Good Halloween Manners - Five Tips for Trick or Treating
Five Tips for Trick or Treating
Halloween is a fun holiday for children, but it's easy to forget basic manners when there is so much sugar fueling the excitement. Here are five manners to remember before you go trick-or-treating:
- Remind your little goblin not to be greedy; one piece of candy from each house is the general rule. And saying thank you is a must.
- In terms of costumes, ghoulish makeup and army fatigues are acceptable. Guns and bustiers are better left at home.
- If you don't like Halloween, you don't have to participate. Either go out for the night or turn off your front lights. Parents will get the message-but some older kids might, too, so be prepared for possible "tricks."
- If your area isn't kid-friendly, it's fine to pack up your brood and head to Grandma's neighborhood or to your best friend's block. Look up community events, many towns have organized trick-or-treat areas, times and activities.
- Dumping off a carload of kids in an area where you don't know anyone or haven't been invited is definitely impolite-and possibly dangerous. Age appropriate supervision is a must anywhere you go.
Is it okay to refuse to give Halloween candy to teens?
Masked teenagers (or even adults) at the door might seem ridiculous or even intimidating, but try to take it in stride and hand out some treats anyway. After all, Halloween is an occasion for teens to enjoy just as younger kids do. For many teens, it's one of the last vestiges of childhood that they can still participate in. If you're truly nervous, try turning off your lights after 9:00 PM—that should deter Halloween visitors of any age.
