Halloween: How to Keep Trick-or-Treating Fun and Safe

October is halfway over and Halloween is right around the corner. It’s time for jack-o-lanterns, crazy costumes, and overdosing on candy. All year long, kids look forward to spending the night going door-to-door, showing off their costumes and obtaining mounds of candy. However, there are so many precautions to take before going out with your kids on Halloween. Here are our top 5 tips for having a fun (and safe) Halloween!

1. Take extra precaution if driving anywhere. Halloween means hyper kids, who are excited and have loaded up on an insane amount of sugar. As a driver, it is important to watch out for any children who may have run out of sight of their parents. Drive slow and don’t let little distractions hinder your ability to focus on the road.
2. The Mayo Clinic recommends accompanying any children younger than 12 years old. Some older children do not want to have their parents accompany them because it’s embarrassing. If your children are old enough to trick-or-treat by themselves, make sure that they plan a route and go with a group of friends.
3. Everyone has heard of the dangers of taking candy from strangers, but Halloween always seems to be an exception. Don’t completely disregard this common rule though. Before you let your kids indulge in their treats, make sure that the wrappers are sealed and untampered with.
4. It is important to always carry a flashlight on your hunt for tasty treats, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The days are shorter in fall, and by the time you are able to start knocking on doors, it is often almost dark. A flashlight will help ensure that other people see you and your little ones throughout the night.
5. Finally, even though it tempting for a child to eat all of their Halloween candy in one sitting, be sure to limit the amount that they eat at one time. This will keep them from getting sick, and allows them to have treats for several weeks after Halloween!