5 Quick and Simple Steps for a Happier Halloween

Halloween can be an exciting time for kids and parents alike, but it can quickly turn into a stressful evening without proper planning. With all the hustle and bustle that comes with Halloween, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure a happy and safe night for your family. Here are five quick and simple steps you can take to make sure your Halloween is a success.

Step 1: Have Dinner

Before heading out to trick-or-treat, make sure everyone has had a healthy and easy dinner. Soup and sandwiches, along with raw veggies and dip, make for a nutritious and filling meal. Eating earlier than usual will give you more time to dress up and prepare for the evening. While eating, review trick-or-treating manners and how to call out “Trick or Treat” in a non-shouting voice.

Step 2: Suit Up

Make sure your kids are dressed appropriately for Halloween night. If it’s cold outside, have them wear undershirts, stockings or extra socks, and gloves (if they’re not already part of their costume). While a hat may be a tough sell if it doesn’t go with the costume, gloves will help keep little hands warm. Since your kids will be out for several hours, make sure they’re dressed for the weather.

Step 3: Head Out

Once everyone is dressed and ready to go, it’s time to start trick-or-treating. Instead of trying to hit up an entire neighborhood, aim for 1-3 blocks of houses. This will give your kids time to show off their costumes, socialize with other trick-or-treaters, and enjoy the evening without overdoing it on candy.

Step 4: Candy Check

When you get home, it’s important to check your kids’ candy for any unsafe items. Each child should dump out their bag, and a parent should go through it to make sure that all the candy is safe. Homemade items should be avoided, as should any candy that is opened or half-opened. This is also a good time to dispose of any candy that your kids don’t like or shouldn’t eat.

Step 5: Set “Sweet” Rules

To avoid sugar highs and tantrums, make a rule that only two pieces of candy will be eaten per day. Let your kids choose two items they’d like to enjoy that evening and two more they’d like to have the next day at school. Then, store the remaining candy somewhere that is out of reach of small hands. By creating these rules and boundaries, you can help ensure that your kids have a happy and healthy Halloween.

Bonus Step: Stick to a Bedtime

After a long evening of trick-or-treating, it’s important for your kids to get a good night’s sleep. Stick to your normal bedtime routine as closely as possible so that they wake up refreshed and ready for school the next day. Then, enjoy the rest of your Halloween night, knowing that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure a fun and safe evening.

In conclusion, by following these five quick and simple steps, you can ensure that your Halloween is a success. From having a healthy dinner to checking your kids’ candy, these measures will help keep your family safe and happy throughout the night. So dress up, have fun, and enjoy the Halloween holiday!