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Your Halloween Survival Guide
Let’s admit it. It’s kind of thrilling to parade our cuties up and down the street in the elaborate costumes we’ve frantically worked on for the past several weeks. All the neighbors “Ooo” and “Ahh” over our sweet little fairies and Thomas the Trains – and it makes us feel proud.
The night can also be a little, well, freaky if we’re not completely prepared for a night out with our tiny tots. Here are a few tips to make sure you have a sweet experience when you’re out trick-or-treating.
- Make sure your little pumpkin gets a good nap during the day to avoid the crankies while you’re out late, walking the streets and ringing doorbells. Let your child’s costume do the frightening, and leave the frightening tantrums at home!
- It might be difficult to keep your princess from her sparkly dress all day, but wait to dress up your child. Put on the costume right before you walk out the door. It would be devastating to discover spit-up, remnants from dinner, or marker all over that costume (which you worked so hard on!).
- Keep your trick-or-treating route short. Little ones don’t need to be kept out late, and fewer houses will mean fewer treats to hide! One side of your block might be all your child can handle. Watch for signs that your child might be overwhelmed or tired.
- Have a potty-training pirate this year? Make sure your matey uses the bathroom before heading out the door, and bring along wipes and an extra pair of undies – just in case; you wouldn’t want a not-so-sweet treat to ruin your night.
- Kids’ costumes should be brightly colored, and easy for motorists to spot. Consider putting reflective tape on costumes and candy buckets.
- Long dresses or capes and dark streets can cause your trick-or-treater to stumble. Be prepared with a mini first aid kit, including Band-aids, Neosporin, and hand wipes.
- Talk with your little ones about the importance of thanking your neighbors for Halloween treats. If they clam up at the door, be an example and make sure to say “thank you” in their behalf.
- If your little ghoul is just starting to walk or tires easily, take a stroller with you. She can rest, while your older ones continue on. Be aware of signs that she’s ready to call it a night.
- Enjoy the fact that you still get to decide what your kid wears on the big night. Next year, he may want to dress up like Roadkill – and that’s just not cute.
