by Dee Davis

Created on: October 25, 2009

Despite the dark images behind the celebration of Halloween, it is really meant to be fun and interesting. Attached with this celebration is a history of tricksters who plays tricks not for the fun of it, but to seriously harm others. Therefore, it is not only important that you enjoy the celebration, but that you are also safe.

HAVE A DESIGNATED ROUTE:

It is very important to have a designated route for your children to follow (especially if they are trick-or-treating on their own) on Halloween. More so, only trick-or-treat on your street, or only knock on the doors of those that you know or are familiar with.

TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR CHILD (REN):

Take pictures of your children in their costumes before they leave home in case of an emergency.

DO NOT ACCEPT FRUITS:

We have to make sure that we are clear with our children (especially if they are older children who are trick-or-treating on their own) about what kind of 'treats' to accept. It's very important that we remind our children not to accept fruits like apples (and candy apples are also on that list). We have all heard the story of children who are given apples with razor(s) in them.

SORT THROUGH CANDIES FIRST:

This brings me to my next point Do not eat candies while trick-or-treating, wait until you get home. It is very important that your parents are able to examine the treats you've collected over the time you've been trick-or-treating, to make sure that they are good, unopened and safe to eat.

DO NOT ACCEPT OPENED CANDIES:

Do not accept candies with wrappers that have been removed, which appears as though the seal has been broken, or has been rewrapped. If you don't know how to say no to a neighbor or someone who has given you a candy that fits the description above; accept it and then discard of it after you've left or when you get home.

TRICK-OR-TREAT BEFORE DARK:

Don't wait until its really dark out or late to trick or treat. Make sure that you go out at a reasonable time and return at a reason time.

TRICK-OR-TREAT IN GROUPS:

Do not trick or treat by yourself and if you are in a group make sure you stay together. Do not split-up or walk ahead, but walk side-by-side and stick together!

WEAR BRIGHT COLORS:

Wear bright colors so that you are visible by motor vehicles and others.

CARRY A CELL PHONE:

Make sure that you have a cell phone on you so that you can be contacted by your parents or guardian.

More importantly, Halloween is a great time for family to be together, to have fun dressing up in costumes and spending time together. Therefore, why not make it an event for the whole family? It's the best way to be safe, knowing that you are not only sharing in this fun with your children, but that you are there to keep them safe.

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