Tis the season for ghoulish fun and gobbling candies, true. But sending our children incognito out into the streets at night to knock on strangers’ doors is a worrisome tradition at best – and a potentially dangerous one that can make even the most secure parent more than a little ill at ease. Macaroni Kid is all about having a good time, and what’s more fun for kids than Halloween? With a little extra precaution and some good, old-fashioned common sense, your kids can have a spooky blast, and you can rest easy knowing they’re safe.
Halloween Safety Tips

  • Never send your child out alone to trick-or-treat! Younger children should always be accompanied by at least one trusted adult, and older kids (5th grade and up) should remain in groups when haunting the neighborhood.
  • Forgo bulky masks that can block your child’s view while walking or create a build-up of unhealthy sweat or plastic fumes. Instead, opt for short eye-masks or ones painted on with makeup.
  • Attach glow-tape to your child’s costume to make her clearly visible to motorists.
  • Never allow a child to carry a weapon – even as part of a costume. Fake weapons should be lightweight, free of sharp edges and well-made, with pieces that will not accidentally detach during the night.
  • Buy only allergy-tested and lead-free face paints and makeup, and pre-test it on your child’s skin a day or two before Halloween to make sure he does not have an allergic reaction.
  • Build or purchase costumes made of flame-retardant materials, and be sure they fit snugly, with no loose, flowing pieces that might catch on things as your child walks.
  • Warn your child to steer clear of flames, such as Jack-o-Lanterns with real candles inside or votive candles lining walkways.
  • Instruct your child to eat only candies that are sealed and well-wrapped and to avoid eating homemade foods or opened candy and food items until you have had a chance to thoroughly examine them and give the okay. (Never eat homemade foods from complete strangers.)
  • Tell your child to NEVER enter the home of a stranger – even that of a neighbor you don’t know very well.
  • Steer clear of houses with no lights or decorations, even if you see a car in the driveway or movement behind the curtains. Having a “dark” house on Halloween is a signal that these neighbors may not wish to be bothered by trick-or-treaters.

 
 

Article courtesy of MacaroniKid.com