As Halloween approaches our kids will be getting excited about dressing up as skeletons and witches and of course, all the lovely treats they will be getting on Halloween. Their thoughts are only on the fun and games that Halloween brings, while parents worry about all of the dangers it can bring to young children. Below we will talk about some of the ways to keep your children safe this Halloween and still not ruin their good time.

Prior to Trick or Treating

It is very important to choose a costume that fits your child well. Long or loose fitting costumes can drag on the ground causing the child to trip or get tangled up in them which can lead to accidents. Always make sure that the costume you help your child choose is flame resistant. There are many candles lit on Halloween and it is easy to brush against them while trick or treating. If possible it is best for a child not to wear a mask. Instead apply makeup. If this can’t be avoided then make sure that the mask fits well and your child can breathe and see through the eye and nose holes. Sit down and discuss the route you will be taking on Halloween night and make sure your child knows where to meet you if you get separated. For older children make sure they have a torch and a mobile phone before you let them head out on their own.

While Trick or Treating

It is best to only let children 12 years and older go out trick or treating on their own and still it is best to know what route they take and give them a set time to be finished and be home. For the younger children, be sure to keep them with you at all times and if possible have more than one or two adults going with you if you are supervising a large group. Encourage children to walk from house to house rather than run. Don’t let them cut through lawns to get to the next house and make them walk facing traffic and holding your hand. Make sure they also know to never go inside someone’s house, to not talk to strangers even if it is Halloween and to never ever eat the treats they are given without permission first from you or another known adult.

After Trick or Treating

Always check the treats that your child receives by looking for loose wrappers or pin holes on sweets and biscuits. If you are in any doubt at all throw the sweet away. Never let a child eat treats that is not wrapped or have fruit or any other kind of open object they may have been given. Make sure to wash off any makeup that you may have used before bedtime in case of an allergic reaction. Following these simple steps will make sure that you and your children have a safe and very happy Halloween.