Fall celebrations like Halloween are fun times for children, who can dress up in costumes, enjoy parties, and eat yummy treats. These celebrations also provide a chance to give out healthy snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.
To help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement.
- When shopping for costumes, wig and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not too sharp or too long.
- Purchase flashlights with fresh batteries for all children.
- Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or local emergency room) if they have an emergency or become lost.
Following the Trick-Or-Treat Trail….
- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you.
- Only go to homes with porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
- Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters to stay in a group and communicate where they are going.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use a sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
Healthy Halloween
- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.
- Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.
Most importantly…
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
