Review the rules of safety with your child before Trick-or-Treating.

Hold your child's hand when crossing streets.

Avoid busy streets and intersections.
    Wear  brightly-colored costumes.

Put reflective tape on legs, arms and back of your child's costume.

Have your child carry a flashlight.

Trick-or-Treat early in the evening before it gets dark.

Always walk on sidewalks whenever possible.

Always escort children under 12 years of age.

Examine every piece of candy closely before eating.

Visit homes of only people you know.

Do not allow children under 4 years of age to eat hard candy, popcorn, peanuts or chew gum- they are all choking hazards and can totally occlude the main breathing tube. After age 4, the tube is large enough that a choking incident probably will not cause total obstruction of the airway.

A real neat way to limit the HUGE pile of sweets most children bring home is to institute a "Great Pumpkin Trade-in Policy." This gives your child the important ability to choose and makes them feel empowered in giving up their candy! Simply allow them to give up a small number of pieces of candy for a very small gift or toy from the "Great Pumpkin."  Offer them a more substantial toy for even more candy. Finally, if they are willing to give up all but a few pieces of their candy, give them a "significant" gift or toy in return. This allows them to choose their sacrifice and subsequent gift,  as well as limiting excessive unhealthy sweets (hopefully they will take the bait)!