A beloved tradition for many families on Halloween includes walking from house to house and asking your neighbors for candy. While there really is no “trick” when trick-or-treating, parents should prepare themselves and their kids to prevent any unwanted ghoulishness.
#1: Choose the right costume.
- Use flame-resistant costumes and wings.
- Avoid costumes with long trailing fabric so no one trips.
- Use face makeup instead of masks to keep your kids’ eyes clear.
- Choose a lighter colored costume.
*The University of Maryland Medical System recommends testing makeup 24 to 48 hours before wearing it by applying a small amount to a patch of skin. Watch for signs of irritation such as itchiness, rash, redness or swelling.
#2: Make your child as visible as possible.
- Opt for glow-in-the-dark face paint.
- Carry a flashlight.
- Have your kids wear glow-in-the-dark bracelets.
- Only cross at corners and use crosswalks when possible.
#3: Stick Together
A parent should always accompany young children going door to door. Children should only approach well-lit homes, stay on sidewalks and avoid cutting through alleyways and backyards.
For older kids trick-or-treating without adult supervision, communicate with them ahead of time about what trick-or-treating route they will take and who they will trick-or-treat with. Encourage a buddy system and set expectations about checking in and curfew times.
Children should also be taught to never enter a stranger’s home.
#4: Slow Down
- Teach your kids to look left, right and then left again before crossing the street.
- Walk, don’t run, between houses.
- If driving, slow down and scan the road, keeping in mind that small children can be harder to see.
#5: Check Candy Before Eating
- Make sure to remove any loose or open candy.
- Check for allergens and toss any candy if you’re unsure about ingredients.
- Look for a teal pumpkin outside of houses for those offering candy alternatives.
*The University of Maryland Medical System is reminding parents and kids to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when they get home before eating candy to avoid spreading germs.
