Halloween is a time of make-believe monsters, but there can be some real-life frights for trick-or-treaters. In fact, more child pedestrians are killed on Halloween than any other day, according to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis. To keep the spookiness "pretend," follow the advice of Primary Care Meridian pediatrician Olukemi Akinrinola, MD.
"You can encourage kids to be safe without scaring them," she says. Her top tips:
- Set up a contest to see who can bring home the most treats — it's your best chance to limit sugar intake and inspect the goods.
- Remind kids not to walk and chew candy at the same time — it's a choking hazard for distracted kids to gobble on the go.
- Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
- Discuss safely crossing streets. Set route and boundaries ahead of time. Children and parents should have a predesignated time and place to meet up if separated.
- Paint children’s faces instead of masking them. Masks impair vision. Add reflective tape to costumes, or give kids glow sticks. Bulky costumes can be a tripping hazard.
- Tell kids to trick or treat now, text later — no social media distractions during travels.
- Warn small children ahead of time they might see gruesome decorations and costumes, and assure them those scary things are just make-believe.
