Thursday, October 30, 2014

Dark streets and kids hyped up on sugar and excitement can be a recipe for danger. But if a trip to the mall seems less enticing than a traditional trick-or-treat evening, parents can do a lot to ensure their kids’ safety without putting a damper on the fun.

Hanan Webster, who blogs on all things parenting at eatcraftparent.com, suggests her top seven tips for keeping kids safe this upcoming All Hallows Eve:

Pick the right costume – Opt for light colored costumes instead of head-to-toe dark selections. Steer clear of over-sized shoes, high heels, and long dresses or capes kids can trip over. Be sure the costumes are loose and comfortable – and paint the kids’ faces instead of using masks so their vision is not impaired.

Plan a route ahead of time – Choose a route that avoids major intersections and has  safe crosswalks and sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, be sure to walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. And always look both ways before crossing a street.

Keep a portable light on hand – Don’t get caught in the dark after sunset. Keep a good flashlight with you and your little goblin as you navigate the streets.

Be selective – Stop only at houses where the porch light is on. If you have older children out by themselves, remind them to stay in groups and never enter a home.

Remind kids about Stranger Danger – Keep an eye out for any suspicious people or activities – and if older children are out by themselves, reinforce the message about steering clear of anyone who seems out of place or tries to approach them.

Charge your devices – Make sure your cell phone is charged and your flashlight has fresh batteries. No doubt you will want that cell phone to take some photos along the way.

Examine treats before kids eat them – Be sure all treats are properly sealed. Loose treats should be trashed. And remind kids not to feed their pets candy – especially chocolate, which can be harmful.

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