Cute costumes, scary ones who doesn’t love Halloween? As fun as it can be it can also be a scary stressful time as a parent. Taking your children out at night walking to strangers houses telling them to ask for treats. Isn’t this what we teach our kids all year long is to not talk to strangers? As a parent we need to ensure we have the conversation that Halloween is the only time their allowed to do that and only if mommy or daddy is with them. Any other time don’t talk to strangers, don’t go to their houses and never accepts treats from them.

So, how can we find the balance to allow our children to have fun, but ensure they stay safe?

Here is some advice so your kids stay safe trick or treating while they still have fun.

10 Trick or Treating Rules To Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween

1. GO WITH THEM

When your kids are little it’s obvious you have to go with them. However when they get alittle older they might want to go with their friends. If they think its not cool mom or dad yah along then send their older sibling or their cool aunt to chaperon them. Children of any age should never be wandering dark streets alone.

2. GO DURING DAYLIGHT

It’s ok to be the first ones out, you get to pick the good candy. The earlier you start the sooner you can get home before it’s too dark out and excessive amounts of people. Less likely to lose a kid during the daytime.

3. FLASHLIGHTS OR GLOW NECKLACE

If going out in daylight is not an option, make sure your children either have a flashlight or some type of glow stick, necklace or bracelet. At night there are lots of people and cars and you want to ensure your kid is not hidden by the dark. Anything that makes your little one glow in the dark will help them stay safe trick or treating.

4. SAFE TRICK OR TREATING ATTIRE

Avoid long hems they can trip over, high-heeled footwear, anything too hot or too cold, and masks that will impair their vision.

5. ONLY GO TO HOUSES YOU KNOW

In residential communities where people know one another, by visiting the homes of friends and families. They will be delighted to see your children in their costumes and give them treats.

6. NEVER GO INSIDE AN UNKNOWN HOME

Never ever should your child go into a home, shed, garage etc. If they can’t receive their treat outside then they shouldn’t be there. There are plenty of other houses etc that will have treats.

7. STAY TOGETHER

Before you head out make sure your kids understand the importance of sticking together at all times. Do a head count in your group and keep count regularly so no one is left behind.

8. HAVE A LOST PERSON PLAN

To cover all eventualities and stay safe trick or treating have a plan should someone get lost. For older kids, they will likely use Snap Chat maps on their phones. Younger kids could have a meeting point or maybe go onto the street (pavement not road) and wave their glow sticks in the air.

9. CHECK THE TREATS

It is a good idea to check your kids treats before they eat them. Make sure they know what they’re putting in their mouths and throw anything part-opened or not right looking in the trash.

10. DO SOMETHING ELSE

If treat or tricking is all too much, there are lots of other things you can do to entertain the kids on Halloween. Have your own Halloween party, check out local school or mall truck or treating events. Talk with other parents and see what they do or check out Pinterest for some other fun ideas.

Have fun, make memories with your kiddos while keeping them safe. Happy Halloween.