Halloween Safety Tips: Happy Halloween!!

Remember when the only advice you had to give your kids on Halloween was to not eat unwrapped candy? You could send your kids out at 5PM and they would be in bed by 8PM. Times have changed; along with your children. Children of all ages, teenagers include, want to celebrate Halloween in a variety of ways. This is a creative time of year for children and adults alike, but unfortunately can also be a dangerous time. It is important to talk to your teens about safety. It seems a daunting enterprise, as eye rolls and sarcastic brush offs are sure to ensue as soon as you begin. However, even though it may seem as though you are completely ignored, and talking to a wall…your kids ARE hearing you…whether they show it or not. Here is a list of topics and safety tips to remember for Halloween night, and any Halloween celebration!

1.      Driving:  Halloween night is one of the most dangerous driving nights of the year. If you are going to be behind the wheel be vigilant, there are small children darting in and out on dark streets, as well as a serious uptick of drunk drivers. Additionally, make sure you have enough gas to get where you are going, you don’t want to be stuck on a dark road, stranded, and star in a horror movie.

2.      Vandalism: Vandalism is a serious offense, and even things that seem minor could be a serious mar on a once clean record. It’s not worth ruining your future for one night.

3.      Curfew: Curfews are there for a reason, and many towns strictly enforce them, make sure you know your town’s curfew and obey it.

4.      Costumes: Telling a teen what they can and cannot wear probably won’t go over well. However, talk to your kids about making sure their costumes do not impede movement, or could potentially limit them from being able to get out of any uncomfortable situation. Also, costumes that may impede vision, such as masks, should be worn with caution, and never worn while driving.

5.      Parties: Teens still go out trick or treating…the last hooray of their youth. However, parties are more and more common as your teens get older. (Here’s where the eye rolls will start). Talk to your teens about safe habits when in crowds. They may know not to accept candy from a creepy stranger….but remind them that drinks fall under that category as well.

The final tip…communicate through the night….they all have cell phones (that are practically surgically attached), remind them to use them to check in (eye roll for sure here). Your kids listen more than they seem, and take to heart much more than you know. Communicate with them; some of your advice IS getting through. Halloween is exciting for all ages; we want to keep it that way!