by Wendy Roltgen

Created on: September 15, 2009   Last Updated: October 26, 2009

Halloween is a fun and magical night for kids. Dressing up in costumes and returning with a bag full of candy and treats is an event kid's look forward to throughout the year. To keep this fall holiday fun, here are a few Halloween safety suggestions for trick or treaters.

Before Halloween approaches, make sure your child has a flame-retardant costume that fits properly. Loose fitting costumes can pose a trip hazard or make it difficult for your child to walk from house to house. Consider using makeup to create scary Halloween effects, instead of a mask. Your child will be able to see better and likely be more comfortable when walking throughout the neighborhood.

On the night of Halloween, provide your kids with some guidelines before leaving the house to go trick-or-treating.

Instruct your kids to not eat any of the Halloween treats they receive until they return home. As tempting as it may be, let kids know that the candy should be inspected before eating. To minimize temptation, make sure they head out on their trick or treating adventure after dinner.

For kids younger than twelve, parents should follow along as the kids trick-or-treat. For older kids, provide guidelines on where they are allowed to go and a time you expect them to return home. Encourage kids to go trick or treating with a group of friends, instead of alone.

Provide a friendly reminder to stay away from cars and invitations from strangers for a ride. Encourage your children to only trick or treat on well-lighted streets and to use the sidewalk when walking from house when possible. To prevent an accidental fall, remind kids to walk, not run, from house to house.

Remind trick or treaters to carefully watch for lighted pumpkins with candles and to only visit houses with the front light on.

Help your ghosts and goblins stand out amongst the dark night by embellishing their costumes with a glow stick necklace or bracelet. Kids love the bright light glow sticks provide and you'll be happy that your kids are easier to see. Reflective tape also works well to help make your child easier to see at night. For young children who may be afraid of the dark, consider carrying a flashlight or lantern while trick or treating.

Make Halloween a magical evening to remember with a few of these simple safety tips. Not only will you worry less about your little ghosts and goblins, you'll also provide them with an opportunity to be responsible while having a good time with friends and family.

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