Halloween is right around the corner, and many Long Island children are gearing up for a day of fun fall activities and trick-or-treating. However you choose to celebrate Halloween, Your Local Kids would like to share the following ten tips to ensure the safety of your family this October 31st.
- Trick-or-Treat with a Group
It is important that there is at least one adult chaperone in each group of children, but older kids and teens may want to go out with their friends. Make sure you discuss the route your older children plan to take, and stress the importance of them adhering to the route while staying with their group.
- Be Safe at Night
If your child is going out at night, remind them to take a flashlight or glow stick so that they are able to see and be seen. For darker colored costumes, it can help to use reflective tape, a necklace, or something similar. Stress how difficult it can be for cars to see pedestrians at night time, and make sure your child knows to cross only at crosswalks after looking both ways.
- Choose Face Paint over Masks
As cool as masks can appear, they tend to be uncomfortable after awhile, and can obstruct your child’s view while walking. Encourage your child to choose face paint or makeup to go along with their costume instead. Always be sure to test the makeup on a small area of skin beforehand to avoid allergic reactions, and make sure it’s washable.
- Choose a Comfortable and Safe Costume
Always have your child try on their costume prior to Halloween, and assure that it fits appropriately and they’re able to move comfortably. Avoid costumes that drag on their ground or are made of flammable materials. Remind children how important comfortable footwear is, and avoid high heels or shoe covers that may trip kids.
- Stay in Familiar Neighborhoods
When trick-or-treating, be sure that your child stays in a familiar area, near neighbors they’re familiar with. Make sure they follow walkways and only go to well-lit homes.
- Practice Pumpkin Safety
If your family carves pumpkins at home, always be sure that children are supervised. For young kids, have them trace their designs and carve out the pumpkin for them. They will have just as much fun pulling out the pumpkin guts and seeds, without handling any sharp tools. Many families choose to paint pumpkins instead, to avoid the mess and ensure safety for kids of all ages.
- Eat Before Trick-or-Treating
Take the time to eat a healthy meal before heading out to trick-or-treat. This can help prevent overindulging in junk food, increase energy, and help prevent crankiness.
- Be Cautious around Pets
Remind your children to avoid petting animals they may come into contact with on Halloween, unless they are already familiar with them. Talk to kids about how pets can be unpredictable when they are excited.
- Inspect Halloween Treats Carefully
Remind young children never to eat candy until you’ve had a chance to make sure it’s safe to eat, and teach older children how to identify what is unsafe to consume.
- Reinforce the Rules
When laying the framework for a fun-filled day, it is very important to have rules in place to assure the safety of your children and others. Remind kids to use their manners and good judgment. Also be sure to make older children aware of the repercussions of engaging in any mischievous Halloween pranks, such as egging or using shaving cream or toilet paper to vandalize property.
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