By Susan Vincell
PCMHS Educators Rising president
The concept of Halloween has been around for more than a thousand years. Originally a Celtic holiday called Samhain, the original purpose was to ward off ghosts, and it also signified the transition of the harvest season into winter.
Over time, the tradition changed. Today, Halloween focuses more on children getting dressed up, walking all around town, and collecting bags full of delicious candy. While Halloween is an exciting time for kids, it’s important to think about the potential dangers associated with the holiday and ways to make trick-or-treating a fun experience, but also a safe one.
The most pressing danger that is present when thinking about Halloween is the idea of children crossing the street. However, this worry is easily eradicated. All children should go trick-or-treating with an adult, but it’s important for both parties to look both ways before crossing. By using caution and being observant, children and adults can avoid the potential danger of being injured by a car.
Another tip that seems simple but is often overlooked is the fact that a child should never trick-or-treat alone. Along with the danger of crossing the street and stranger danger, a lone child could potentially get lost while solo. When trick-or-treating, it’s important to be in a group or with a trusted adult.
The last important tip when speaking about Halloween is candy. Though it seems like a great idea to go to every house one can and get as much candy as possible, it’s not always safe. When walking around town or wherever kids may trick-or-treat, adults should only guide children to trusted homes that house trusted adults. Along with this, adults should check through their child’s candy and look for expiration dates or opened wrappers.
Though Halloween is a fun holiday that allows children to express themselves in ways that are not typically appropriate in everyday life, it’s important for parents and guardians to remember the potential threats that are raised when trick-or-treating. By utilizing these tips, parents and guardians can ensure that their children have safe and fun experiences while trick-or-treating this October.
