Sticky fingers
Tired feet;
One last house,
‘Trick or Treat”
~Rusty Fischer, Authour
Well, it this that time again, my friends. A time when the lights go dim, and the neighborhood witches, ghosts, and goblins set off in search of tricks-or-treats. That is correct, Halloween is upon us all! However, before you send your little candy monsters out into the wilds of your neighborhood, be sure to keep them safe with these tips…
Keep it Safe on the Streets...
- Halloween is a time to take in the sights, sounds, and wonders of the night, so pay attention and put away electronic devices.
- Keep heads up and focused on the street while walking. Be mindful of zombies and cute spiders when crossing the street. Remember to look both ways and no running across the street.
- Use sidewalks when possible. If not, walk facing traffic and keep to the left.
Witches are Cute, but…
- The screeching sounds from witches should be from joy and not pain. Remember to make sure your child is wearing a flame-retardant costume. With candle-lit jack-o-lanterns lighting their paths, let us make sure that no little witches are dropping and rolling in ditches.
- The students from Gryffindor will be out and about waving their magic wands. To keep all wizards safe, make sure that all costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls.
- Masks are wonderful at transforming children into phantasmic characters; however, masks can become uncomfortable and obstruct your child’s vision. Consider using make-up to add flair.
- As the sun dips below the horizon, and the night descends, remember to make sure your little one is visible to others. Using reflective tape or wearing lighter colors will go a long way in helping others to see your sweet pumpkin.
Let’s Make Halloween Fun For All…
- Halloween should be a fun event for all in our communities, and with a few accommodations, Halloween can be enjoyed by all.
- For trick-or-treaters with physical limitations, consider moving your candy bowl down to the sidewalk as steps can be difficult for some individuals to climb.
- Being patient goes a long way when sharing Halloween with children with developmental delays. Allow children to process the moment. It might take some time for a child to respond. And be prepared to help a child choose their treat or place it in their bucket if necessary.
- Some homes may feature colored pumpkins, or you might notice a trick-or-treater carrying a colored pumpkin. Blue pumpkins are used to represent autism — teal pumpkins for children with food allergies.
- Having alternatives to candy is a great way to include all in the festivities. Consider stickers, wheat-free play-doh, coloring books, or other small items.
Halloween is a time to enjoy the fall evening with friends and neighbors. These useful tips will make the evening enjoyable for all. Have a ghostly good time and Happy Halloween from Hoyleton Youth and Family Services!
