, popcorn balls, and the occasional apple that my mother was sure had a razor blade hidden deep within its flesh. In addition to the edible treasures, we collected pennies for UNICEF too. Do you remember the little boxes the schools would give out to raise money for the children in Ethiopia? What ever happened to those tiny orange boxes that required an engineering degree just to assemble? However, my favorite memory of Halloween was coming home and dumping all of the goodies on the floor. My mother, of course, removed the fruit and popcorn, and I was left with this pile of colorful wrappers and boxes promising something sweet and delicious inside. I deceptively traded my pastel Tootsie Rolls for my naive younger brother's fun-size Snickers (he eventually learned). We ate candy until our stomachs rebelled and our teeth were fuzzy. Mmmm!
As a veteran mom with ten Halloweens behind me, I enjoy this day as much as my kids do. They are at an age that they decide what they are going to be, and as a team, we pull their costumes together, part hand-made and part store-bought. Thus far, they have steered clear of risque or gory costumes, but I know this issue along with unsupervised trick-or-treating is on the horizon. Until then, I enjoy the fact that my kids want to wear silly, juvenile costumes and stroll the neighborhood, unembarrassed by parental presence. Despite all of the adult supervision our children have on this night, there are still dangers out there on the dark streets, even in our safe neighborhood.
So to keep your children safe this Halloween, I share the following safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and The Baby Squad.
Your Haunted House:
- Don't block walkways with decorations that may trip trick-or-treaters. Clear the front yard of wet leaves, garden hoses, toys, and bikes.
- Pumpkins are fun to carve, but should only be done by adults. Children can draw a face with markers, and parents can do the cutting.
- Small battery-operated candles are a safer option to real candles in a pumpkin.
- If candles are used, the pumpkin should be placed on a sturdy surface, away from curtains and other flammable objects. NEVER leave it unattended.
- Keep your outdoor lights on during the hours of trick-or-treating.
- Keep your pets restrained - many children are fearful of animals and may cause your pet to jump or bite.
Dressing the Part:
- Costumes should be bright and reflective - add reflective tape to costumes for greater visibility. Costumes should be short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames. Make sure that shoes fit well and are comfortable or you may be carrying your little trick-or-treater all the way home.
- Masks can limit or block eyesight, non-toxic makeup and properly-fitted decorative hats are fun and safer alternatives.
- Costumes and accessories should be flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of the costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long.
The Road to Reese's
- Use flashlights with fresh batteries while out trick-or-treating.
- Carry you cell phone and teach your child how to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
- Always accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Cross the street with your children at a corner. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
- Older children who treat-or-treat without an adult should plan and review the route with you before leaving. Agree on a specific time when they should return home. They need to stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Report any suspicious or unlawful activity.
The Motherlode of Goodness
- Sort through all the treats before allowing your child to eat any. Though tampering is rare, throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Give young children age-appropriate treats. Remove hard candies, large chewy bars and gum as these can be choking hazards.
- Not all candy will be labeled with the ingredients, so use caution if your children have food allergies.
- Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
- Extra time with a toothbrush is highly recommended.
So go out and enjoy all that Halloween offers. Throw on a costume, mingle with neighbors, take lots of photos, and warm up with some post trick-or-treating chili and a bonfire. Most importantly, keep your children safe.
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