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Making Halloween Safe AND Fun [ + a giveaway!]

If we were to be really, really honest, couldn’t we agree that Halloween and trick or treating is really for parents? Stick with me on this:

Is there anything better than your adorable, squishy babe dressed up as a little scary monster or very sad bunny? Nope!



Is there anything better than convincing your attitude-filled 7 year old that doing full-face makeup (using your eyeshadow, red lipstick & eyeliner) so that he can be a zombie, while his little brother is rocking that Ben Affleck/George Clooney as Batman vibe? NOPE!


Is there anything better than sitting on your floor and sorting through the bags and bags of loot your kids managed to collect (and that you’re totally going to be eating once they head off to bed).  Heck, no!


Halloween is one of the rare times that parents get to enjoy being silly and fun with their kids and dressing them up in the kind of costumes and outfits they’ve always dreamed of (just me? doubt it!).

In our house, our first Halloween with our son was 7 years ago. I found the cutest costume, dressed him up, had family over (seriously!!!) and took him out to a grand total of 4 houses before he lost his cool. But you know what? It was totally worth it! I was never been more in love with those squishy cheeks than I was the night he was a baby monkey.

Over the years, Halloween has become an even more fun family activity. I’ve thrown Halloween parties; had kids on the street do tricks for treats (they honestly didn’t know what to think of me!); spooked up our front walk so much that kids were afraid to visit (oops!); been mom to a duck, Cookie Monster, Power Rangers, a ‘ginger ninja’, and Iron Man;  and I’ve had SO MUCH FUN doing it!

 

 

And really, don’t get me started on the pumpkins. Pumpkin carving is 100% set aside for parental fun in our house. And by parents, I mean my husband. Check out some of his handiwork:

 

 

 

(And to be fair, my kids have just as much fun deciding on our pumpkin theme and watching my husband carve it!).

My boys are a bit older now and they have friends on our street that they like to trick or treat with (with parents in tow, of course!). But the magic and fun of Halloween hasn’t been lost. They still LOVE picking out their own costumes, letting me help them get ready (because let’s face it, costumes are getting more and more elaborate!) and heading out to collect as much candy as possible for one special night.

As a parent, I’ve also learned a lot about making Halloween just as safe as it is fun.

Let me tell you a little story about my own scary Halloween experience (and how it has changed the way I view Halloween and trick or treating for my kids):

 

When I was 8 years old, dressed as a cheerleader (as I was every single year, with the exception of the year that I had to be Little Red Riding Hood because it was the only thing that would fit over my snowsuit!), I was allowed to trick or treat with my friends as long as I was in sight of my parents, who had my little sister in tow.
I was thrilled and having the time of my life! I could taste that freedom! About 10 minutes before we were going to back it in for the night, I saw a girl I knew from school trick or treating across the street. I couldn’t get her attention so I decided to run across the street and grab her. I can’t say I exactly remember what happened but I do remember screeching tires, screaming and – in the end – a bumper just a few inches from my head. Thankfully, the car stopped just in time and I was not hit running across the road. I was an extraordinarily responsible kid, but the excitement and fun of trick or treating over road all the safety tips I knew & regularly obeyed.

That might be the reason I want my kids to love Halloween (I certainly had trouble enjoying it after that scary incident), but it’s also the reason I am absolutely dedicated to make our trick or treating experiences as safe and incident-free as possible.

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There are a few things that are now mandatory for Halloween night – they don’t take the fun away from running all over the neighbourhood with their friends and collecting more candy, chocolate & chips than they could ever dream of, but they do ensure we are having the BEST and SAFEST night.

Here’s what I insist on (based on advice from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs):

