While Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for children, it is often one of the most stressful for parents. From choosing costumes to keeping your children safe, there are many factors to consider.
Here is your checklist for a happy, healthy Halloween:
1. Trick or treating
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or responsible babysitter
- If older children are going out on their own, parents and minders should know the exact route they are taking
- Keep to well-lit areas and only call to houses with lights on
- If your children are out past dark, ensure they are wearing reflective gear or have a torch
- Children should never enter a stranger’s house while trick or treating
- Give your kids a curfew
- Watch out for children on the roads when you are driving
2. Costumes
- Avoid costumes that drag along the ground to prevent tripping
- Wear comfortable shoes as trick or treating can be tiresome
- Use face paint instead of masks as they can hinder children’s eyesight
3. Carving pumpkins
- Never let a child carve a pumpkin with a knife. Instead, they can draw on a face with a marker
- Pumpkins with lit candles should be out of reach of children and away from curtains and other flammable objects
4. Halloween sweets
- Give your child a healthy dinner before they go trick or treating to prevent them overloading on sweets
- Ration the sweets over the coming weeks
- Inspect the sweets your child brings home and throw away anything unwrapped or tainted
5. Pet safety
- Keep pets inside and in a safe room away from loud noises
- Don’t give them any sweets or chocolate
