Trick-or-treating doesn’t have to be scary

Winnipeg, MB: Children across Canada are set to transform into their favourite characters and head out to fill their Halloween treat bags this weekend. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection encourages parents to make safety a part of the Halloween preparations, as trick-or treating can be a great platform help build children’s safety competence and confidence.

5 Habits for a Safe Halloween is a great resource for parents to review strategies with kids of all ages to help keep them safe throughout their Halloween activities. These habits include making a trick-or-treat route plan together with your child even if you will be with them, creating direct or in-direct supervision through check-in points as well as the buddy system.

“These safety habits are easy to implement into your family’s Halloween routine and create a safety foundation that you can build on year by year as children become more independent,” says Noni Classen, Director of Education at the Canadian Centre. “Halloween is a great time to discuss some of the real world situations children may face and build up their safety competence.”

5 Habits for a Safe Halloween has been adapted from the Canadian Centre’s Safety Habits for Life. By promoting these personal safety skills, parents are setting the foundation for Halloween and other situations involving increasing independence to remain safe and fun. For more information and age-specific resources visit kidsintheknow.ca.