Halloween can be fun for both parents and their kids.
Halloween is my favorite holiday. It is a chance for me to dress up in a superhero costume and have fun. I’m sure parents also see the excitement and joy having the Halloween spirit brings to their kids.
However, there are things that parents need to be aware of so their kids can stay safe. One of the first suggestions I give families is to choose costumes that are bright and reflective. The National Safety Council says children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Making sure our little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes are visible to motorists is essential. Use flashlights or glow sticks to increase your child’s visibility and to help them navigate sidewalks and crosswalks.
It is also important that kids can see where they are going. I prefer makeup over wearing a mask. A mask can fall over the eyes or otherwise obstruct a child’s vision.
Another often overlooked safety factor is on their feet. Make sure your kids are wearing comfortable shoes. Nothing can ruin trick-or-treating faster than a child complaining about a sore foot or blisters.
Once your children get home with their Trick-or-Treat bags or buckets full of goodies, it’s important that parents go through the candy make sure that there are no unwrapped treats, spoiled candies, or anything suspicious. If you find something that doesn’t look right, get rid of it. Also be mindful of your toddlers and babies because candy wrappers, hard candies and the like may be choking hazards. You don’t want your little one reaching into the bag and swallowing something that can cause them to choke.
Most parents know what food allergies their children have. If your child has a peanut allergy, make sure to remove any candy containing peanuts before they dive into their bounty. Kids being kids, they may overindulge on the sweets after they get home. The most common harmful reactions you get from candy and treats are stomach aches. But if your child has a choking episode or starts wheezing if they eat something that is not good for them and they show signs of a serious reaction, you need to seek emergency care right away.
Other negative reactions, like rashes or stomach aches can be handled in an urgent care clinic or your pediatrician’s office.
With the right parental supervision and some common sense, Halloween can be fun for both kids and their parents.
