Halloween trick or treating with children

Halloween is an exciting time for children, filled with the thrill of dressing up and going trick or treating in their local neighbourhood. However, as parents, it’s important to ensure that this celebratory night remains safe and enjoyable for you and your children.

Here is some practical advice to help you navigate Halloween with your children, focusing on safety, what to wear, and the importance of staying vigilant throughout the evening.

Planning ahead

As parents, safety should always be the top priority for Halloween. Start by planning your trick or treating route in advance – this can often begin by talking to other parents at your child’s nursery or preschool to see when and where they intend to go. Choose well-lit, familiar neighbourhoods with pavements and minimal traffic. Share your chosen route with other parents in case they wish to join you, and agree on a meeting point in case any groups of parents and children become separated.

It’s also a good idea to think about what time you will head out trick or treating. Late-October days tend to be dark by 5pm, and so you can head out early in the evening, and still ensure you are back home to start on the bath and bedtime routine with minimal disruption.

Before heading out, talk to your children about basic safety rules. Remind them to remain close to you at all times and to not talk to strangers.

Choosing the right costume

For children, wearing a costume and having their face painted, is what Halloween is all about! There are so many options out there and Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for parents who are unsure where to begin. When choosing a costume, consider both visibility and comfort. Bright, reflective costumes are ideal, as they make it easier for drivers and other trick or treaters to see your child/ren. Ensure the whole costume fits well to prevent tripping and choose comfortable footwear that your child can walk easily in.

Top tip – you can buy reflective tape or glow sticks to enhance visibility.

Masks can obscure vision so consider using face paint as an alternative. If your child does insist on wearing a mask, make sure it fits properly and that the eye holes are large enough for them to see clearly. Keep in mind that the weather might change during the evening, so bring additional clothing with you or wrap them in extra layers before they leave the house.

Be mindful that some children may not want to get dressed up but they may want to go trick or treating – this is ok and it is important to acknowledge and address their worries and concerns.

Staying vigilant

As a parent on Halloween, your primary role is to ensure your child enjoys the night while remaining safe. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. If you are trick or treating in a group, take turns with the other parents to supervise the children while others recce the area for potential hazards (uneven pavements etc). Always walk on pavements and use traffic lights or zebra crossings to cross the road.

Be cautious when approaching houses. Look for well-lit houses and avoid those that seem dark or unwelcoming – generally, homes with lit pumpkins outside are those who are happy to be called upon. Be cautious of naked flames inside pumpkins – embers and sparks can fly, so ensure your child stays a safe distance away.

While it’s rare, it’s best practice to inspect any sweets or treats that your child gets given before allowing them to eat them. Discard in a rubbish bin any unwrapped or suspicious food items. Some parents prefer to bring their own snacks for their children to enjoy along the way – this is a great way to ensure your child has safe treats during the evening!

Have fun!

While safety is paramount on Halloween, don’t forget that the night is about having fun! Encourage your child to stay close, but allow them to enjoy the experience of trick or treating surrounded by their friends. Carry a torch to help guide your way, and consider using a group messaging app to stay in touch with other parents before and on the night itself. By planning ahead, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun and memorable experience for the whole family!