  • No Candles: We love carving pumpkins (correction: my husband loves carving pumpkins!) but with a clumsy mom (me!) and even more clumsy 5 year old in our house, candles inside our pumpkins are a recipe for disaster. That’s not even taking into consideration all the teeny-tiny tots who will climb our steps for a treat on Halloween night. Instead, we use a flashlight inside our pumpkins.  Using a long lasting battery like a Duracell Coppertop Battery helps keep them powered all night long.
  • Be Visible: My older son is now 7 years old and really loves the idea of being a zombie, which I’m fine with, as LONG as he is visible. To mitigate the arguments, he wears reflective tape on his ripped zombie jeans so he can easily be seen by motorists. Alternatively, our littlest one wore reflective tape on his Batman cape so he could be sure to be seen while fighting crime [and collecting candy!]
  • Flashlights Light The Way: Everyone in our Halloween trick-or-treating group has a flashlight with fresh Duracell Coppertop batteries so they can see. This is extra important when creeping up on spooky houses that are dimly lit! We also make sure we stay on the sidewalk, in well-lit areas (our own neighbourhood) and and only visit homes with their lights turned on.
  • Strength in
    Numbers:
    As I mentioned, my kids are getting older. So, while there is always a parent with them, we also make sure they walk in a group. There’s safety (and fun!) in numbers!
  • Know Where You’re Going: We always discuss our route before leaving the house. That means everyone knows what streets we are visiting and where to go should we ever be separated (thankfully they will have their own flashlight to help light the way!). We do not zig-zag across the street and we certainly do not go on any routes we have not discussed ahead of time Planning a route and sticking to it helps in ensuring that the most candy is collected in the safest way possible.
  • Parents Check First: As tempting as it is to bite into a chocolate bar mid-route, all candy and chocolate has to be inspected by mom and dad before it is eaten. Yes, this definitely means that we will taste test some as well, but better safe than sorry I always say:)
  • Fresh Batteries: Between our flashlights for every child and adult, flashlights or battery-powered lights inside our pumpkins, and all the other spooky extras that we power up on Halloween night, having new & fresh batteries on hand is a must! As always, our go-to is the coppertop brand – Duracell – that we trust the most.
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I am a huge believer in ensuring my children are safe and empowered. By talking about our rules (and reminding them of why we have those rules!), having the right safety tools ready to go (including the long lasting power of Duracell batteries), being prepared with plenty of Halloween bags and a bunch of Halloween candy ready for the cute trick or treaters that will be at our doorstep, and making fun & safety a priority, our Halloween evenings go off without a hitch.

And yes, BE HONEST, Halloween really is for the parents. Sure the kids get the candy, but we get the memories we make as a family on Halloween and the knowledge that our kids are having a great experience as well. Even though I have yet to wear a costume and humiliate my kids (although I’m not above it, they just beg me not to!), being out in the neighbourhood with friends, seeing my kids be silly and have an absolute blast is always 100% worth it!

Now I want YOU to have the same fun and safe experience that my family has on Halloween! My friends at Duracell are giving away a Halloween trick-or-treating safety kit which includes:

  • Duracell Coppertop batteries
  • Coleman flashlight
  • Wearable reflectors
  • Flameless candle
 
It looks pretty awesome, doesn’t it!?
 
This amazing prize pack care of Duracell Coppertop Batteries can be yours by simply entering below! I know you will be as obsessed with the lasting power of Duracell as I am and hopefully inspired to have a memory-filled and super safe Halloween experience!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Duracell Coppertop batteries, as part of the #TrustedPower program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.
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Giveaway 82

Comments

  1. ivy pluchinsky says

    October 20, 2016 at 2:41 pm

    Those are some pretty good tips! Especially the No Candles one! We only have flame less candles here! And we all have flashlights by our beds in case the power goes out in the middle of the night.

    Reply
  2. Sara C says

    October 20, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    Awesome tips! Scary story!!! My fav Halloween tip is to make sure costumes do not have any long/hanging parts that can be tripped on!

    Reply
  3. Angela M says

    October 20, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    My Halloween safety tip is to put reflective bands on the arms of your kids costumes and to bring a flashlight along too. We live in a neighborhood without many street lights so we really need a flashlight to light up stairs and pathways so no one trips.

    Reply
  4. Glogirl says

    October 20, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    My favourite tip is to Be Visible. This is so important on Halloween night especially when you are out trick-or-treating in the dark.

    Reply
  5. spike says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:06 am

    Stay visible! Don't jaywalk!

    Reply
  6. Monique L.S. says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:12 am

    Travel in groups. Don't go out alone.

    Reply
  7. BethElderton says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:19 am

    If out after dark, wear something reflective or carry a glow stick or other light. Stick with neighborhoods and houses with the lights on and people around.
    Mary Beth Elderton

    Reply
  8. Melissa Fowers says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:24 am

    Stay Viable with glow sticks or reflective tape.

    Reply
  9. margo b says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:42 am

    I love the wearable reflectors so handy to have

    Reply
  10. intensev5 says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Being visible is important – we also make sure our dog is visible too!

    Entry form name Marlene V

    Reply
  11. janine. says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    the wearable reflectors is a great saftey tip

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Nothing to be eaten until mom checks it at home.

    Reply
  13. Lu Tony says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:18 pm

    Be Visible

    Tainan Lu

    Reply
  14. Kiley Downey says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:37 pm

    be visible with reflectors

    Reply
  15. Carol Denny says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    Put reflector tape on the costumes.

    Reply
  16. latanya t says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    don't let you kids go to the different doors by themselves

    Reply
  17. Flo says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    My favorite tip is wear bight colors and carry Flashlights Light The Way.
    Florence C

    Reply
  18. Ruth Honey says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    My grand babies only go to local areas and malls with Pop Pop and Grandma. No exceptions!

