Getting Pumped for Halloween

Incorporate some helpful tips into your October 31 to join the fun with the kids and to keep them safe and warm on Halloween.  Plan ahead, be organised and practical while joining the fun.

Pumpkin Carving
Buy small pumpkins for the kids to decorate themselves.  If the kids are too small or not able to manage a carving tool – provide a marker and some food from your kitchen for a unique look.  My favourite is a ‘roasted red-pepper tongue’ – very realistic.  Instead of real candles – battery operated candles are readily available as a child-safe option (Canadian Tire).  If Moms or Dads are particularly crafty, keep a pumpkin for yourself so as not to hinder your child’s creativity.  

Costumes
Encourage your child to pick a costume that is both warm enough for the weather and bright to warn cars of their presence.    It is critical to keep their line of site clear for safe street navigation.  Convince them a nice ‘Crossing Guard’ costume with fluorescent stripes is ideal.  Unique costumes are fun but being safe is better!!

Treats

If your family is like mine – don’t buy the treats too early or they will be gone and you’ll be back to the store for more!!  Candy and chips are not the only options!!  How about stickers, fake teeth, and a slew of other options available at the local party or dollar store? Have standard gifts for the masses and then some special packages for the children you know well, with their tastes in mind.  You neighbours will appreciate the extra effort and so will the kids!!

Make sure to check all of the treats for safety and allergy issues prior to letting your child loose on them!!  Limit them to 2-3 pieces that evening.  Keep the stash out of reach and dole out over several days/weeks to limit the sugar rush that keeps us ALL awake at night!!  Dentists too suggest it is better for the teeth to get rid of candy quickly but instead, we just double the brushing time for nights after candy consumption.

October 31 Evening Logistics
Feed the family early with healthy food, filling their tummies as much as possible before they start eating ‘junk’.  It's like shopping for grocery stores when you are hungry - you will buy more and lean towards high calorie foods.  A healthy, filling dinner won't leave as much room for a large candy craving.

If you are a 2-parent household, remember that one stays home to dole out treats while the other takes the kids on their adventure.  If you are lucky enough to secure help – get someone else to manage your door and join the kids for a special family memory maker!  If you must leave your house unattended –it's extra kind to leave a small basket of goodies with a note for each child to take one or two while you’re gone.

Clean up
When the candy runs out and lights go out, also remove pumpkins from public areas to limit the temptation of kids who prefer the ‘trick’aspect of the evening.  Smashed pumpkins are tough to clean up and attract unwelcome critters throughout the night. 

Lastly – have a spooky, kooky good time!!  Halloween is for the kids – even those of us who are over 40 and young at heart.