Trick-or-treating when your kids were younger meant pictures of cute costumes and holding their hands as they went door to door.
Now that they’re older, they may ask to trick-or-treat unsupervised. That spells anxiety for parents and risks for kids.
Here are a few things to consider before you say yes or no, and some safety tips if you let your kids head out alone on Halloween.
Should I let my kids trick-or treat without an adult?
Marshfield Clinic Health System pediatrician Dr. Jeff Clark recommends using the ability to stay at home unsupervised as a metric for readiness for solo trick-or-treating.
“There isn’t a certain age when kids are ready to trick-or-treat unsupervised,” Clark said.
When trick-or-treating, kids should be able to follow rules and directions and know how to handle a stressful or emergency situation.
“Trick-or-treating is risky because kids are going to houses they otherwise wouldn’t,” Clark said. “You don’t know who is behind a mask.”
Set rules for unsupervised trick-or-treating
Click on the targets in the image below for tips to help kids stay safe when trick-or-treating without an adult.
Make sure your kids know the rules before they head out the door on Halloween.
