Halloween Safety: 4 Ways to Make Fall Traditions Kid-Friendly by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Halloween is right around the corner, and families are gearing up! Last year, more than 40 million trick-or-treaters hit the streets for some ghoulish fun, and this year will be no different. Every year I field questions from concerned parents who want tips to keep their kids safe during the festivities. Here’s my top five list: 

• Pumpkin carving: Parents wield the sharp knives, while kids scoop the pumpkin seeds and decorate. 

• Costumes: Avoid dark colors, masks and sharp objects, and opt for reflectors, flashlights and glow sticks when trick-or-treating.

• Trick-or-treating: Kids should travel in packs, use crosswalks, never go into a stranger’s house and have an adult tag along to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

• Candy: Instead of binge eating, 90 percent of parents will use Halloween to teach their kids an important lesson in moderation. Try one piece a day for a week, and then donate the rest to a good cause. 

Halloween can be a ton of fun, but sometimes parents let traditions trump common sense. Keep your kids safe this Halloween with these simple, healthy tips!