Halloween Safety Tips

While you want your children to have fun, be sure to remind them of the Halloween Hallmarks:

• Have a group with you at all times. Do not trick or treat alone.
• Avoid those houses that don't have their lights on or are not well lit.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and driveways.
• Limit the risk of costume dangers by choosing flame-retardant apparel.
• Opened or unwrapped candies should always be discarded, despite temptations to eat quickly!
• Weather should be a factor in preparing for going out. A cold night out means extra padding such as a jacket being worn underneath the costume and/or long underwear. You wouldn't want to have to come home early because you're cold!
• Explain the Halloween route so that there is a mutual understanding about the plans for the evening.
• Expect certain scenarios so that you can be prepared. What if someone invites you inside, what will you say? What if someone has pets that you are not familiar with?
• Narrow down a time for expected arrival home. This will certainly alleviate unnecessary anticipation as a parent and will place appropriate responsibility on your child. Supply your children with quarters for phone calls (or cell phone) just in case.

A few more tips:

• Be sure to have your child eat a good dinner before going out so that they're not tempted to eat candies as they receive them.
  
• Your kids may be prepared with their costume and their bag, but how about a flashlight or reflective tape on the costume so that they're seen outside.
  
• Before they go out, make sure ground rules are agreed to around the consumption of candy, for example:
  
• a limit of 8 small candies per day - 4 after lunch and 4 after dinner
  
• no more than two chocolate bars or chip bags per day,
  
• candy bags will be sorted together with parents to remove any undesirables (i.e. unwrapped candies, fruit, anything causing allergies, etc.)
  
• Think nutrition when preparing to give out treats, too. Consider alternatives to candy, such as single-serving packages of crackers and cheese, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins or non-food items such as pencils, dollar-store toys or stickers.

Need more information on parenting? Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with a child to elder care resource and referral service that is geared toward enhancing the quality of family life. Call your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to see if you are eligible for the child to elder care resource and referral service at 1 866.468.9461 or 1.800.387.4765.

© 2005 WarrenShepell