JP Shawhalloween SAFETY
I can't believe Halloween is already here. I won't even begin to talk about the cost of costumes, that's another story for another time. I'm ready though. The kid is going as a vampire, glow in the dark teeth, cape, suit and some bling bling, because you know Dracula liked *pretty things*. And babe is going as a frog prince, too cute.
I always worry though, every year, because our world is not as safe as it was when I grew up. As a kid, my brothers and I used to go through the woods at night, and we didn't think about bad men creeping through the bushes.
This year we are taking the kids out to Clearbrook Village, a town housing complex where every family goes out here in Abbey. Safety in numbers I think is the motto. Even the local radio and tv stations go there in support of safety for kids on Hallows Eve.
But if you are in a crunch and need some ideas. If you don't want to go door to door. Here are a few ideas where you can take your take the kids, still have fun, and be safe. That's really the most important thing, being safe.
Candy you can buy. Kids you can't replace.
1. Take the kids to the local mall. Malls in most communities are usually open until 9pm, depending on the day. Some even advertise family Halloween trick or treating events. It's safe and indoors which is a bonus if it's cold where you live.
2. Call your local community services, sometimes they put on parties for families, and events for kids like pumpkin carving, apple bob and more. It's a great place to have an event play date with other kids in your local area, and a great way to meet new friends.
3. Don't want to leave the house. Then don't. Build your own haunted house outside in your carport, and invite everyone. Dress up, and instead of charging a fee, charge candy. One chocolate bar, a sucker, something in the bid basket. Kids have tons of candy to spare on Halloween which they don't need to rot their teeth. And all kids like a good spook and fun games. It beats the ole going door to door saying "trick or treat" over and over. Plus it's fun, and your kids will have a basket of candy at the end for helping you entertain everyone else.
4. Look at your local community recreation center. Ours hosts a Halloween swim. Best costume wins when you arrive, and then the kids shower, jump in the warm pool for some swim time fun. Best of all they are tired after and go straight to bed, leaving parents to have their own fun.
5. Check your local newspapers for any events or haunted houses open to families where candy is given, but more than that fun and activities can be had. Prices are usually reasonable, and best of all the kids have something different to do.
2. Call your local community services, sometimes they put on parties for families, and events for kids like pumpkin carving, apple bob and more. It's a great place to have an event play date with other kids in your local area, and a great way to meet new friends.
3. Don't want to leave the house. Then don't. Build your own haunted house outside in your carport, and invite everyone. Dress up, and instead of charging a fee, charge candy. One chocolate bar, a sucker, something in the bid basket. Kids have tons of candy to spare on Halloween which they don't need to rot their teeth. And all kids like a good spook and fun games. It beats the ole going door to door saying "trick or treat" over and over. Plus it's fun, and your kids will have a basket of candy at the end for helping you entertain everyone else.
4. Look at your local community recreation center. Ours hosts a Halloween swim. Best costume wins when you arrive, and then the kids shower, jump in the warm pool for some swim time fun. Best of all they are tired after and go straight to bed, leaving parents to have their own fun.
5. Check your local newspapers for any events or haunted houses open to families where candy is given, but more than that fun and activities can be had. Prices are usually reasonable, and best of all the kids have something different to do.
SAFETY TIPS
BE safe. Wear BRIGHT COLORED costumes or arm bands. STICK TOGETHER and don't let your kids out of your sight. If you get separated remember to tell your kids to stay where they are, and remind them never to go with anybody who doesn't know the family secret password no matter who it is. AND ABOVE ALL have some fun!
