This week's episode of "Modern Family" was littered with political undertones. Cam, who takes his Halloween quite seriously, is furious with a child offender who year after year grabs a handful of candy rather than taking the allotted single piece. He passionately explains at Halloween, "There is a social contract. You say trick or treat, you get one piece of candy. That breaks down and we’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away to a lawless wasteland where we use bees and teeth for money." This small act of defiance by his 'Halloween nemesis' drives Cam cuckoo. He is 'crazy for justice,' a feeling many of us understand all too well as we approach the final days of one of the most contentious elections in American history.
Our society is sprinkled with social contracts, those unwritten rules that govern our communities, our schools, our businesses, and basically every facet of our existence. In a climate when we are witnessing both Presidential candidates dodging these decrees and not necessarily being held accountable for their most questionable actions, it makes it increasingly difficult to instill these skills in our youngest citizens. How to behave on Halloween is just one of the ways kids can begin to exhibit appropriate codes of conduct and learn to respect systems and policies that will certainly play a part in their adult lives. Below is a Smörgåsbord of guidelines to keep even the most ghastly goblin and ghoul in line.
Our society is sprinkled with social contracts, those unwritten rules that govern our communities, our schools, our businesses, and basically every facet of our existence. In a climate when we are witnessing both Presidential candidates dodging these decrees and not necessarily being held accountable for their most questionable actions, it makes it increasingly difficult to instill these skills in our youngest citizens. How to behave on Halloween is just one of the ways kids can begin to exhibit appropriate codes of conduct and learn to respect systems and policies that will certainly play a part in their adult lives. Below is a Smörgåsbord of guidelines to keep even the most ghastly goblin and ghoul in line.
Teal is the New Orange. NOTE FOR KIDS WITH NUT ALLERGIES: The Teal Pumpkin Project is a new organization designed to raise awareness for kids with peanuts and tree nuts food allergies. If you see a teal pumpkin, it is a signal that a home is handing out non-food treats. Whether a non-food or candy treat, teach children to be patient and polite and limit themselves to one piece unless more is offered. Remind them to say please and thank you and try not to crowd or stampede the doorways.
If You're Old Enough to Drive...Trick or treating is a tradition reserved for younger children who look forward each year to dressing up in their favorite costumes and going door-to-door to receive unlimited amounts of sugary treats. Most teenagers typically loose their interest, but if you're sixteen and still stomping around in your scary costume, it's time to turn in your pumpkin bucket.
Treatin' In N Out of the Hood. It is perfectly acceptable to travel outside one's own neighborhood, particularly, for children who live in a canyon without sidewalks or who live in a neighborhood that is less than child-friendly. However, if you do decide to leave your hood, the next best thing is to trick-or-treat with a friend in their area or find an alternate place that feels comfortable and familiar. Whereever you choose, be respectful of lawns and gardens and use the sidewalks or pathways leading up to the front door. If a house is dark and all the lights are turned off, this is a signal that the family is not participating in the ritual or may not be at home.
Ditch the Clown Costume. As far as costumes for children, the general rule is that they be age appropriate and kid-friendly. This year due to the panic surrounding those menacing clowns, these costumes are being banned from schools and parties. Political outfits are more popular than ever with Hilary and Trump filling the shelves, but politically incorrect outfits or extremely scary horror costumes are never acceptable. Ask yourself one simple question, "Is my costume disrespectful or would it offend or scare another person at the party?" If the answer is yes, then find an alternative choice.
Hosting & Ghosting Halloween Parties. Anyone with a birthday in October knows how much fun it can be to have a Halloween party. If you are hosting, be gracious and provide ample treats and entertainment for your guests. Encourage everyone to come dressed in costume to help set the tone for the party. A little spooky music adds to the fun. Make sure to be a good guest as well. Don't ghost your host by not responding to an invitation and never show up empty-handed. Bring a birthday gift or host gift for the party-giver as a thank you for including you in the festivities.
Safety First on the Night of Fright. Begin trick-or-treating at dusk while there is still some light for safety. Sidewalks and lawns lined with electrical cords can be dangerous. Come prepared with flashlights to make sure you do not trip or fall. Have supplies on hand for emergencies. Keep a couple of Band-Aids and Neosporin in your pocket should minor accidents occur. Make sure to look both ways before crossing the streets. Although there are more pedestrians out than usual, it is still dark and drivers may not see clearly. Adults and children should stick together at all times. There is nothing more treacherous than trying to track down a small child in the pitch black of night.
Tricks within Reason. Halloween is meant to be fun, but not at the expense of others. Contrary to what we might see on television or in the movies, it is not an opportunity to toilet paper a neighbor's front yard or throw eggs at their front door. It also does not give one free reign to steal or damage pumpkins or other decorations. It is wise to stay away from anything that could potentially cause property damage as these types of pranks are not only dangerous but illegal. If pranks and tricks are a must, try creating an imaginative fun house or haunted house for your friends and other guests to experience.
General Halloween Etiquette Tips. Halloween is a perfect "training" time to teach children how to mind their "P's" & "Q's." After just a few house visits, your two-year-old will be an expert! At least one parent should accompany all children up to the age of twelve. Trick-or-treating should generally end around 9pm as most families with children and older adults are preparing for bed by that time. Parents should check the treats of the younger children before they eat them. Children should never eat anything that is handmade, unwrapped or specially prepared unless they personally know the family.
Happy haunting!
