Halloween is such a fun and exciting day for kids of all ages. As your children get a little older, they may still want to trick-or-treat, and in some instances, without you. When my older daughters were around 12 or 13, they started to do this in our neighborhood – first with other parents and later on with friends. This took time and a clear plan. Here are some ways we prepared so they could experience Halloween safely as they enjoyed this fun day with friends.
1. Make a Plan
With teens and tweens, it’s important to plot out the route and create a clear plan that you both know. Make sure the route is familiar, such as at a known cul-de-sac or an area with well-lit street lights and easy-to-navigate sidewalks. If it’s your first year of them trick-or-treating without you, make sure they stay near home so you can check in with them or your kids’ friends’ parents.
2. Check In
Pick specific times when you will check in with them (if they have a phone). If they don’t, have them come by your home at a point during the evening and check in with their friends’ parents.
3. Use a GPS
If your teen has a phone, make sure they know how to use the GPS on their phone, just in case.
4. Carry a Flashlight
Since some of the trick-or-treating will happen at night, have them wear reflective tape, a glow stick, or carry a small flashlight.
5. Talk Safety
It’s important to stress the importance of not going into homes or any unfamiliar cars, staying on streets that are well-lit, and not eating any candy until they get home. You also want to stress not to approach homes that aren’t lit or have trespassing signs, or go to homes with unleashed pets.
6. Stay In a Group
Make sure your child is in a group when they venture out and that you know everyone they are trick-or-treating with. Make sure they know always to stick together and never deviate from the group. That means no running and always checking in with each other.
7. Do a Test Run
Have your teen or tween do a test run of their route with you. This will ensure that you are both on the same page and you have an understanding of exactly where they will be.
8. Eat Before
In case any candy eating happens, make sure they have something to eat beforehand, or you can make your house the destination where pizza or snacks will be served.
