Five things Nannies, Babysitters, Moms and Dads should consider to ensure a safe and Happy Halloween.
Costumes
- • Face painting can be messy but is preferable to masks that can be hard to breathe in and reduce the child’s ability to see.
- • Check the weather forecast so that kids are dressed appropriately; long johns might not be popular amongst the zombies and witches but are critical to keeping warm.
- • As there will be many pumpkins lit with candles on the route, non-flammable costumes are a must.
House to House
- • Kids under 12 should be accompanied by an adult, whether Mom and Dad or the Nanny or Babysitter.
- • Older kids who insist on going on their own should always go in groups.
- • A ‘trick or treating’ route and a time to be back home should be agreed in advance.
- • Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with the kids on their own; ask them to check in every 30 minutes.
- • Make sure your kids only go to houses that are celebrating Halloween, signalled by porch lights turned out and pumpkins.
- • Ensure kids know that they should never enter a house, even if a home is decorated as a haunted house.
- • Remind kids that the normal traffic rules apply to cross the streets
Your Home
Although going out from house to house with the kids is a lot of fun, an adult (Mom or Dad or the nanny or babysitter) should say at home to man the candy bowl. A big bowl left on the front porch does not stay full for long.
Candy
- • Candy with torn or ripped wrappers should be thrown away.
- • Homemade candies and fruit, should not be eaten.
- • An adult (Mom or Dad or the Nanny or Babysitter) should supervise the review of the booty when kids get home to make sure negotiations amongst siblings and friends stay peaceful.
- • Some homes have a rule about how many candies can be eaten on the night and each day following. This can make the fun of Halloween last longer and avoid upset tummies.
Talking to the Kids
A study by www.safekids.org revealed that only 35% of parents talk to kids about safety before Halloween. Be part of that 35% and have fun! Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays for kids, and parents, nannies and babysitters alike –of the calendar year. Following the simple rules above will ensure everyone is happy and safe for this great tradition. And good luck to all those ghosts and ghouls seeking candy this Halloween!