Halloween Insights - By Michelle Libby

I asked my Facebook friends at what age kids should stop trick-or-treating door to door and the answers surprised me. I think once I was in high school and my sister was able to go out in the neighborhood with her friends, I was no longer allowed to knock on doors and beg for candy. I did however dress up in dark clothing with a friend and run through the woods scaring the Halloween stuffing out of my sister. 
 

The informal, very official poll I took this morning, said that it’s okay for teens to dress up and trick-or-treat. As long as they are behaving and setting good examples…parents wouldn’t be upset to see these kids at their door on Halloween night. Some said middle school was the cut off and one father posted a story about a mother whose son and his friends went trick-or-treating in the neighborhood after agreeing they wouldn’t. The article describes one child, a 15-year-old who was six feet tall and had a deep voice. I realized that some of those kids who show up at my door, might be in eighth grade and just really tall, but still a kid at heart. 

So I’m thinking that now, it’s okay to trick-or-treat when you’re older if you’re doing it in the name of fun and are safe. 

As a parent, I have to put the safety reminders out there for all. 

The general safety rules still apply. Cross the street safely. Don’t talk to strangers or go with them. 

Never go into a stranger’s house or even ring the doorbell unless there’s an adult with you. 

Older teens going out alone must make sure an adult knows where you are going and who you are going with. If you have a curfew, abide by it. If you’re going to be late, call.

Vandalism is very bad and can get you in trouble with the law. 

Costume safety tips. Purchase costumes made of flame retardant material. If making it use nylon or polyester, which are flame resistant. Work reflector strips into the costume or give the trick-or-treaters a light stick to make them more visible. Masks should have large eye holes for good visibility.

There are lots of other safety tips online by searching Halloween safety. Have a fun night, be safe and save me some candy.