HALLOWEEN IS A SPOOKY, MAGICAL, FUN-FILLED NIGHT. WE ALL WANT OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES BELOW TO HAVE A GREAT HALLOWEEN!
1. Supervision is Key
Go trick-or-treating with your child if he/she is not mature enough to go out without supervision. When is a child old enough to be on their own? Well, any child under the age of 12 should definitely not be alone at night without an adult present. Even if your child is above age 12 and you feel uncomfortable with them going out alone, it’s okay to provide supervision. Use your parental judgement.
2. Plan a Route
Make a plan and map out a route for trick-or-treating, especially if your child is going out alone. This way you will know the area your child will be visiting.
3. Obey the Rules of the Road
Traffic during Halloween can get chaotic with the number of children and families walking down the streets. Talk to your child about using crosswalks, looking both ways, and staying on the sidewalk. Children often get so excited during Halloween and may not pay attention to oncoming cars. Talk to your child about walking safely through the neighborhood.
Likewise, be careful while operating a motor vehicle. Go slow and keep an eye out for children, especially when making turns and traveling through residential areas.
4. Check that Candy
We’ve heard horror stories of kids finding inappropriate items, some dangerous, mixed in with their candy. By now, we are all aware, but it doesn’t hurt to repeat this important piece of advice – check your child’s candy! Make sure the candy is sealed and labeled properly. Double-check the ingredients if your child has an allergy. Only give the candy to your child once you’re confident it is safe for consumption.
Happy Halloween! Have a fun and safe night!
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Cassandra Huneke was the Special Events Coordinator for EAC Network. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a B.A. in English and is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Media Studies at The New School University in New York City.
