This will be my daughter’s first REAL Halloween (she’s 2.5). And while I’m super excited that she can say “trick or treat” and understands the concept of dressing up and getting candy, I’m pretty keen on safety too. I think that if I start implementing ideas now, that it will just become part of our annual routine *fingers crossed*.

After reading numerous sites for their Halloween safety tips, I’ve come up with a list of my own that I’d like to share with you. I’ve used www.safekidscanada.ca, Canada’s safety council website at www.safety-council.org as my starting points.

1. Map out your plan and stick to it – make sure it’s age appropriate in length. Too much can tire out your little ghoul or goblin, before they’ve had a chance to ogle their candy! Pick a time to trick or treat that doesn’t interfere too much with a little one’s schedule/routine, like after supper when it’s still fairly light out.
2. Stay visible – dress kids in brightly colored costumes and and choose face paint instead of masks. Masks can make it hard for your child to see properly and often restrict peripheral vision, making it difficult to check for oncoming traffic before crossing a road. You should also use reflective stickers or tape so that cars will notice children when it gets darker out. Make sure kids DO NOT enter houses to get candy. They can get their treats on the porch or in the driveway.
3. Only visit the houses that are decorated and/or have porch-lights on. Most people who are willing to hand out candy will put their lights on and a pumpkin out. Don’t waste time waiting at a dark house where there could be someone who doesn’t want to be disturbed.
4. Trick or treaters need to be dressed appropriately for the weather and carry a flashlight – It’s no fun if you’re cold and can’t see where you’re going (we have a cute little pumpkin one!)!
5. Drivers should slow down on Halloween – with the excitement of Halloween and impending pounds of candy, many kids (and their parents) forget simple street safety rules. Take your time and proceed with caution. Leave lots of room and be sure to signal all turns!!
6.Check the candy!!!! Society isn’t the same as it used to be. While most people who are handing out candy on Halloween have good intentions, you never really know. Be sure to check for pin prick into wrappers, rips in packaging and potential allergens BEFORE letting your child go through their stash!!
7. HAVE FUN! If you use common sense, you’ll have a great time. Get dressed up (even slightly), make up some new traditions and have a blast!

Happy Halloween!