Behavior at School

        From the desks of Katie Faragher and Nithya Sunder

Katie Faragher, CPNP

Nithya Sunder, MD

Halloween is approaching and children are excitedly talking about their costumes and trick-or-treating plans.  Below are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics that will help keep your child safe this Halloween.

All Dressed Up:

 
• Make sure all costume components and accessories (wigs, capes, etc.) are flame resistant, with colors that are bright and reflective. 
• Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility especially if kids will be out at dusk or later. 
• Masks and hoods can limit or block eyesight.  Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives to masks.  Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
• Make sure all props are not too sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he/she stumbles or trips.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eyecare professional.  Decorative lenses without a prescription can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
• Review with your children how to call 9-1-1 if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

       Pumpkin Decorating:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins.  Children can draw a face with markers and then the parents can do the cutting.
• Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin.  If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by.  They should never be left unattended.
• Small children should never carve pumpkins.  Children can draw a face with markers and then the parents can do the cutting. 

Home Safe Home:   

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes, and lawn decorations.
• Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Trick-or-Treat Trail:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. 
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Make sure that your older children are trick or treating in a group, has a route which you approve of, has a phone that works, that they do not go into any houses or cars, and have a set time by which they should return home. 
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks, and never cross between parked cars or on driveways.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Stay on well lit sidewalks. If you have to walk in the street make sure to face traffic and make sure kids are watching for cars as they cross streets. 
• Avoid cutting through yards or alleys.
• Don't assume the right of way.  Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

        Healthy Halloween:

• Eating a good meal before parties and trick-or-treating will discourage children from filling up on Halloween goodies.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books, pens, pencils, glow sticks or safe toys without small parts. 
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats.  A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items. 
• Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.
• Encourage kids to consider donating extra candy/treats to homeless shelters or to our troops. 

            Children with Food Allergies:

• The Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions. 
• Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available such as glow sticks or small toys.
• Display a free printable sign or poster from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) to explain the meaning of your pumpkin.  Click the link below to get more information and print your sign today!

https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project

We hope you and your family have a happy, healthy and safe Halloween!

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Halloween-Safety-Tips.aspx