by Leslie Trotter

Created on: November 01, 2009

Should there be a cut off-age for kids who trick or treat for candy

Unless you're bringing your younger kid brother or sister who are too young to be out trick or treating by themselves, there is no reason not to dress up in costume and chaperon them from door to door on Halloween night, especially if your parents are working or too busy to take the little ones out.

Being 17 or 18 is way too old to be out knocking on doors for candy. However, people who know you will not mind and most likely will be happy to throw a candy bar in your goody bag. If you're mentally challenged at the age of 18 and you're out there wearing a scary costume, you can get away with it.

Although many parents would like to do without the sugar rushes their kids get on Halloween night or the cavities, they still appreciate good neighbors reaching out to make their kids happy on Halloween by passing out candy or throwing a Halloween bash for the kids. There should be a cut off age for trick or treaters, those treats should be for the little kids, not for kids who are almost adults that can afford to get jobs and buy candy for themselves on Halloween. It really shouldn't be a big deal, but when it comes to the recession and not being able to supply candy for every kid that come to the door it is a big deal to some people.

With the recession going on and people hardly being able to afford to pay their mortgage anymore, affording to purchase candy to give away to children is a stretch. Furthermore, with older kids who may be out there at the age of 15-18 trick or treating it is way too much to afford everyone. My sister and her husband choose not to pass out candy this year because of everything being so costly and they are ones who like to go out of their way to pass out candy.

There shouldn't be a law where older kids should not be out trick or treating. However, parents should let them know that it is not a good idea. Older kids could help their parents pass out candy or perhaps have a Halloween party and invite their friends over. There is so much more older kids can do that little kids can't, like watching a good horror flick on Halloween night, while their little brothers and sisters have to go to bed. Leave trick or treating to the little ones.

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