Halloween is right around the corner, and Slidell has plenty of neighborhoods to choose from for those looking to trick-or-treat.
From Sterling Oaks to Bayou Cache off West Hall, Huntwyck Village, Eagle Point, Crossgates, Breckenridge and beyond, there are plenty of neighborhoods to pick up some delicious candy.
Let’s take a look at a few helpful tips that will keep your little ones safe as they enjoy their night of trick-or-treating:
Tip #1: Establish Rules
Set some constraints for your child, tween or teen’s trick-or-treating. Your kids should know what neighborhoods they can trick-or-treat in and how late they should stay out. If you trust your kids enough to let them trick-or-treat on their own, have them check in with you through a phone call at a designated time. This way, you won’t have to worry about the well-being of your kids throughout the entirety of the evening as they pick up candy in local neighborhoods. Make it clear to your kids that they are not permitted to eat the candy they collect until you analyze it for potential sabotage.
Tip #2: Designate a Trusted Adult to Chaperon Your Little Ones
The age of your children ultimately dictates whether they can trick-or-treat on their own. If your kids are still young, go with them just to make sure they are not harmed in any way during their Halloween adventure. However, if you are busy or if your kids want to join their friends for trick-or-treating, make sure a trusted adult goes with the group for protection. Put this chaperon’s phone number in your smart phone so you can reach him or her throughout the entire night of trick-or-treating.
Tip #3: Examine the Candy Before Your Kids Eat It
Though it is quite disturbing to think about, the truth is some evildoers use Halloween as an opportunity to lace candy with harmful items and pass it out to naive youngsters. Do not let your kids eat candy collected during trick-or-treating until you have thoroughly inspected it. If the candy seems doctored in any manner, either throw it out or notify the police.
Tip #4: Choose a Costume for Your Little One That Fits Properly
Your child’s Halloween costume should fit snugly. If the costume does not fit, it will pose a tripping hazard or potentially get caught in something else. Furthermore, the costume should have some bright colors or a reflective component that makes it easy for drivers to see your child in the road. Do not hesitate to add reflective tape to the bottom and top of the costume so drivers can easily see your little one during the trick-or-treating adventure.
Tip #5: Check or reconsider Masks for younger children
Halloween masks certainly look cool yet they have the potential to block your child’s vision. Apply face paint rather than a mask. This way, your child will be able to see the road, vehicles and others during trick-or-treating. If your little one insists on wearing a mask, consider letting him or her wear it to the school’s Halloween festivities where there will be considerable illumination.
Tip #6: Light the Way
Provide your child, tween or teen with either a glow stick or flashlight for the night of trick-or-treating. This way, he or she will be able to light the way while going door-to-door for candy. Test the flashlight in darkness before giving it to your child to ensure it works exactly as it should.
