To Trick or Treat, that is the Question

Halloween is just around the corner, and as we worry about safety in our everyday lives, how do we approach the subject of Trick or Treating? Aren't we essentially allowing our kids to take candy from the proverbial stranger? Trick or Treating has been a long standing tradition consisting of dressing our kids up as monsters, witches, or numerous cartoon and movie characters, and then sending them out to go from house to house collecting candy.

Every year we are warned to not take open candy, or anything that could potentially be tampered with. To take our childrens candy and inspect it thoroughly for signs of tampering.

Is that enough to keep them safe? Stories fill the news about predators on Myspace, and other places online, like chatrooms and message boards. Do we send them out into our neighborhoods to Trick or Treat? How well do we truly know our neighbors? Is it possible we are underestimating the dangers in our communities? How do you know if your child has unknowingly broadcast for all the internet to see, where they will be October 31st? And what better time to take the opportunity to grab a child than the one night we allow them to roam free?

Not that we should't let our children participate in the festivities. On the contrary! Just make a better effort to keep tabs on our kids, whether they are 4yrs old or 14 yrs old! Go with your child to gather their treats, if you are with them, its less likely they will wind up with tainted candy. If they are going with a friend, communicate with the parents to find out how they are planning the evening. There are also several alternatives to walking the streets in search of treats. Churches throw Harvest Festivals. These usually involve games, bounce houses, and something known as Trunk Or Treating. Instead of going house to house, the Church parking lot takes its place with several reputable church members passing out candy from the back of their cars. Community Centers also are known to host fun and safe activities. Another option is the Mall. As if we don't spend enough time there as it is, now we can take our little ones to collect candy from various retailers as well as participate in a Costume Parade to show off their creativity and imaginations! Or how about the Zoo? Most Zoo's will have Trick or Treating, as well as fun activities and a ride on the Zoo Train for a good scare! Its safe, fun and educational all at the same time! Best of all, everyone will love doing something a little different.

Halloween can be a fun time for all involved, it just takes a little bit of communication and planning to make certain everyone comes home in the condition they were sent out in!