Is it safe to let kids go Trick or Treating?

Question

OK, I know it's not even close to Halloween, but it occured to me... We spend all year teaching our kids not to take candy from strangers and then one day a year it's ok all of a sudden becuase they're dressed up like superheroes? Honestly, do parents even let their kids trick or treat in the world we live in anymore? Anyone have suggestions on a way to let kids have the same fun WITHOUT taking the chance of them being poisoned, etc.?

Answer 1

Many Churches offer an alternative to Trick or Treating by having a gathering of families for singing, barbequeing, and treats.

Also, many hospitals offer free x-rays of the candy.

Check with your local area.

During Halloween, I think kids get enough candy, so I pass out small containers of playdough which are sold at local toy stores. The playdough has a wheat base, so in case of pieces accidentally put in small mouths, it is edible. The container is impossible for small hands to open without assistance.

Good question, and hard to answer.

Answer 2

I am kind of disappointed in this question... not because it's not a valid question... but because I've noticed that over the years less kids are trick or treating and far fewer houses are handing out candy.... Now of the thrill of walking in the dark (with parents when young... and safety in mind) to go door to door... see different costumes and get spooked while getting candy has turned into lets go to the mall from 5 - 7 and the store people will hand it out... I admit I'm very lucky.... my mom still lives in the house I grew up in.... I still know all the neighbors... so thats where I take my kids... but year after year the amount of people handing it out and going trick or treating has dwindled... I find that to be a really sad reality check that this country has really changed and kids cant be kids and enjoy this holiday anymore....

as far as ideas..... take them to a neighborhood where you know alot of people or your friends do...

or throw a halloween party.... outside (weather permiting) with a small bonfire... and the works... you can even put together your own eerie sounds and decorations...

Answer 3

I think it's fine. As long as you go with them. Most hospitals offer x-rays that will show if candy has been tampered with. The majority of people out there are still normal and wouldn't want to harm kids. You do hear of lots more disturbing things happening than when we were kids, but you still have to let your kids enjoy their childhood. Just go with them when they go out, inspect every candy, throw out anything that doesn't have a secure wrapper and anything home-made, and take advantage of the services that the hospital provides to screen the candy. An alternative to trick-or-treating would be to set up a little neighborhood festival, with the old-fashioned games and of course all of the kids in costume. I live on a military post so we always do our trick-or-treating on post. To ensure safety, grown-ups do not dress in costume, it's only for the kids.

Answer 4

Well, there's two ways to exercise control in this situation.

1. Let them go trick or treating at approved homes - such as those on your street/in your development,etc. They should be supervised by an adult (mom, dad, other trusted adult) and CAN NOT touch anything in their treat bag until they get home and mom or dad has a chance to throughly inspect everything.

2. If that idea freaks you out that much, have a Halloween party at your home for your child(ren) and their friends. This way, it's a controlled environment - you've had a chance to inspect any and all treats beforehand and you'll know everyone there.

Answer 5

Trick or treating is AWESOME! Don't take that fun away from your children. If you're worried you can go with them, and if you happen upon a house that feels a little sketchy then don't take candy from there. Also, make sure you check all their candy before you let them eat it. Don't take anything homemade, not in a wrapper, or with a broken wrapper. I really don't think there's as much to worry about as you might think, MOST people AREN'T looking to poison kids on Halloween.

Answer 6

If you are nervous about going door to door you can only go to houses where you know the people. Also look in your community and see if they do any fall carnivals, or festivals. Churches also do a fall festival where they do prizes, games, and give out candy as well. Talk to other parents and see if they want to throw a costume party, that way you can buy all the candy and the kids still get to dress up!

Answer 7

You should ONLY let them go trick-or-treating to peoples houses that you know. Not strangers, and if there is not anybody, trying getting them involved in watching a spooky movie, like "Goosebumps" depending on there age, let them still dress up and eat candy around the house..

Do something fun, but do not let them take candy from strangers...

Answer 8

well I let my kids trick-or-treat. I thoroughly check the candy. Another suggestion is I bet your local church has a Halloween party...there are other alternatives to regular trick-or -treating. I have also been to a local park where the neighbors got together and filled their trunks with candy and the kids just went from car to car. Hope this helps.

Answer 9

If possible, take your kids to people you know. That way things are pretty safe. Some malls have trick or treating. But it is always best to check the candy even if you know where it comes from.

Answer 10

I always go with them, and we trick or treat in my mom and dad's neighborhood because it is way safer than ours. I know most of the people over there, too, because that's where I grew up. I would never take them in my neighborhood because I don't know a lot of my neighbors because my street is mostly rental properties. Sometimes shopping malls sponsor some kind of Halloween trick or treat thing, I know the one where I live does. Some churches do this sort of thing as well, but I think their motives aren't all about safety.