We often discuss kids’ safety on Halloween, wearing bright colors, crossing the street, and checking candy. But as our kids become tweens, the rules seem to change, and there isn’t as much info floating around on Halloween safety for teens and tweens, especially in modern-day society.
Eventually, our kids will reach a point when they wander out without adults or perhaps attend a party. The rules are different. While we want them to be independent and have fun with their friends, it’s also essential to send them into the world armed with all the tools to stay safe.
Your must talk to them before going out. As painful as they may find it – it’s super important. Read safety tips to make yourself aware of and open the discussion up with your tweens and teens.
Tips:
- Pick a route ahead of time.
Make all the parents aware of this route and stick to it. Remind them only to visit houses with lights on and never enter inside someone’s home. Make sure you know who they are with, and have the numbers of those kids and parents. - Car safety.
Remind them never to get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Remind them never to text and drive. They’ll likely roll their eyes and say that they already know – say it anyway. - Share their location.
If they change the plan, or go to a friend’s house, ask that they share their location with you. - Costumes aren’t invitations.
Halloween is about escapism, Your kiddo, or their friends may choose to dress in a costume that is revealing. A sexy costume is not an invitation. Remind both your daughters and sons of this. - Don’t fall prey to tricks.
Halloween night is known for tricks (toilet papering a house, we’ve all been there!). But times are different now. With the prevalence of smartphones, these innocent shenanigans will likely be recorded. What once was perceived as mischief can get you in trouble with charges of vandalism, trespassing, or worse. Make sure your kids know that these tricks can lead to charges and big consequences can affect their college applications and entire future. - Walk away.
Provide your kid with an “out” if something feels off or they want to leave. Make sure you have a code word or plan to help them pick them up. Remember, doing this means they were responsible, so don’t get angry that they allowed themselves to get into a situation. Just be pleased they were responsible enough to get out. - Don’t eat candy.
Yes, this one may seem strange, it’s Halloween after all! But for this one night, it’s probably best that you ask them not to consume any candy given to them by acquaintances at a party. With cannabis edibles looking similar to regular candy, your kiddo may not be able to spot something is different. THC edibles can be hard to recognize and very dangerous. Give them a few packs of ‘decoy’ candy they can keep with them to open and enjoy. Better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t be fearful, but be aware
This isn’t meant to scare you, it’s meant to make you aware, and help keep you kids aware too. The more you talk openly with them, the more you’ll find that they know a lot more than you think, and you may even learn a thing or too! Keeping the conversation open and light will also make sure that they share info with you, trust you and know that you’re always there to help when they may need it.
Also, maybe your teens just want to trick-or-treat but you’re not sure if they’re too old? Read this!
Happy Halloween! (Oh, and check these out!)
