10 Tips for Chaperoning Halloween Parties

Halloween parties have all but replaced Trick or Treating and in this day and age that is probably a good thing. However, Halloween parties should be well planned and well chaperoned events. You just can not afford to allow kids of any age to run wild and unrestrained through your home or property. In these times of law suits it just doesn't make sense not to chaperone Halloween parties. Here are 10 tips for chaperoning Halloween parties so every one can safely have a good time.

1. Be sure to have enough chaperones to cover every angle of the party. If there are outdoor activities planned these should be supervised accordingly. Likewise, with any indoor activities.

2. Chaperons need to be alert to what kids are doing at all times. For instance, if supervising outdoor activities chaperones need to be aware of the physical location of all kids involved. No kids sneaking off down the street to "scare" the neighbors.

3. Chaperons need to understand and be aware of any physical dangers. Is there a pool on the property? A cliff in the back yard? If so, these areas need to be declared off-limits and patrolled regularly.

4. Chaperons should be adults and should act like adults. No overdoing the Halloween theme as to terrify the toddlers. Of course, it should go without saying there should be no drinking of alcohol by the adults, or the kids in the case of teenagers.

5. Chaperons should see to it that activities are kept age appropriate as well as helping kids get their turn at activities. No bullying allowed.

6. Chaperons should be a good bit older than the kids attending the party. Having 18 year old supervising 16 year olds is probably not a good idea. Nor a 12 year old in charge of 6 year olds.

7. Chaperons should be trustworthy and well known. Don't ask someone to chaperone that you don't know well or would not trust your own kids with.

8. Try to have a good balance between male and female chaperones. Parents of kids attending the party are ideal.

9. Chaperons should be willing and able to accept the responsibility of supervising kids. Example of what not to do, don't ask someone to chaperone who you know has a good chance of showing up drunk.

10. Finally, chaperones should make sure that every guest is picked up by their respective parent or guardian.

Most of the above tips probably apply to large parties where several dozen children will be attending but even small Halloween parties should be chaperoned. For the sake of the kids attending and for the sake of the property owner.