It’s that time of year again when children are excited and overwhelmed with holiday festivities surrounding the autumn holidays.  What costume should they choose for Halloween and who will they be going trick or treating with?  High anticipation of spooky parties and of course, what yummy and delicious treats will they receive on Halloween night are the main topics of conversation at my preschool.  Halloween is one of the most fun times not only for children but for many adults as well.

Before Halloween actually arrives we have to take many things into consideration. Are the costumes you’re choosing safe for your child?  Is your property Halloween safe for little trick or treaters coming up to your front door?  Remember to keep safety first.

I always review a list of safety tips with my preschoolers and after school children to make them aware that fun times require responsibility and alertness.

Children can still have fun and be cautious at the same time!!!!!!

When purchasing costumes remember to select accessories such as, swords, canes, etc. that will be short and soft.  Always have the children trick or treat with you or in groups.  Flashlights or other Halloween light-up devices like glow sticks and reflective tape will help the children see where they are going at night and be easily noticed.  They should remember to WALK to each house and not to RUN from house to house so they and other children do not get hurt.  It’s also important to walk on sidewalks and not cut across people’s lawns.  Children might not see statues and other lawn ornaments at night.  It is vital that children slow down and look both ways when they are crossing streets.  Street safety might be overlooked with all the excitement that is going on.

I, personally, like costumes that are mask-free.  Children can have a better peripheral vision and not feel itchy while they are trying to walk up and down driveways.  If they do wear a mask make sure it fits properly.  Costumes should be at a proper length to avoid trips and falls.  No one wants a scrapped knee for a Halloween treat.

If you use make-up, test it on their skin before Halloween to avoid any reactions to the product resulting in an unpleasant day.

Children should be cautioned not to enter the home of a stranger or go in cars.  They should not accept rides from strangers.

Jack-O-Lanterns are creepy and fun to look at, but children should be advised that candles should not be touched or played with.

Cell phones are a good way to communicate with the older children and allows them a way to call for help should a problem arise.

Finally, children should never eat their treats until they have been checked by mom or dad first.  I remind my school children that mommy probably bought plenty of candy just in case any pieces have to be thrown out.  Better to be safe than sorry!!!!!!!!!

As adults we want to keep our property as well lit as possible and keep decorative items with open flames away from the trick or treaters.

Well I hope everyone has a howling Halloween filled with bagfuls of good times and yummy treats. ENJOY!!!!!!

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*** I wanted to add another note on pets. Please make sure your child is fully aware that chocolate, like onions, is extremely harmful to dogs and cats. They have a toxic substance that the animals can’t tolerate. We want to make sure that even our pets have a safe and non-stressing Halloween. ***