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Halloween brings with it scary ghosts, jack o lanterns, and all sorts of ghouls and goblins, both in the forms of dressed up merry makers and in the supernatural activity perceived in our all-to-willing minds. So how do we be still our overactive adrenal glands? Following some simple safety tips, and being aware of your surroundings will take you far.
According to the Vanished Children’s Alliance, “most potential abductors grab their victims on the street or try to lure them into their vehicles.” Child abductions and attempted abductions are on average 5% higher on Halloween then on an average day in the USA, so it pays to be vigilant.
1- Safety in Numbers.
Travel in groups of 4 or more, and if your child is young, always have at least one parent present. By present, I not only mean physically there, I also mean “present”. The times when your kids are running up to strangers doors, crossing busy streets, trying to sneak pounds of candy, and on a day with creeps out starting at the wee ones is not the best time to be checking out that new app or tweeting. You can do that later. I know, it’s hard, but you can do it!
2- Make Sure Costumes Fit Well.
If it’s too long, hem it (not with pins, those will just poke the kiddo’s as soon as they trip), and make sure if the child is wearing a mask, he or she can see properly and breathe well (you may need to modify it). If your kids are small, you may also want to consider how easily getting to the bathroom will be. It’s not something you want to consider when you really have to consider it, plan ahead for smooth sailing.
3- Baby, It’s Cold Outside
What’s the weather like? Is the costume appropriate for the weather you are having? You can always add a layer, or remove one for the temperature. Put the kids in sneakers- even your pretty princess. Yes, she can still be the Belle of the ball in tennis shoes- and her feet won’t blister after the first block. Let her take pictures in her fancy princess shoes before you go out, and buy some cheap sneakers you can let her put glitter and gems on. She will still feel sparkly, and it will be even more special since you let her make it.
4- Let There Be Light!
It’s going to be dark. Take flashlights, and let the kids wear flashing buttons or glo-sticks as well. They will get a huge kick out of it, and you will be able to easily see them.
5- Save Room For Dessert
Just because it’s Halloween, doesn’t mean that your kids need to eat that whole bag of candy. OK, neither should we. As soon as you get home, dump the bags and toss any candy that looks like it was not wrapped or tampered with. Sure, it’s not likely that someone stuck a razor blade in the Sugar Daddy, but why take a chance? Not an urban legend I want to mess with. Let your kids each choose a piece of candy, tell them to brush their teeth (and maybe take a bath, depending on how much makeup they are wearing) and off to bed, it’s been a long day for everyone. Plus, mom and dad totally want into that bag to take out some of the good stuff. I mean, to make sure it’s all super safe.
One last thing that we need to remember, and I think this might be the most important and most overlooked piece of year-round advice.
Go With Your Gut. As parents, we often “feel” when something or someone is “off”. Go with that feeling, if you don’t like it- don’t let them do it. That dude giving you the creeps, and not in a Halloween-y way? Keep on keepin’ on- There is always another house’s bell to ring.
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