- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Teen Tricks and Treats
How Old Is Too Old to Celebrate Halloween? By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that all trick-or-treaters examine treats for potential tampering. Sending him out with a full stomach reduces the chances his hunger pangs will tempt him to snack on treats before you've both sorted through them at home.
Instruct all children not to call on a house that is dark or a front door with an obstructed view from the street. Although it may seem like an unrealistic scene from a 1980s horror movie, you never know who's hiding in the bushes or doorway. If your teen can't see the front door from the sidewalk, he can't see what's waiting for him and shouldn't approach the house.
Teen trick-or-treaters should always travel in groups and carry cell phones or two-way radios. Make sure the batteries in the phones or radios are completely charged before leaving the house. Your teen ghoul or goblin should also carry a flashlight in addition to the popular glow sticks that kids love to use to light their way in the night.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is that Halloween candy muggers and other potentially dangerous individuals are not gender biased. According to Michigan State Police Officer Mike Novak, boys are the target of random Halloween crimes just as much as girls are. Surprisingly in some areas, boys have a higher risk, because many parents fear for the safety of girls and don't allow them out as late as boys.
In addition to realizing that all children are susceptible to Halloween crimes, Novak works to educate parents on some hurtful and sometimes harmful acts teen revelers often fall victim to. "Candy muggings, prank beatings and being the target of paint ball, egg or tomato ammunition are not uncommon," he says. Novak urges trick-or-treaters of all ages to exercise care and stay alert when going out to hunt for goodies.
Halloween may provide the perfect opportunity to utilize the solid set of ideals and principles you've worked hard to instill in your child. Remind him to listen to his inner common sense when celebrating Halloween. He knows your expectations, and chances are, if he has to question participating in a Halloween act, it's probably something you wouldn't want him to be a part of. Relying on his conscience will not only keep him safe, it will promote his ability to independently make good decisions.
If he's feeling pressured by peers to commit hurtful pranks or to stray from the predetermined course, urge him to rely on his instincts and find a safe way out of the situation. If he's unable to talk his fellow tricksters out of a dangerous act, he can place a discreet call home for some reassurance.
Novak cautions parents that it is important to remind your teen that even practical jokes may be considered a crime. Vandalizing pumpkins or mailboxes may seem harmless and tempting, but these acts can lead to a visit to the local police station.