Along with the onset of school, fall, foul weather, and the pending winter, come a few perks too.  One such bonus of this time of year is the annual tradition of Halloween.  All this month, Cackleberries will be pulling out the stops to bring you plenty of Hallow’s Eve themed posts.

You can view all of our expert articles on the right side of the page under the “Expert Articles” category.  If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, feel free to let us know at info@cackleberries.com

Child Safety Tips for Halloween Night

While Halloween can be an absolute blast, it can also be downright bust.  Poor weather, avoidable injuries, fear of vandals, or any number of other concerns can easily turn a night of delight into a night of distress.   To help mitigate any of these potential pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of tips to make sure your Halloween is as stress-free as can be!

Check and Re-Check your Child’s Candy!

Always go through your child’s candy haul when you get home. Never allow your child to eat opened goodies or treats. While it’s entirely possible that these sweets are fine, it’s simply not worth the risk. The vast majority of packages should be sealed and the few that have to be disposed of won’t affect your kid’s stash. Also, be sure to take some for yourself.

When Out at Night, Make Sure to be Bright!

This tip is especially important when the weather is rainy or foggy. In conditions when it has hard to see and with plenty of dark costumes being worn, make sure your child can be seen! There are plenty of ways to have your child visible without detracting from their costume.

• Attach light reflective strips to their arms and legs – As these appendages are constantly in motion, their reflective capabilities will be maximized.
• Outfit them with glowing light-sticks for their wrists or necks – These glowing accessories will last for hours and are available in a variety of different colours ensuring that even the most picky of children will be appeased.
• Use a Flashlight – Avoid unseen curbs or cracks in the sidewalk, keep better track of your kids, tie loose shoelaces easier, or do pretty much anything else you need light to do!

Avoid Houses with Their Lights Off

These lights are off for a reason – they want to be left alone. If someone does not want to participate in Halloween, that should be respected. Constant annoyance could result in unnecessary confrontation.

Cross the Street Safely

Make sure to cross the roadway from sidewalks or via intersections. It might seem like a minor piece of advice but simple road safety can go a long way, especially for tiny children.

Try to Avoid Firecrackers and Fireworks

While these can be dazzling on the eyes, they are best viewed from a distance or in controlled environments. The power contained in these tiny items is enough to send a child to the emergency room.

Avoid Large Groups and Stick Together

Large groups can lead to confusion and mini-members of your troupe can get lost in the melee.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Winter is fast approaching. Mix in a little rain or snow, and Halloween can make for a downright chilly experience and we’re not just talking spine chilling scary, we’re talking cold! Make sure you and your kids are wearing warm clothing in layers. You can always take extra clothes off but it’s a lot harder to add clothes you don’t have.

So with that, have a safe and fun Halloween night!