Fall is creeping in, September is drawing to a close and Halloween is now looming on the horizon. It’s never too soon to start preparing for Halloween or for safety, and Better Beginnings a program from the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education – is here to help with that. To further the program’s mission to give every child in Arkansas the best possible care, Better Beginnings is offering some tips for keeping your child safe while trick-or-treating. 

 

“Keeping young children safe is a full-time job,” said Better Beginnings Program Administrator Kelli Hilburn. “These tips can help minimize the stress that comes with all Halloween activities.”

 

Here’s some tips that won’t get in the way of fun, but will make sure your kids have fun safely:

  • Dress children in bright or reflective clothing. It’s important that drivers be able to see children, so consider bright-colored costumes this year. If your child’s costume isn’t bright, consider having them wear a reflective safety vest.
  • Check the candy before children eat it. Throw out any candy that is not packaged or in an unsealed package.
  • Accompany children when they visit a home. Walk children to the front door of a home to ensure they don’t trip over anything on the property and that they don’t enter the home.
  • Consider using face paint or make-up instead of masks. Masks can obscure children’s vision and make it difficult for them to see obstacles or cars while walking.

 

“Trick-or-treating is always a big event and a high point of childhood,” Hilburn said. “Having a safety plan in place ahead of time can help parents enjoy this time with their children and ensure children are having fun.”

 

You can learn more Halloween safety tips by checking out the American Academy of Pediatricians or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

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