Halloween Safety Tips for Parents to Kids

Some of us have kids that are just hitting the age where they want to go out trick-or-treating by themselves. From the parental side of things, this can be a little scary. To help take some of the stress off your mind, try out these little tips.

Make up a set of ground rules. Have a set time when your kids have to be back make sure they know the areas that they’re allowed to go, and where not to go; don’t stray away from your group of friends; etc.

Remind them to stay on the sidewalks,  cross streets only at corners and crosswalks, and double check no cars are coming before crossing.

If your kids don’t already have their own, loan them your cell phone in case of emergency and so they can check in.

If they’re going out after dark, make sure they have glow sticks/necklaces/bracelets or flashlights so that they’re easily visible.

Make sure your kids know what the candy-consumption rules are before heading out, to avoid arguing and upset when they get home with their loot.

Halloween has a tendency to also bring out the crazies, so a refresher lesson in Stranger Danger may be in order.

If your kids have any allergies, remember to send them out with their medicine, just in case they dip into their stash early, and eat the wrong thing.

Even though you’ll still be worrying about your kids the whole time they’re out, try to have fun handing out Halloween candy at home or having a little Halloween get together of your own. We hope these tips help to alleviate some of your fears, and allow everyone to have a happy and safe Halloween, this season!


DIY Halloween Decorations

I’m sure like most of you, I love going to my favourite stores and checking out the new Halloween decorations. Unfortunately, they can often be rather expensive, and I may only be able to find a couple things that are really my taste. This spook season, check out these cool DIY decorations that are totally customizable to your taste and needs.

Scarecrow – With a few scrap pieces of lumber for the body and a ball—or even a balloon—for the head, you can customize your very own lawn ornament to be scary, silly, formal, or down-home; whatever look you want for your home.

Door Wreath – With a simple wire coat hanger formed into a circle, you can pick up a pretty cheap garland from just about anywhere, wrap it around to hide the wire, and add any embellishments you wish for an extra personal touch.

Haunted Hotel Sign – You can pick up an old post and corbel at a reclaimed goods/salvage store and add your own spooky sign. Your choice if you have any vacancies or not …!

Window Silhouettes – Cut out the shape of your choice from some black construction paper, adhere it to your window, and let your figures come alive when the lights come on! For some added effect, create a whole shadow-y scene!

Welcome Mats – If you have some carpet scrap lying around, you can paint a ghostly scene and a message to your visitors. If not, pick up a plain, cheap porch mat, cut out some shapes (i.e. bats, ghosts, cats, barren trees, letters) to stick to the mat, and spray paint over your now-stencils for your very own custom greeting!

Picture Frame Lanterns – Want a cute way to light up the path to your door? Try picking up some cheap picture frames, use some wood glue to form a cube (minus the top and bottom) and then some vellum paper to print some Halloween-tastic pictures and place either real or electric candles on the inside for a fun way to light up the trail to the candy.

Hope you can have fun with some of these and please feel free to share them with us! As always, everyone here at Sweeney & Sweeney hopes you have a fun and safe holiday!