How to Make Trick or Treating Safe for Kids

Trick-or-treat is usually celebrated with sweets and favors, but, isn't it that you’re not supposed to take candy from strangers? In case your little one brings this up, how do you reconcile the two points of view? For Mitch Tiongson, mom to Cayleigh, 4, it’s as simple as explaining that “Trick-or-treat is a special thing we do on Halloween. It’s tradition, and it helps us get to know our neighbors better. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful.”

1. When you’re on the giving end of trick-or-treat, know your area’s rules. Elma Tiongson, who’s part of the village association that organizes their Halloween event, also considers this a safety tip. In some subdivisions, the use of cars is banned at certain hours to avoid accidents involving pedestrians. She also recommends that households not give away treats earlier than the scheduled hour.

2. Give only to kids who line up. Elma also agrees with neighbors who refuse to give yayas or adults who line up for their kids (unless the babies are not old enough to walk.) “Sometimes, the yaya goes, then the kid [also goes],” she says. “Nauubusan yung mas maliliit na bata.”

3. Keep kids company. Lazaro says it’s best when a parent accompanies his child during events to guide him in case he might need something, or check the loot bags and see what’s appropriate to eat. More importantly, it’s a great opportunity for the parent to bond and teach her child about his surroundings.

4. Avoid costume mishaps. Lazaro also advises that parents make sure their child’s outfit is comfortable. Avoid long costumes they can easily trip on or those which easily catch fire. Check that masks enable them to breathe properly and give them good peripheral vision. If they’re carrying accessories like swords, make sure these aren’t sharp. If trick-or-treating extends to later hours, Lazaro also suggests to make the kids wear glowsticks so they can be spotted easily by others.

 

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5. Let your child eat beforehand. “By letting your child snack before an event that will tire him out, he’ll be less tempted to eat the treats he collected,” says Lazaro. Mom Ruthie makes sure her daughter Andrea eats the candies she collected during the earlier part of the day or else she would be up all night. If your child is going with his yaya, remind him not to eat any of his candies until he gets home so you can pick out only the good sweets for him.

6. Go trick-or-treat in small groups. Mom Mitch says that ever since she could remember, trick-or-treat has always been a family affair. Her sister-in-law acts as the “bouncer” when it gets too crowded; a parent carries the baby bag or takes videos, and sometimes, the grandparents are involved, too. First-time parents, their friends and extended families are always excited to get in on the action, which is great! It’s easier when others are there to keep an eye on your little one, too.

7. Advise your kids not to enter the houses. Lazaro gives this important tip, especially if you can’t accompany your child “just to be on the safe side,” since Mitch recounts that once, a mummy inside a neighbor’s house terrified her daughter. To avoid any trouble, it’s best to just stay outside the house. 

8. Map out a safe route for your child. Go trick-or-treating only in places that you feel safe in and which are familiar to you. Watch out for cues when your child gets tired as well. If he is already cranky or feeling uneasy and frightened from seeing all the spooky ghouls and ghosts, it’s time to call it a day and head home.

Want to know where you can celebrate your Halloween and go trick-or-treating? Click here.

Photo by apc33 via flickr creative commons