Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, Founder of Daddyscrubs
As a daddy to seven, I know a
thing or two about wanting to protect your children from all of the world’s
evils. It seems certain seasons and holidays tend to bring out the crazies,
Halloween being one of those crazy-induced holidays.
Here’s a bit of advice from a
dad who wants to ensure you and your kids have a safe and fun Halloween.
Trick or Treat:
I think most people would agree; getting free candy is amongst the more
enjoyable things in life, and your child will probably want to try their hand
at the fun. In order to stay safe this Halloween, trick or treat with your child during the earlier
evening hours. Walk from door to door with them allowing them to partake in the
trick or treating experience while knowing they are safe and out of harms way.
If you have older children, you can drive them to different neighborhoods that
you know are safe and hang out while they visit the homes in the neighborhood.
Give them a meeting place, a time and a cell phone. Lay out the ground rules ahead
of time so you and your child can stay safe while having fun.
Party-in: While
scavenging through neighborhoods filling pillowcases with candy and more appealing
Halloween tradition, it can be just as fun to have a party at home, which is
what my wife, kids and I have done for the past several years. Everyone dresses
up, you decorate your house to look like a haunted mansion, and you invite
other close friends and family to come enjoy in the festivities. With your own
bowls of candy dispersed throughout the house, you and your kids can indulge
their Fall sweet tooth in a fun and safe environment. 
Out and aBOOut:
Generally, many towns and cities have festivals and activities for this season.
You should check around your town to see if there is a pumpkin patch, a corn
maze, a wagon ride or a haunted house that you and your child can attend for
fun. It will give you all something festive to do without overindulging on too
much sugar or making a haunted mess of your house.
Check the Bounty: If your children do go out to collect candy from strangers, make sure
you inspect the goods when they get home. Throw away candies that are open or
questionable. It’s probably also good not to let your child eat as much candy
as he can stomach in one sitting. Teach them self control and responsibility by
allowing them to pick out several pieces of candy a day. You can spread the
candy out by sending some in his lunch pail and by eating a little yourself, of
course!
Good Rules of Zombie-thumb: It’s always important to lay out a few good rules of
thumb – or in this case, zombie-thumb – before letting loose. In the case of
Halloween, make sure the neighborhoods you’re visiting are safe and well lit.
If a house is dark, don’t go up to it, and make sure you select a time and
place to meet if you aren’t walking around with your child. Your kids should carry
a cell phone and walk with a group. Remind them not to get in anybody’s car or
go in anybody’s house.
Whatever you choose to do,
make sure you stay safe and have fun.
Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
Daddy Nickell
Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to
expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the CEO and founder of Daddyscrubs,
the “Perfect” Gift for Any Dad, and a contributor along with his daughter for
the Daddyscrubs Blog where they cover topics about parenting, pregnancy, babies,
and toddlers. As well as new and unique gifts, celebrities, and
interviews.