    Reply
  19. Brenda Penton says

    October 21, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    My favourite tip is No Candles. We had candles in our pumpkins on our steps a few years ago and one had gotten knocked over. We caught it in time, but I wonder what would have happened if we didn't notice.

    Reply
  20. jemrah says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    my fave safety tip is see and be seen- make sure masks don't obscure kids' vision, so they don't trip, fall, or bump into things; and make sure others can see them, with reflective tape, flashlights, etc.

    Reply
  21. 409cope says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    We always made sure their eyes were not covered and that they couldn't trip on their costumes.

    Reply
  22. kim says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    My favourite tip is to carry a flashlight.

    Reply
  23. Stephanie LaPlante says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    Always bring a flashlight and check all your children's candy before eating.

    Reply
  24. Cheryl says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Make sure that you can see where you are going in your costume AND that people and vehicles can see you!

    Reply
  25. Linda Hall says

    October 21, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    My favourite Halloween safety tip is that parents check first.

    Reply
  26. flowerchild says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    My favourite tip to make sure you can be seen. Wear reflective tape or carry a flashlight.

    Reply
  27. J Austin says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    Be visible

    Reply
  28. Peter B. says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Wear something reflective.

    Reply
  29. michelle tremblett says

    October 21, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    Travel in groups for sure ! Trick or treating with a buddy is always a great idea 🙂

    Reply
  30. Heather Stover says

    October 21, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    Flashlights for those tricky stairs in the dark makes for a fun evening.

    Reply
  31. Rena Walter says

    October 21, 2016 at 3:15 pm

    Get home before dark, especially with little ones.

    Reply
  32. Nic says

    October 21, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    My favourite safety tip is to make sure if your kids are wearing a mask that it doesn't slip as they run around making it difficult for them to see properly. Double sided fashion tape (skin safe) works wonders.

    Reply
  33. Kim Niland says

    October 21, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Wear or carry lights or use reflectors. Anything to keep you visible at night.

    Reply
  34. maria says

    October 21, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    Never go out alone. It is best to go in a group.

    billiondollarprincesss @hotmail.com

    Reply
  35. Anonymous says

    October 21, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    Kimberley Hamilton: Wear reflective strips and carry a flashlight while crossing roads!

    Reply
  36. katieoscarlet says

    October 21, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    My tip is to make sure you are close to your child throughout the trick or treating and watch every house they go to

    Reply
  37. Carole B. says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    Keep our black cat inside

    Reply
  38. Angela Eagle says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    Dont eat anything until your parents check it out

    Reply
  39. LILLIAN BROWN says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    my favourite tip favourite tip is to Be Visible-so important

    Reply
  40. Carol Oddy says

    October 21, 2016 at 5:32 pm

    Give your child reflective clothing to wear on Halloween to be seen better.

    Reply
  41. Cairine says

    October 21, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    Be visible is my favourite tip. Also be sure your child can see easily through their costume. Some Halloweens are dark and dreary so they should be able to see and be seen.

    Reply
  42. Gord Ord says

    October 21, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    Wear face paint instead of a mask so your eyesight is not obstructed.

    Reply
  43. Minnie Face says

    October 21, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    We always accompany our kids and carry flashlights!

    Reply
  44. pansy says

    October 21, 2016 at 6:59 pm

    relective clothing, no masks that impair vision and hopefully an adult along if possible.

    Reply
  45. Elie Chiu says

    October 21, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    Strength in numbers! My fondest childhood trick-or-treating memories included going with a group of friends and our parents. It was great for the kids and the parents also had the opportunity to socialize

    Reply
  46. cherry251 says

    October 21, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    carry a flashlight
    rafflecoptrer name is aarone mawdsly

    Reply
  47. Debra says

    October 21, 2016 at 8:16 pm

    dont wear masks or dark colors

    Reply
  48. Danni Plume says

    October 21, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Staying visible is essential to Halloween safety

    Reply
  49. Brenda.Randal Bedard says

    October 21, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    always stay with your friends in a group

    Reply
  50. Amanda Patterson says

    October 21, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    Don't have an all black costume or a costume that is really hard to move in! You want to be visible and not be falling down all night long!

    Reply
  51. Alison King says

    October 21, 2016 at 11:50 pm

    My favorite tip is to make sure your costume is visible, comfortable, and appropriate for the weather.

    Reply
  52. cheryl says

    October 22, 2016 at 12:12 am

    I like to give the kids glow sticks

    Reply
  53. Dawn gordon says

    October 22, 2016 at 12:14 am

    My favorite safety tip is reflectors and flashlights

    Reply
  54. Judy C - Judy Cowan says

    October 22, 2016 at 12:36 am

    My favourite safety tip is no masks, I think it is safer to use make-up. (Judy Cowan)

    Reply
  55. Anonymous says

    October 22, 2016 at 12:40 am

    Wear reflectors.

