Is it just me, or does it feel like the first week of October is already the start of Halloween? If you have a child, then it’s likely that your October calendar is already packed with all sorts of Halloween-themed activities and events. Here are five important safety tips for kids on Halloween.
But Halloween is not always exciting for young kids right off the bat. Let’s be honest, Halloween is full of images of all things spooky! You can help your kids prepare for Halloween in so many ways that introduce Halloween in a playful, gentle, and fun way for young children.
In this article, I will share some of my best ways to help kids prepare for Halloween, so they feel excited, safe, and in the spirit!
Related: Don’t miss this practical post on how to help kids prep for Halloween.
Halloween Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
Boo! Spookiness aside, Halloween time can be fun and festive for some, but it can put the heebie-jeebies in others.
As parents, we have the unique opportunity to help kids understand from a young age that Halloween should be fun and it doesn’t have to be scary! It’s important to help kids prepare for Halloween by giving them the tools they need to manage anxiety and stay safe.
Before the Halloween festivities kick off, try incorporating some simple guidelines with your kids to help kids prepare for Halloween.
5 Safety Tips for Kids on Halloween:
Always Carry a Flashlight.
Kids love a good flashlight! Halloween is the perfect opportunity to let your kiddos carry their own flashlight around to illuminate their surroundings and give them some security in their environment. This is why this is safety tips for kids on Halloween number one.
So much about Halloween can keep as it goes against the basic safety rules we teach our kids. Regarding trick-or-treating, it’s important to remind your child to always approach new places and faces cautiously. You can help your kids prepare for Halloween and trick-or-treating by establishing some basic yet essential guidelines for the big trick-or-treating event.
Practice Safe Trick-or-Treating Etiquette.
Practice this type of etiquette by teaching them:
- Only approach homes that have their lights on
- Ring the doorbell or knock twice
- Say please, and thank you
- Say trick-or-treat when the homeowner answers the door
To keep each trick-or-treat stop quick and efficient to keep the fun moving along.
Related: Need help deciding what to be? Take a look at this list of favorite 40 Halloween costumes. My favorite is the Hedgehog!
Draw out a Trick-Or-Treat Map.
Whether your child is trick-or-treating in your neighborhood or with friends, make sure they are familiar with the sidewalks, stop signs, intersections, and any other familiar markers in the area.
Go for a walk with your child before Halloween night and talk about the houses they would like to stop by when they go trick-or-treating.
Point out the stop signs along the way and ensure they know what they mean.
Take note of neighborhood homes that have festive Halloween decorations. Explain that these festive homes are great indicators that they will pass out candy and could be included on your trick-or-treat map.
When you get home, draw a map with your child of all the places you talked about.
This trick-or-treat map will help your child know where they are so they will feel less afraid of Halloween night, and you will feel more secure about their safety.
Practice trick-or-treating.
Play dress up and set up mini stations in your house to let your kids practice walking from “house” to “house”. Help kids prepare for Halloween by letting your child practice passing out candy in your own home so they will be confident with what to expect when they go out trick-or-treating.
Sidewalks and Reflective Gear
Is it just me, or are you kids constantly wanting to veer off the sidewalk and onto neighbor’s lawns? Help kids prepare for trick-or-treating by teaching your child to stay on the sidewalks and away from the road.
Some neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks…
- Always walk in the direction of oncoming traffic so that cars can see you.
- Teach your kids to stay along the edge of the road, next to the grass.
- Walk in a single file to give cars ample space when driving down the road.
31 Halloween Activities
A few ideas for a super fun October!
5 Halloween Activities to Try
- Five at-home Halloween Activities from Target
- Halloween Eraser Graph
- Halloween Pumpkin Relay Race
- How to Make a Robot Costume
- Skeleton Sensory Bin
Related: Flying past Halloween and headed right into the holidays? Here are the best toys for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kids are unpredictable for Halloween. The best play for kids on Halloween is to follow their lead. There may be years they want to stay inside, and others they are ready to head door to door. Every year will be different and it is important to honor your child’s wishes.
Kids should trick-or-treat at a handful of houses. I like to go halfway up our street and back down again. If they are still excited for more, we go the other way! Too many houses can lead to exhaustion.
If your child does not want to dress up, keep in mind that they are still learning how to deifer real and pretend. Give your child the space they need on Halloween to understand what the holiday is about.
