Some of childhood’s best memories are made during Halloween. Family law attorneys understand that divorce can be especially hard on kids, so the ritual of Halloween should be observed to maintain those best-of-times memories. However, while Halloween can be a bag full of treats, it’s also important for parents to watch out for any tricks that can ruin a fun night.

When Out for Tricks and Treats With Your Kids

Going out to trick-or-treat is the most popular activity associated with Halloween, and there are a lot of obstacles to watch out for. Family law groups recommend that, first things first, you need to make sure you prepare before heading out the door of your Jacksonville, Gainesville, Daytona, Boca Raton or Fleming Island home. Your kids’ costumes should be colorful and comfortable, masks shouldn’t impede sight and accessories like swords should be completely kid-safe. Utilizing reflective tape, safety lights and flashlights so that your group can see and be seen is a must.

While out, walk on sidewalks whenever available. If you need to walk in the road, make sure to stay as far to the side as possible, and always walk against traffic. Of course, look both ways before crossing a street, and make sure your kids know not to run ahead. Lastly, ensure that your children understand that you must check every piece of candy before they can have any.

Options for Age-Appropriate Attractions

Going out to trick-or-treat isn’t the only activity that celebrates the autumn season. There are many fall and harvest festivals hosted by churches, community groups and municipalities that occur all throughout the month of October; generally, these festivals are as family-friendly as you can get. Other family-friendly activities include hay rides, pumpkin picking and corn field mazes.

Similarly, there are also many other Halloween activities that are a bit scarier, such as haunted houses and activities like zombie parades. We recommend that you consider the age of your children when taking them to an activity that is supposed to be frightening.

Another option is the at-home Halloween party. If you host one in your own home, research age-appropriate activities and try to control the flow of sugar by offering healthier alternatives. Also, as with all times at Halloween, candles certainly really set the mood and look great in your jack o’ lanterns, but are a fire hazard. Utilize electric or battery-powered light sources rather than candles as much as possible.

Fighting the Sugar Monster

There is definitely a lot of sugar associated with the Halloween season, but you know what they say about too much of a good thing. A good technique for limiting candy during trick-or-treating is to go out after a large and filling dinner. Then, place a limit on candy once you return home.

This technique can be employed for any autumn or harvest festival where you worry that your child may consume too much sugar. While at such activities, always look for healthier snacks to accompany the sweet treats.

Choosing Activities Appropriate for Your Child’s Age

Halloween offers fun for all ages, but not all activities are appropriate for younger children. Follow this guide when considering activities:

For Ages 4 and Under

• Keep costumes and activities strictly fun-based rather than fear-based. Think princesses and astronauts rather than witches and monsters.
• For movies, again steer clear of anything that resembles monsters and scary creatures; kids really can’t tell the difference between television and reality at this age.
• Limit the sweet stuff as much as possible, as sugar will wreak havoc with young children, turning even the best-behaved kids into mini-monsters.

For Ages 5 to 8

• Costumes and activities can have a little bit of a fear factor to them, but not too much. If you think that activities might scare your child—such as a haunted house—discuss with them beforehand a cue they can give you to let you know they’ve had enough.
• Movies can be a little bit scary, but try to keep it light-hearted as this age group is still very impressionable.
• As to candy, they can handle a bit more, but you will still want to limit their intake.

For Ages 9 to 11

• Generally, this age group can handle pretty scary costumes and activities, but try to get them to lean towards something imaginative rather than a gore-fest.
• This age group can handle moderately scary movies, but still follow ratings guidelines.
• You can be a little more free-handed with the goodies, but don’t give them free reign.

We want to wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween season. For your family law needs, Kenny Leigh and Associates has 5 offices: Jacksonville, Gainesville, Fleming Island, Daytona and Boca Raton. We serve Northeast Florida and South Florida.