6 “ish” ways to keep your child safe during halloween :: #halloweensafety

For those that participate in the Halloween festivities and bring your children out trick-or-treating every year, you should be able to relate to this post. Let me set the scene for you.  Kids everywhere…cars still driving (as they do)...it’s getting dark out and you are doing your BEST to keep your eye on your children.  Tragedies can happen in the blink of an eye.  I have put together 5 things that you can do to pro-actively keep your younger children safe during this particular season.

1. Talk, Talk, Talk.  One of the most important things you can do is talk in depth with your children a handful of times before the night happens.  Talk to them about the potential dangers or walking on the street, talking to strangers, etc.  I don’t want to scare my children, I want to make them think before they do things.  I think by reiterating that a few times, it will hopefully stick.  In addition, remind them to check the roads before crossing.  My kids get so excited sometimes when we are talking, they forget they are near a road or in a parking lot.  The same can so easily happen on Halloween.  Remind them to continually look for cars.
2. Get them some glow in the dark magic.  Whether it’s the tube of glow sticks you can get at Target or Michael’s (or any craft store I’m sure) for a minimal price or reflective tape on their costume.  Let them create necklaces, bracelets, earrings.  An easy and affordable way for your children to be seen better when it’s getting dark.
3. Pull them in a wagon and keep them close.  If you have young children, put them in a super fun wagon and let them ride-along.  That way, you know where they are at ALL times.  Plus, you get a pretty fine workout!! LOL!
4. A flashlight.  Novel idea there, right?  What kid doesn’t love to have a flashlight.  This can help them be more visible if and when they are on the road.  Just remind them, they need to have it ON! 🙂
5. Take the sidewalks or the grass.  As cool as it seems to be for a kid to walk on the street, encourage them to take the sidewalk and/or walk in the grass when there is no sidewalk.
6. Have a buddy system. Travel as a group. Have a meeting place if you get separated.  Yes, I have more, but I didn’t want to make this post any longer LOL!

Now, I want to hear from you.  What did I forget?  Please tell me so it can be here for others to read!!