Newswise — Halloween is the one time of year that children of all ages can dress up as someone or something else, enjoy spooky parties, be ghoulish in their decorations, and get real sick eating candy. Many children love to dress up and go "Trick-or-Treating" in their neighborhood to gather a bag full of candy. But parents need to keep safety in mind as their children walk around the neighborhood.
Maryland Associate Professor of Family Studies - Susan Walker knows a thing or two about keeping kids safe on Halloween. She says parents can look beyond commonsense safety plans to the community for a great Halloween experience.
These community-based tips are not commonly thought of, but can help ensure a memorable Halloween experience.
"¢ Connect with other parents of the children that your children are going out with. Together you will know where your children are, and can check in with each other if questions arise.
"¢ Be an advocate for children's safety at school and other events. Oftentimes schools will host parties and may have parades. Parents can work with teachers and school administrators to make sure that kid's costumes are safe (e.g., not too long, eyesight not obscured by masks) and that parade routes are free from traffic. If possible, offer to volunteer at the school on the day that Halloween is celebrated to help children with their costumes and walk with children in a parade.
"¢ Schools and other organizations who connect with kids can send home simple to read material for parents about safety on Halloween. Suggest that your school make copies for every child and send them home in backpacks and have extra copies at the school.
"¢ Connect with neighbors to secure a permit to block off the neighborhood streets for several hours to keep them traffic-free during the prime trick or treat times.
"¢ Talk to the local police force about their methods for children's safety during Halloween. Know who and where to call in case of an emergency, or if suspicious behavior or overly zealous pranks are suspected.
"¢ Be an advocate for the safety of children other than their own. Many parents work in the evening and are not home during the hours when their children go through the neighborhood for treats. Other adults can watch out for all children's safety, by keeping their own homes well-lighted, keeping streets traffic-free, and offering assistance to children and youth who may appear to be in need.
See this release on the web at: http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/culture/release.cfm?ArticleID=1328
All Maryland Halloween Experts:http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/experts/hottopic.cfm?hotlist_id=43
Don't miss our annual "Haunted (University of) Maryland" feature:http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/culture/release.cfm?ArticleID=1320
All UM News at: http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu Need an expert? http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/experts
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