CHA Pediatrician Offers Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
As both children and adults prepare for Halloween activities this week, Cambridge Health Alliance pediatrician Lisa Dobberteen, MD, shares some tips to get ready for this eagerly anticipated holiday.
- Halloween offers a nice opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise while meeting others in your building or neighborhood. If your neighborhood doesn’t feel safe, many shopping malls offer the experience, or you could join a friend in a different neighborhood.
- Let your children express their creativity and try on new identities with their costumes, but make sure they are safe. Be sure your child can see well out of any mask or hood. Room underneath for warm clothes is important, particularly in our chilly fall climate. Sturdy shoes and sure footwear keep little goblins on their feet the whole evening without tripping or falling.
- Visibility is key! Make sure others can see your children. Incorporate some reflective paint or tape into the costume design so your child is easily seen by others on the road. Have them carry a flashlight or wear a headlight; clipping a flashing bicycle light to costumes also enhances visibility.
- Children should learn to ask before they eat anything they’ve been given. This gives parents an opportunity to take a quick look first. Homemade treats and unwrapped goodies should be set aside for very careful scrutiny at home unless you are certain they’ve come from a trusted friend.
- Halloween is a good time to practice "Everything in moderation” (grownups too!). It’s helpful and healthy for children to learn to eat a few treats and save the rest for later. It also offers children a chance to learn to be generous and share their goodies with family or friends.
- A special note about life-threatening food allergies. For some children, a special trip to a haunted house or other fun activity could substitute for trick-or-treating. Others may be able to participate but need all treats especially carefully screened by parents before trying anything. Some parents who want their children to experience the fun of going out in costume carry along their own allergen-free treats to put in their kids’ bags at each house. Having a party at home with allergen-free treats is another way to enjoy the holiday safely.
The holiday offers a great opportunity to have fun with your children, your neighbors and your community!