How to Enjoy a Fun Halloween - Parents and Kids

Are you the family who is stopping to buy candy - at any price and any kind left over - the night of trick or treat? Are you and your kids fighting about their costume and they're hoping to be out the door in a half hour?

This year take a few moments to plan ahead before beggars night is upon you. How many trick or treaters to you think will stop at your door? Look for specials on bagged candy and use any coupons available. Candy can be very expensive. By purchasing your candy in advance, you'll save money plus you will be able to find the kinds you're looking for. Do not eat all the candy before Halloween. Sometimes I have a problem with this as I choose only the candy I enjoy.

Do your kids want a home made costume or are they into the latest theme costume easily found at Walmart, Target or a great variety of locations. Marshalls and TJ Maxx also have a great supply.

It may be easier and not too costly to purchase a costume. If you live in a colder climate, make sure the costume fits over a heavy coat or sweatshirt.

For safety, do you want to paint your child's face or do they prefer to wear a mask. If you plan to paint their face, purchase any needed supplies in advance. Of course you can always go to your make-up bag, but that may not be the best choice. Also, if your child does wear a mask, check to make certain they can see. Falling or getting hurt on Halloween wouldn't be any fun.

The Halloween bag is a most important item. You'll want the handles and the bag itself to be strong enough to hold all their treats. Kids carry anything from a pumpkin bucket, plastic bag, home-made or purchased bag or something that blends with their costume.

If your children are younger or trick or treating by themselves, an adult or older child should walk along to ensure the child's safety. Encourage them to be polite and use their manners. If you live in a community where tradition is for kids to tell a joke prior to getting their treats, help your child to be comfortable telling their joke. Also make sure it is appropriate. [I've heard some doozies!]

We all know we should be current with flashlight batteries, but it seems every time you go to use the flashlight, the light is dim or gone. Again, for safety, you or your child should carry a flashlight. To avoid chasing around at the last minute, check on batteries ahead of time.

Talk about the trick or treat route. Children must be aware of any danger. It's best to stop at your neighbors or people you know or trust. Another plan is to hit the malls or some churches may have the treats and trunk. People have candy in their trunk and a local church or other organization may have a planned event. The little Halloweeners go from car to car for treats and special parties may even be held inside.

For kids, the fun continues when they come home and dump out their bag of treats. Allow them to choose a couple of things right then. They will probably want to trade the things they don't like for something someone else has that they do like. It's probably best if you take control of the bag to ensure they don't chow down all the candy the first day or two. Maybe they will also want to share their candy with someone else.

If it turns out that Halloween trick or treat night blows in with very nasty weather you may choose an alternate plan. Maybe you'd just visit a couple of homes or go to grandma's. Maybe a movie and little party would work.

One thing I didn't mention, some children don't enjoy doing the costume and going out. They may prefer to stay home and help hand out the candy. Help them make the best choices and feel comfortable with themselves.

You may want to have a cold glass of milk handy for the tales you'll hear at the end of the night. That cold glass of milk will go well with a couple mini chocolate candies.

Have fun!