Tips for Grandparents: Keeping Your Toddlers Safe on Halloween

Halloween is so different now. When we as grandparents had small children who were trick or treating, we felt fairly safe in sending our toddlers out with older children to visit the neighborhoods. We would take our own children and not think much about it. But times have changed, and many grand parents are now in charge of taking their grand children out for Halloween. Whether it is through close proximity to grand children or because Mom works, or because the grand parent is raising the child, grand parents have more time with their grandchildren. We noticed last Halloween when we took our grand daughter, that there were a lot of grandparents out there doing Halloween duties, taking the children from door to door. We also noticed that many of these grand parents acted like it was still 1970. The holiday can be a safe time, or a dangerous time, depending on how it is celebrated. It also can be loads of fun or a bit scary for a toddler if certain things are not done. Listed are some ideas and suggestions that will guarantee your toddler will have a safe and fun Halloween, whether you are the grandparent or parent taking the child.

1) Pick the right costume. Halloween now days is more intense than it was in 1970. Costumes can be very scary for a little two year old. While many grand parents want to get creative with their grand children and make home made costumes including vampires , werewolves, and a bunch of fake blood, it is best to go with fun costumes. We noticed grand parents last year, who actually had their toddlers dressed up in scary outfits. However, most custodial grand parents tend to go for the cute and fun looking costumes for their toddlers. Disney characters are always a hit with the little girls, and boys love to dress up as their favorite action figure. Nothing is wrong with a little fantasy, but for toddlers, it should be all about fun.and not scaring people.