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Every year families unknowingly allow their young children to be at risk on Halloween. A few simple measures can prevent most accidents so that the little trick or treaters come home safely. Even if you are going to a community or home party, these safety tips are important.
1-Make sure the costume is no longer than ankle length.
2-Put glow in the dark stickers on your child's clothing as well as the person who is walking with your child.
3-Ideally a parent should take the child around to friends and family. If a parent can't do this, than another trusted adult should be enlisted. Asking an older child to look out for a younger child could lead to problems. Does the older child know which homes are safe? Will the younger child obey the older child? Will the older child watch out for the younger especially crossing the street?
4-Insist all candy be brought home for inspection before being eaten with no exceptions.
5-Do not allow your child to accept any food item unless it is commercially wrapped. That means, except from Grandma or a Auntie, no home baked cookies.
6-Forget the mask. These distort a child's vision. Little children are afraid of people wearing masks. Better to use makeup and design a face to go with the costume.
7-Give the child a sturdy plastic bag or tote bag to use for the treats. Paper can easily break. No one wants to have a child in the middle of the street picking up candy.
8-Avoid costumes with wide arms or tails which can get caught on bushes, trees, poles or in candles.
9-Make a list of the homes of trusted friends and family members and don't be tempted to go to a neighbor or any one you don't know well. If another adult takes your child around make sure you know where they will go.
10-Have the child wear sensible footwear such as sneakers or leather shoes. Forget the sandals, plastic boots or platform shoes, even if it goes with the costume it can be dangerous on a dark night.
Your community might offer Halloween alternative events which are much safer than going door to door in the dark. Check your local newspaper to read of special events such as Halloween parties sponsored by the Y, Scouts, or other community groups. The kids will enjoy dressing up and joining others in costumes. They'll have fun in a safe environment. Most of these events include refreshments as well as bags of candy. If the activity includes a scare house you might want to plan a different program for younger kids. Even first graders have a problem separating fantasy from reality and the event might be too frightening for them.
If your community doesn't offer a Halloween gathering, why not have one at your own home? You can control the snacks and include some healthy alternatives such as sliced apples, raisins, cheese and crackers. You can serve apple or cranberry juice for drinks.
You and your child can plan the party together from designing the invitations on your computer, or picking out special ones at the store, to deciding on a theme. Since it is at your home you set the rules. Remember, little children are often afraid of people behind masks. You might want to mention that no masks are allowed at the party.
A suggested theme: You favorite movie, TV or book character but no Freddie Krugers or other horror figures. Young children might laugh and act like they enjoy being scared but the nightmares they have later are no fun for them or their parents. Keep the party light and happy.
Suggested game: Bean bag tic tack toe toss. You can make several bean bags by sewing squares of fabric or felt and filling these with beans, or buy bean bags at a toy store. There should be six with an X and six with an O. Put a large sheet of poster board on the floor. Divide the poster board into 9 squares with a black magic marker. Use the bean bags to play a toss version of tic tack toe. Children take turns two at a time. When one is out they sit down, and the next child plays the winner. Continue playing the winner until one person is left.
Prizes: Have small prizes for all the children. The winner can have first pick. Discount stores have party sections with inexpensive toys which can be used for prizes. There are plastic bracelets, whistles, rings, kazoos, small cars, stickers and other items.
When the party is over give each child a trick or treat bag of penny candy to take home.
A home party might be a lot of work but it is also much safer than going door to door on a cold, dark night.
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