On Halloween in Harwood, N.D., the peaceful streets come alive with ghosts, goblins and creatures of the night.
Meet two of them: 3-year-old Siena Newland and her 5-year-old brother Ben. But tonight they're a witch with a pointy hat that doesn't feel right and an Optimus Prime Transformer who's been practicing "trick or treating" since summer.
"When they're this age, the most important thing is to have fun, not get scared and, of course, stay safe," says their mom, Stephanie.
Days before they picked out their costumes. "That's such a big part of the fun," says Stephanie. "I only have a few rules when it comes to costumes: you have to be able to see, you can't wear anything that'll get in your way – like a long tail, and you have to wear your regular shoes."
Their mode of transportation as they go house to house in their neighborhood? A wagon pulled by their dad, Dan. "It's a great way to keep the group together and it minimizes the risk of tripping and falling," says Stephanie. And to make absolutely certain they can see in the dark – and be seen – Dan carries a flashlight and the kids wave glow sticks.
Safety for older ghosts and goblins
MeritCare pediatrician
Sarah Lien, M.D., gives the Newland family a thumbs-up for the steps they take to ensure a safe Halloween, including the most important safety step: Adults need to accompany kids who are under 10 years old. "It's a great opportunity to teach them things like look both ways before crossing the street, say 'thank you' and use your walking feet – not your running feet," she says.
And when kids are older? "Parents need to set boundaries that are age appropriate," she says. "Halloween is an exciting time for kids, but that doesn't mean it's a free for all, especially when it comes to trick or treating."
Safety tips for older goblins include:
- Going in groups and carrying a cell phone to keep in touch with parents.
- Establishing a time when the kids will return home.
- Agreeing to go only to homes with porch lights on.
- Never going inside homes.
- Practicing pedestrian safety – staying on sidewalks and crossing at crosswalks.
Goblins don't gobble
When trick-or-treaters return home with their bounty, parents need to take additional safety steps:
- Check to make sure all the treats are safely sealed with no signs of tampering.
- Throw out loose candy, spoiled items and any homemade treats made by someone you don't know.
- If you have young children, get rid of hard candy and gum because these can cause choking.
And after inspection? "I know candy is a big part of Halloween, but I do worry about teeth and obesity," says Dr. Lien. "Let them have a little more the first night, but after that ration out the candy. That goes for parents, too."
And keep in mind candy isn't the only option when it comes to giving out treats. More and more people give stickers, erasers, crayons and coloring books. Dr. Lien recalls her son and daughter receiving plastic Hawaiian leis – and loving them.
One final tip: "Don't bombard your kids with safety tips all at one time," says Dr. Lien. "Start talking about them now in the weeks and days leading up to Halloween. Talk about the treats you'll give out, the importance of safe costumes that won't cause trips and falls, and how to be a good pedestrian. Safety messages are best received when they're gradual."
Read more tips for a
safe and "spooktacular" Halloween. And have fun!