For those handing out candy:
- If you don't want to hand out candy, don't turn your porch/garage light on.
- Put a note on your front door if you don't want a stray trick-or-treater knocking on the door or ringing the bell. Maybe you have a sleeping baby, or a dog that goes nuts at person/s at the door, make it clear you are "closed for business".
- Keep as many lights on as possible to make walking to your door as easy as possible for young children. Instead of just a porch light, turn on a garage light also to help keep it as lit as possible. Keep as many decorations (pumpkins, haybales, etc) off the walkway and away from the front door so as to not trip up trick-or-treaters.
- No matter the age of the child, always make sure they travel in "packs" or groups.
- Abide by your municipalities set trick-or-treat times.
- It's a courtesy to those handing out candy so they know who to expect at their door at night, and for fire dept/police who monitor the streets.
- Make sure your kiddos can walk/communicate easily in their costume.
- Have a game plan in place for cold weather - You can you put a turtleneck under the costume to keep them warm.
- Practice getting the costume on/off for younger children so quick bathroom trips can be (as) easy (as possible).
- Make sure kids know not to approach strangers, cars for candy, or homes with no porch light on.
- Check all candy at home (to pick your favorites!) to make sure no allergens are introduced into the home, or tampered candy.
- Bring an extra bag for candy in case your kiddo's bag/bucket breaks.
- Make sure kiddos with "weapons" as a part of their costumes understand they shouldn't try to actually hurt other kiddos with them.
- Teach older kids dresses "scary" to not scare younger kids, and to realize even if they don't try to...they might still scare younger kids.
Happy Halloween from Macaroni Kid!!!
