A kid-safe Halloween has been a parental concern since the time children began the candy-collecting practice in the U.S. during the second half of the 19th century. The baby boom of the 1950’s popularized the idea of Halloween group celebrations and parades and parties became the rage. The gatherings helped dampen a rash of vandalism that occurred during the holiday. Eventually, with widespread vandalism under control, the trick-or-treating tradition returned. Here are some smart ways to ensure the safety of your little goblins this October 31st, 2003!
CELLULAR SAFETY! Give your child a cell phone for the occasion and teach them how to dial 911. Instruct them the phone is to be used for emergencies only, and that in most cities the police will automatically respond to the caller’s location whether a patrol car is requested or not.
MAP THE ROUTE! Tell your older ghouls exactly which streets to walk. Stress the importance of following a pre-determined path and staying out of unfamiliar neighborhoods. Have them draw a map of their route and give them a specific time to return, if only to empty their bags… “check in”… and head back out again.
AVOID DARK COSTUMES Dark colors don’t reflect cars’ headlights and only add to the danger of walking the streets at night. Solution? Add a few strips of “retro-reflective” tape to your little monsters’ arms and legs to make moving reflectors that can be seen by drivers from blocks away.
DOORWAY DANGER Tell your kids to never cross the threshold of neighbors’ doorways. There’s no reason for children to enter homes to receive their treats. If they’re asked to step inside, tell them to say “No thank you” and go to the next house. Practice a few times so they’re comfortable asserting themselves.
WHO ARE YOU? Make sure younger children know their complete address and phone number. Identifying bracelets are helpful, but should not be visible to strangers who could take advantage of the knowledge and insist they’re a “friend of the family” sent to take them home.
BUDDY UP! If they’re old enough to go unaccompanied by an adult, kids should always be paired with at least one friend, preferably two. Strangers with ill intent are far less likely to approach children traveling in groups because they’re less able to control the situation. Teach your kids to never leave their buddy for any reason.
CANDY CHECK-UP? In a search of newspaper stories between 1958 and 1998, Joel Best -- author of “Damned Lies and Statistics” -- found 80 documented cases of Halloween candy tampering. According to Best, more than 90% of them were either hoaxes or exaggerations. In any event, it makes good sense to check all candy before allowing your kids to munch. Some local police stations even offer a free “candy detection” service. Play it safe, and throw away any unwrapped treats, or those with broken seals. Discard fruit. There are plenty of goodies to enjoy without taking unnecessary risks.
