Halloween is one of the most memorable and eagerly anticipated events of
the year. Becoming someone else through dress costume can be empowering for little ones.
Often, however, when a cleverly disguised elementary student is subjected to above normal
levels of sugar, a very ugly series of events can follow. Following is a list of suggestions
for safe and healthy options for any parent or guardian.
Where to Go to Have Fun and Stay Safe in Fontana
The following sites will host Halloween parties. More events will be listed
in greater detail in the October issue of Community Connection so please sign up for an email
copy today by calling (909) 428-8360.
Families enjoy safe events as alternative to trick-or-treating
The Jack Bulik Teen Center, (909) 428-8393, will host its 2nd Annual
Halloween Haunted House from 5-9 p.m. Cypress Community Center, (909) 428-8374,
will hold the Halloween Goblin Extravaganza from 6-8 p.m. The Don Day
Community Center (909) 428-8383 will host a Halloween Carnival and Haunted House from
6-8 p.m. Admission is free to all three events and bags will be handed out.
Check with your local church to see if the congregation plans to provide
a "Trunk or Treat" activity or any other party.
Costume Planning
The following suggestions are from the American Academy of Pediatricians.
- Prevent problems caused by limited vision from masks by using
makeup and decorative hats.
- Buy costumes, wigs, and other materials that clearly state
that they are flame resistant.
- Either purchase reflective costumes, or add reflective tape
to costumes and bags.
- Ensure that your child's shoes are comfortable.
- Check to make sure that the costumes are short enough to prevent
tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
Food
While free candy and sweets may seem like the greatest deal in the world
for a young child, the truth is too much sugar can lend itself to American's growing obesity
problems and contribute to tooth decay. Prevent the urge to dig into the bag of treats by
having a nutritious dinner before going out and try the following options.
Limit the amount of candy your children are permitted to eat for a healthy and fun Halloween.
- Allow the child to pick only one or two items to celebrate
the evening's windfall and then limit the number of candy pieces the child may have throughout
the following weeks and months. (Bubble gum and hard candy can last a long time).
- A healthy diet is essential to school success. Do not allow
your little one to take the candy to school with lunch. To avoid arguments, make sure
this rule is agreed to before Halloween night. For the good of your student and the teachers,
try to make healthy, sweet free lunches, an ongoing rule, not just for Halloween.
- If you want to encourage a healthy lifestyle hand out treats
such as tooth brushes, tooth floss, coloring books, pens, pencils, crayons, or granola
bars, boxes of raisins, or any other healthy item you see in the store.
- When the trick-or-treating is over, make sure items that
can cause choking are given only to those of an appropriate age and always check your
child's bag for items that are unwrapped, spoiled, or suspicious.
Out and About
Bring a flashlight and extra batteries to help keep your night safe and fun.
Remember to make sure traffic can see your child through the use of reflective
clothing. Some other ways to guarantee safety is to try to follow the advice of the American
Academy of Pediatricians.
- Obtain flashlights for everyone in the group. Older children
and escorts should also wear watches and take spare change for non-emergency phone calls.
- Make sure children know how to call 9-1-1 and are well versed
with what is safe and appropriate behavior.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the
route that is acceptable to you and then agree on a specific time for return.
- Remind groups to stay together and carry mobile phones.
- Do not go to homes without a lit porch light.
- Always use the sidewalk.
- Never cross yards or use alleys.
- Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
- Do not permit children to bicycle, rollerblade, or skateboard.
- When walking with young children, adults should place themselves
between their child and the street.
For more information on having a safe Halloween, you may visit the American
Academy of Pediatricians website at www.aap.org or you may call the Community Services Department
at (909) 428-8360. From the City of Fontana, have a happy, healthy, and scary yet safe Halloween.
