By Tim Jahn, M.ED
Want to know what’s really scary at Halloween? Pre-teens and teens roaming the streets unsupervised after dark armed with shaving cream, silly string and raw eggs, that’s what. Halloween mischief making is sometimes harmless, just a few smashed pumpkins, trees wrapped in toilet paper and kids covered in flour. But there are lots of times when things get out of hand and someone gets hurt or property vandalized. Some teens will prey on younger school-agers, committing “candy muggings” and prank beatings. Homeowners who have been targeted by Halloween high jinks may call the police and press charges; worse, some may take matters into their own hands and threaten violence. And when paintball or bb guns or firecrackers replace eggs, Halloween truly becomes terrifying.
Many pre-teens still want to dress up and go trick-or-treating with their friends. They may not even care that Mom’s nearby, monitoring everything from a distance. But some pre-teens and many teens care less about the treats and are more interested in the tricks. It’s the risk, danger and masquerade they relish. They want to go out after dark without adults around and hang with their friends. It’s a recipe for potential trouble on most nights, let alone Halloween. So, how do you handle Halloween without coming across as monster mom or demon dad?
If you decide to let your pre-teen prowl around with his friends, establish firm guidelines. Stay together. No vandalism. No bullying younger children. Stay within 2-3 blocks of home. Bring a cell phone and call at first sign of trouble. Be home by 8 p.m. (or earlier). If he balks at these rules, tell him he can help you hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Or you can offer to:
- Plan a Halloween party together in someone’s home or a community location. Better yet, help him and his friends plan a party for younger kids in the neighborhood.
- Turn your yard and driveway into a haunted house where your child and her friends can play live creatures and characters (though not too scary for very young children).
- Take her and her friends to a haunted house, followed by ice cream.
- Do something inspiring, not spine-chilling. Many nonprofit groups have Halloween fund-raisers and need volunteers. Visit shut-ins and share songs, ghost stories and treats. Or raise your own money for a good cause with your haunted house or by trick-or-treating.
You can search the Internet for Halloween party ideas, recipes, homemade haunted house decorations, community service projects and more.
Additional Resources:
SC Healthy Halloween parties and meals
CDC Halloween health and safety tips
Tim Jahn is a Human Ecology Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. He can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 331 or at tcj2@cornell.edu.