10 Tips for a Safe Halloween for Kids

Halloween is around the corner. Every year, kids look forward to this holiday so they can wear fun costumes, knock on doors at night and collect candy by shouting “trick or treat!” Here are a few tips to remember and teach your kids to keep the night fun and safe:

1. Opt for nontoxic makeup instead of masks. Masks can block a full range of vision that’s needed when crossing streets and avoiding missteps. Remember to test makeup first before full application in case of an allergic reaction.
2. Instruct kids to watch out for cars. Cross the street at lights and crosswalks, not in the middle of the street or between cars, keeping young kids close to you. Another tip is to make eye contact with drivers to be sure that they see you.
3. Remember, candy contains ingredients that may cause allergies. Hiding in that delicious candy could be wheat, peanuts or milk — sources of severe allergies for many children. If your child is allergy-prone, check the ingredients of a candy before allowing your kid to eat and keep an eye out for candy without ingredients or labels as well.
4. Teach your kids to wash their hands often. Keeping their hands clean, especially before eating, after touching frequently touched areas or after having a physical interaction with pets or other people, can help protect them against various types of viruses, bacteria and illnesses.
5. Make sure the kids are visible in the dark. Give your kids a flashlight or glow sticks. Use reflective tape to increase the visibility of your kids’ costume. If they resist, you could always make their treat bag extremely reflective or even attach LED lights.
6. For older kids (and adults), beware and don’t wear decorative contact lenses. ‘Costume’ lenses without an eye exam and prescription can cause serious eye problems, including vision loss.
7. Stay alert. Heads up, devices down. Post those adorable photos after you get home for the night.
8. Look for porch lights. It may come as a surprise to your kids, but not everyone wants to participate in Halloween. Remind them to “trick or treat” at well-lit homes with their porch light on. Teach children that a dark house may mean no one is home, or they may have gone to bed.
9. Remind your children that the same stranger danger rules apply. This means they should never go in a stranger’s car or house, even if they’re handing out candy during Halloween.
10. Make a plan and run through it. If your kids want to go on their own, take time to talk over a plan of “approved” routes through the neighborhood. Make certain they agree to stick with the plan.

Now is also a good time to talk about eating treats in moderation. (They don’t have to eat the entire bag of candy in one sitting!) Set limits like two pieces of candy a day after a meal or whatever limits that make you feel comfortable.

Most of all, have fun! Happy Halloween!