Halloween Safety

We’re coming up on Halloween, the “biggest kid holiday of the year”! It is a time for dressing up, socializing, and indulging in somewhat guilty pleasures, like too much candy and scary stories.

This year, Halloween falls on a Thursday, making it challenging for parents with young kids. Planning ahead is essential, including: meals, visits, candy limits, and bedtime routines. Older kids can often help with planning - and often have a good sense of their parents’ capacities!

Very young kids may find encounters with costumed people frightening. They may prefer snuggling with parents if they are out&about, visiting only close friends, or just staying home in a familiar environment.

Older kids should learn holiday safety, such as wearing reflective items, remembering to bring a flashlight, looking before crossing streets, and checking candy for safety before eating.

We love candy in my house, too, and I’ve discussed strategies with pediatric dentists in the past, to minimize damage to my children’s teeth. A NY Times article summarizes the approach: “Enjoy Halloween fully, then brush teeth well. Avoid exposing teeth to high sugar levels every night for several weeks.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/27/well/eat/halloween-candy-teeth-tips.html

High schoolers and above may prefer other Halloween activities. If your teen is out alone, make sure they tell you their destination, companions, and contact plan. Emphasize driving safety and facilitate open discussions about their social activities. Teens appreciate ‘no-fault’ safety rules, knowing they can call for help and receive constructive responses, even in stressful moments.

Happy Halloween!!

~Dr. Adda Winkes~