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How to Keep Your Kids Safe on Halloween

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Halloween is an exciting holiday for children who can't wait to don their costumes and troll the neighborhood for sweets. Parents may have concerns about safety, remembering how as a child, their parents sifted through their candy searching for razor blades or hidden pins from ill-intentioned neighbors. While these concerns may be mostly unsubstantiated, safety is a major anxiety for parents on Halloween. These tips should help to assuage parents' fears.

Trick or Treat with Your Kids

Until your child is of an age where you feel comfortable letting them trick or treat on their own, make sure you walk with your younger child on Halloween. While it may seem natural to wait at the base of the driveway while your child gets his or her candy, walk to the door with them instead. Not only will you be able to correct any greediness or bad manners on your child's part, you can also speak with the neighbor and get to know them a bit.

Don't Allow Your Children to Enter a Home

This may seem obvious, but often candy givers will have a bowl of candy just inside the door, or if they have an indoor Halloween display, they may invite your children inside. Advise your child in advance that going inside a stranger's home is not acceptable, and graciously decline any such offer made to your child.

Be Visible

Make sure costumes aren't all black to avoid your child being struck by a car when crossing the street. Choose Halloween costumes with some lighter colors or, at the very least, consider using reflective tape on the costume. Carrying a flashlight is always a good idea, and giving your child glow sticks or glow accessories like bracelets or necklaces is a great way to make sure drivers will be able to spot your child before an accident can occur. Cross at crosswalks when you can for added safety.

Toss Homemade Treats

Go through your child's Halloween goodie bag and throw away any homemade goods. Because you can't know the ingredients in a homemade treat, this is a good way to avoid allergic reactions. Also along the vein of the old tales of poison-laced candy and treats containing sharp objects, it is advisable to stick to prepackaged, wrapped sweets. If you know the neighbor well, you may feel comfortable allowing your child to eat homemade loot, which is another great reason to accompany them to see which neighbors give your child what treats.

Trunk or Treat

Some communities or local organizations may offer a Halloween "Trunk or Treat" event. The participants line up their cars in a parking lot and candy is distributed from the trunks of their vehicles. Trunk or Treating is a great way to avoid walking down dark streets or crossing busy roads on Halloween. You are also more likely to know the families participating if you are a member of the group that organizes the event.

Community Events

Some smaller cities will organize a Halloween program where local businesses set up tables along a central street in town. Crossing guards may be present if the street has not been blocked off. When the town gets together for events like this, Halloween can be even more exciting for kids as they get to experience seeing a wide variety of Halloween costumes. These events usually take place right after school so trick or treating is over long before it gets dark.

Dress for Inclement Weather

Wearing a coat over a Halloween costume can be frustrating for kids, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be dressed appropriately for October weather. If you anticipate a lot of resistance, consider buying or making a warmer Halloween costume that won't require added bulk. Don't forget to bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.

Following these seven simple guidelines will ensure you and your children have an enjoyable, safe Halloween experience. Taking precautions to protect your child will make you feel more secure and keep them out of harm's way. If you have any concerns when taking your child trick or treating, follow your instincts and act accordingly. On Halloween, safety should be your top priority and the steps outlined above are a great way to avoid turning Halloween into a potential nightmare.