Halloween Safety Tips for Parents

Stemming from Celtic origins and marking a time when people believed the dead could cross over into the world of the living for one night, Halloween might possibly be one of the most celebratedand commercialized holidays in North America, and the rest of the world for that matter.

This year, for the first time in many moons,the 31^st of October falls on the much quibbled about Freaky Friday. Streets around the country light up with the most remarkable display of decorations with spooky black cats, witches and countless numbers of Jack-O-Lanterns in tow. Neighborhoods come alive with the sounds of giggling children as they go from door to door with their ever so cheerful trick or treating. They all dress up in their best costumes (something parents easily spend countless hours slaving off on) and they collect insane amounts ofcandies that add to the holiday cheer.

It’s seem to be a night to remember but when our kids roam the streets we have to be sure that they are safe at all times.We don’t want to see this spooked up event turn out into a nightmare. I would like to share some helpful advice with you in the hopes of aiding you in ensuring the safety of your entire family.

For those of you who have young kiddos it’s important to always ensure your kids have clear visibility from beneath their disguises.It’s no use the creepy ghost costume looks amazing but has your little onetripping and falling due to the fact that he can’t manage to see the worldaround him. Glow sticks and flashlights make for great accessories that will also aid them lighting up the dark night around them, and once they return from trick or treat fun check their stash to make sure the wrappers are intact and that the goods have not been tampered with, visit the Megan’s Law website and note which houses in your neighborhood house registered sex offenders and avoid.

For those of you who have older kids that are roaming the streets with friends and without your supervision, it’s important that the kids have a clearly pre-planned route to follow so they know where to go. Always make sure the area that you child will be in is safe and secure before sending them out and lastly set a clear and precise pick up time and place where you will collect your kid after the fun.

Teenagers tend to be more unruly so rules we set have to be stricter and they need to know exactly what is and isn’t acceptable during Halloween night. You need to let your teen understand what the implications of underage drinking is and how a spur of the moment crazy idea might influence the rest of their life. And as a final tip, when your teen is driving on his or her own, make them understand what the rules are for who gets to ride in the car with them.

Be safe folks and remember to follow your heart when it comes to the safety of your most precious assets, your kids!