While the media tells parents to be wary of poisoned candy or razor blades in apples the truth is that very few children are injured by their Halloween candy. Although it might seem silly, a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics proves that pedestrian injuries, like tripping or falling, are actually the most common way that children injure themselves during their Halloween fun. Here are 5 easy ways to keep your kids safe that won't spoil their Halloween fun:
When it comes time to take your little ones out trick-or-treating, make sure you have adequate adult supervision. If you're feeling overwhelmed by how many kids there are in your group, get help! For large groups of children, all trick-or-treating together having multiple adults walk with the same group of kids is best so you can ensure that you are able to keep an eye on everyone.
Plan costumes for your children that are made of bright, reflective, flame resistant material so that they can easily be seen in the dark. For kids who insist on wearing darker colors, suggest enhancements to their costume that glow like glow sticks/bracelets, glow-in-the-dark paint, etc. Be sure that all costumes are short enough to prevent tripping while walking!
Consider using non-toxic face makeup and/or decorative hats rather than masks. They'll have fun getting ready with you and having them paint their face and you'll ensure that there's nothing blocking your child's eyesight.
Make sure all of your trick-or-treaters, children, and adults, have flashlights to use for when it gets dark. Have the adults in the group all carry a backup pack of batteries just in case someone runs out of power.
Before you leave for trick-or-treating, talk with your kids and set some rules. Tell them to stay close to you (no running ahead) and should only trick-or-treat at homes with a porch light on. Also, let them know that they should NEVER enter a home or car to get a treat!
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