While Halloween is one of the most exciting days of the year for children, it is often one of the most stressful for parents.
From trick or treating to over-indulging on chocolate, there are many factors to consider. Here is your checklist for a happy, healthy Halloween:
1. Trick or treating:
- Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or responsible babysitter
- If older children are going out on their own, parents and minders should know the exact route they are taking
- Keep to well-lit areas and only call to houses with lights on
- If your children are out past dark, ensure they are wearing reflective gear or have a torch
- Children should never enter a stranger’s house while trick or treating
- Give your kids a curfew
- Watch out for children on the roads when you are driving
2. Costumes
- Avoid costumes that drag along the ground to prevent tripping
- Wear comfortable shoes as trick or treating can be tiresome
- Use face paint instead of masks as they can hinder children’s eyesight
3. Carving pumpkins
- Never let a child carve a pumpkin with a knife. Instead, they can draw on a face with a marker
- Pumpkins with lit candles should be out of reach of children and away from curtains and other flammable objects
4. Halloween sweets
- Give your child a healthy dinner before they go trick or treating to prevent them overloading on sweets
- Ration the sweets over the coming weeks
- Inspect the sweets your child brings home and throw away anything unwrapped or tainted
5. Pet safety
- Keep pets inside and in a safe room away from loud noises
- Don’t give them any sweets or chocolate
