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What other time of year are cobwebs considered a seasonal decoration? When else can I be proud of spiders dangling from my light fixtures and black plants wilted in their pots? This time of year, the kids even let me out in public without too much embarrassment, even if it is because they think my clothes are an attempt at a bag lady costume.
Halloween is a great tradition for kids and parents alike, while supporting the dental profession at the same time. But like most events that involve youngsters, a few safety reminders can help prevent the festive night from turning spooky.
For those of us who fear the word “sewing” and prefer to borrow or buy a costume instead, be sure it is fireproof. Nothing would ruin the night more than watching your child ignite when walking down the sidewalk. Fireproof attire is important because kids may trick-or-treat where lit pumpkins line doorsteps or porches, and costumes might accidentally come into contact with them. Also, kids seem to enjoy wearing costumes well past Halloween. So if Superman continues flying around your house in mid-December, you will feel safer knowing his play clothes are flame-resistant.
Don’t forget to put reflective tape on costumes, bikes, scooters or flying carpets so your child is visible.
Costumes should have adequate ventilation and should not obstruct vision. If kids are walking down sidewalks, over yards or crossing streets, they need to be able to see, especially if wearing cumbersome costumes.
Props such as pitchforks and knives are popular but can be dangerous. Avoid anything sharp in case kids trip and fall on it or accidentally hit someone in the face with it.
Kids have the pumpkins figured out. While they can’t wait to carve them, they wisely hold off until a parent has successfully been slimed from cleaning out the guts and seeds. Though one can appreciate their strategy, kids and knives are rarely a good combination. Instead, swap jobs and let kids clean the pumpkin and draw the face on it while an adult does the carving. Votive candles are safest to illuminate the pumpkin, though flashlights also do a great job. Put the lit pumpkin in a safe place where it will not get knocked over, where kids won’t step into it, by it or in smashing distance of it, and place it away from dry leaves, which could create more of a bonfire effect.
Younger kids should be accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating. Kids who are old enough or are embarrassed enough to be accompanied and plan to go without adults should have a specific route that has been approved by a parent. Remind kids to keep their cell phones on and to answer them. It is best to have set times to touch base to be sure everything is going OK. Teach kids only to go to houses with lights on, stay in groups and never go into someone’s house or car when trick-or-treating.
Also, remind kids to be cautious when walking up to houses with pets. Not all animals are friendly, and even tame pets can get wound up from the constant ringing of doorbells and visitors.
Discourage kids from treating themselves while trick-or-treating. Parents should inspect the candy and take a few of their favorites before letting kids indulge. Also, those with food allergies need to have candies containing food allergens removed from the stash.
Once your child has obtained enough candy to rival Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, the question of what to do with it all sets in. After indulging a little on that special night, it’s best to put the candy in an out-of-the-way spot. Kids may prefer to keep a stocked pillowcase under their bed, but this generally leads to overeating, snacking at inappropriate times, new little pets in the house or candy still under the bed come springtime. Try agreeing on just one or two pieces per day and then donating it somewhere so you can resume healthy eating habits.
Halloween is a favorite among kids, not to mention those of us who never got around to spring cleaning. A little planning, a few safety checks and some parental supervision will help their ghoulish night be a treat.
Ann-Marie Berg is a pediatric nurse practitioner and freelance writer whose work appears in other newspapers. She can be reached at amhberg@mchsi.com.
