Halloween is approaching! Are you ready to celebrate this spooktacular holiday with your children?
According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers with locations on Milwaukee’s southside and in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and Wauwatosa/West Allis, “Halloween can be one of the most exciting holidays of the year. However, It’s important for parents to be aware of the potential dangers involved with selecting costumes, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, so accidents don’t occur.”
Here are some useful tips to ensure that your entire family has a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
Selecting Costumes
All children get excited about picking out the perfect costume for Halloween. However, Anderson advises that you exercise parental discretion when selecting costumes.
“Make sure the costumes you choose are not flammable and allow your children to see clearly and walk freely without restraint,” says Anderson. “If your children will be trick-or-treating at night, select costumes that are brightly colored and be mindful of the weather. While princess and fairy costumes are always popular with little girls, they aren’t real practical for Wisconsin’s weather.”
Carving Pumpkins
Anderson recommends that you never allow your children to carve pumpkins without supervision and assistance. She also suggests that, instead of using knives, you purchase pumpkin carving tools that are less dangerous and available at most convenience stores.
Finally, never allow your children to light their jack-o-lanterns, and always make sure that they are set in places that are not near flammables or little hands.
Trick-or-Treating
Anderson says that you should never allow your children to trick-or-treat alone. You should go with them and make sure they stay on sidewalks and in driveways, and that they only visit homes where the lights are on. It’s also a good idea to carry flashlights.
“When you get home, make sure that you inspect all candy for tampering and any items that are unwrapped, prior to allowing your children to eat them,” says Anderson. “If your children are under the age of five, also take a moment to remove all candy that could pose a choking hazard.”
Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early childhood programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.
Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.
The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and West Allis/Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1138 South 108th Street, West Allis.
