Parents can ensure their witches, ghouls and superheroes are safe this Halloween by following often overlooked common sense guidelines.
“Every year we see kids in the ER on Halloween night,” with problems that are preventable, said Dr. Charles Shubin, director of Pediatrics at Mercy Family Care.
It is imperative that parents feed their children first before they go out and collect hordes of candy and chocolate. “Don?t let them go trick or treating hungry,” said Shubin, or they will be more likely to overeat, causing serious stomachaches and other problems.
Shubin recommends parents “meter out” their children?s Halloween stockpiles, “stick to packaged goods” (preferably healthier treats such as granola bars) and warn their children about visiting houses that do not welcome trick-or-treaters.
Communities should agree on a signal, such as a bright porch light, to show to children that the house celebrates Halloween.
Parents also need to make sure their children can see, walk and climb stairs in their costumes.
“Kids are frequently in costumes that are difficult to maneuver. Parents need to pay special attention to whatever is on their child?s legs and feet,” Shubin said.
Flashlights and reflectors are an absolute necessity, “especially since children are crisscrossing streets in the dark,” Shubin said.
Adults without trick-or-treaters can also help make Halloween safe by sharing the road, especially in neighborhoods without sidewalks.