    Reply
  56. Wendy Hutton says

    October 22, 2016 at 12:57 am

    carry a flashlight and wear something reflective on your clothing

    Reply
  57. Amy C says

    October 22, 2016 at 1:07 am

    My favourite safety tip is to go with a group.

    Reply
  58. J says

    October 22, 2016 at 1:34 am

    We get glow necklaces from the dollar store

    Reply
  59. lushka says

    October 22, 2016 at 2:22 am

    I think being visible is very important.

    Reply
  60. jcbr says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:02 am

    My favourite tip is to wear bright colours, especially for older kids as they stay out later.

    Reply
  61. TCDTC says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:09 am

    I would like to have an adult go with the children and check the candy when they get home.

    Reply
  62. catgirl1 says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:34 am

    Travel in groups & carry a flashlight.

    Reply
  63. Tammy Dalley says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:57 am

    always carry a flashlight!!!

    Reply
  64. Demonspawn77 says

    October 22, 2016 at 4:18 am

    No Candles is a big thing I have seen to many fires started by people puting thing on top of their Jack-o-lanterns

    Reply
  65. Jonnie (JB) says

    October 22, 2016 at 4:46 am

    My favorite tip is no candles. It's so easy to forget about them or for them to get knocked over.

    Reply
  66. Carey Hurst says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    Love this post , I am Halloween all year round . Great tips . My fave tip is parents check first. While there is the obvious parents can score a few treats on the rummage , there is the very real threat of someone tampering with the candy .

    Reply
  67. Anonymous says

    October 22, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Be visible and traffic safe.
    Nancy
    tis-so at Hotmail dot com

    Reply
  68. juliemurphy says

    October 22, 2016 at 4:13 pm

    Stay in groups for sure.

    Reply
  69. K Yee says

    October 22, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    My favourite tip is about "Know Where You're Going". It is a good tip and made me smile as I remembered us making a plan when I was a kid.

    Reply
  70. Tina F says

    October 22, 2016 at 8:39 pm

    Have a flash light and make sure to wtch while walking that you can see everything clearly as to not trip and fall or walk into traffic

    Reply
  71. Nicolthe pickle says

    October 22, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    Always have lots of lights and reflectors.

    Reply
  72. doreen lamoureux says

    October 22, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    My tips are to wear reflects and to have buddies or your mom or dad with you. Happy Halloweening. 🙂

    Reply
  73. Laurie W says

    October 23, 2016 at 1:42 am

    My tip is to always travel in a group with at least one grown-up and to cross streets as few times as possible, so go up one side before crossing and doing the other.

    Reply
  74. le p says

    October 23, 2016 at 3:06 am

    have everyone in the group (and the group is important) visible to each member. if you can't see each one, then something's wrong. thanks

    Reply
  75. Robyn Bellefleur says

    October 23, 2016 at 4:16 am

    My tip is to have your kids wear glow stick bracelets or necklace so they are visible.

    Reply
  76. A Daya says

    October 23, 2016 at 4:37 am

    My favourite tip for Halloween Trick or Treating is simple; go with a group of kids or other people, don't go alone. Not alone does it provide a sense of protection, you create wonderful memories.

    Reply
  77. Courtney Fudger says

    October 23, 2016 at 1:50 pm

    We bring a flashlight and we use face paint instead of masks so that everyone can see!

    Reply
  78. Audra O'Hara says

    October 23, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    My favorite tip is to wear something reflective and watch for cars at night. We go to a subdivision to trick-or-treat. Most people are walking, but some are driving. There's kids everywhere, so I think anything to help them more visible to drivers is helpful.

    Reply
  79. Sam Dorne says

    October 23, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    Only trick or treat at homes of people you know and always have a flashlight and jackets just in case

    Reply
  80. Krista Miller says

    October 23, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Do not ever go trick or treating alone, always be with an adult or group of friends. And put reflective strips on your costume so you are visible!

    Reply
  81. Christine Tuomi Holliday says

    October 24, 2016 at 1:00 am

    Always wear something reflective or neon! If without parents, travel in groups.

    Reply
  82. Anne-Marie T says

    October 24, 2016 at 6:19 am

    Walk with a flashlight to make sure you are visible.

    Reply

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This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact me by e-mail at sarah@sleepingisforlosers.com. This blog abides by word-of-mouth marketing standards. I believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. At times, I am compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though I receive compensation for certain posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinion, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. Comments are welcome and encouraged. Comments that are derogatory, defamatory, and/or deemed to be spam will be removed from the site.

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