Most children love Halloween! It is one annual event that they very often look forward to with eager anticipation! The chance to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating for all those yummy candy treats definitely ranks very high on the priority list for most youngsters. For parents, however, Halloween can present some very valid safety concerns...especially in this day and age. So, to that end, I would like to present a few tips to help parents ensure that their little ghosts and ghouls will enjoy a Halloween that is both fun and safe.
The first issue that must be addressed is costumes. Finding just the right costume for your child can be trickier than you may think. When choosing a costume, there are many factors that could present a potential hazard. For example, it is very important to make sure that the costume fits properly. Costumes that are loose and drag the ground, or those with long hems such as gowns or capes, could create a tripping hazard.
It is also advisable that parents encourage their kids to wear face makeup rather than masks. Most masks are ill-fitting, and do not have adequate air holes. A mask that is too large can sometimes impair a child's vision, because they can move out of place, making it difficult for your child to see through the eye holes. Even when the eye holes of a mask allow an unobstructed frontal view, they can still hamper the peripheral vision. If your child does wear a mask, make sure that the air holes provide good ventilation, and that the mask fits properly, so that he or she can see clearly through the eye holes.
Face paint, on the other hand, will eliminate all of these problems. However, it is recommended that you test the paint on a small area of the skin before applying to the entire face. Most of these products are made with non-toxic ingredients, so toxicity isn't usually a concern, but the possibility of allergic reactions can be. If the product causes swelling, redness, itching, or burning to occur at the site of application, try a different product.
Experts also recommend that you choose costumes and wigs that are flame retardant. It should tell you on the label or packaging of the costume whether this is the case. When costumes require props, such as swords, magic wands, or plastic jewelry, you should be cautious in choosing these. Choose props that are made of a material that is not likely to cause injury to others when your child plays with them. It is wise, for example to choose a foam sword over one that is made of a very hard plastic or some other material. Make sure that all sharp edges have been blunted, and that these props are carried in such a way that the will not catch on clothing or impede walking. Costumes with small pieces or play jewelry, necklaces, or beads are not recommended for extremely young children. As all parents are aware, children of a very young age just love to put things into their mouths, so such things could easily pose a choking risk.
Another point of concern for parents is making sure that your child is clearly visible when trick-or-treating in the darkness of Halloween night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents are four to five times more likely to occur on Halloween. This is usually because kids get caught up in the moment, and don't pay attention to street safety. They often dart out from between parked cars, or run in the middle of the street, so you definitely want to light them up so that drivers can see them! This can be done by simply giving them a flashlight to carry. Reflective tape on their costumes or glow sticks are also effective options! If you will not be accompanying your child for some reason, please stress to them the importance of paying attention to common-sense street safety, such as using the sidewalks instead of walking in the street, and crossing only at crosswalks. And while you're at it, you should also teach your children to follow a few other practical rules. For example, they should travel in groups of three or more, avoiding houses where the lights are off, and they should accept treats at the door. They should never enter a house under any circumstances!
Lastly, there are a few notes about the treats that your child receives. They should be checked very carefully for any sign of tampering before your kids are allowed to eat them. Never allow them to eat anything that is open or unwrapped, or that appears to have been otherwise tampered with. Also, they should not accept fruit or any type of homemade treat, such as popcorn balls. It can be impossible to tell when such things have been compromised or mishandled in some way, so it just isn't worth the risk! Additionally, there are certain types of hard candies that should not be given to younger children, who could easily choke on them. Typically, any candy that is about the size and shape of a grape falls into that category.
In summation, I would like to remind parents that often times, things that are seemingly the most innocuous can present the greatest dangers to a child, so it is always better to be safe than sorry. Following these simple tips will ensure that your youngsters can still enjoy their Halloween, while giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have put their safety first!
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