It’s the time of year when ghouls and zombies roam the streets in their torn and bloodied clothing searching for the perfect treats. No matter what are you or your loved ones falls into, Halloween is one of the more dangerous holidays. As a parent, this holiday is what nightmares are made of; Strangers giving out loose candy, people cruising slowly past your home, your children wandering in and out of the streets in dark clothing and naively running to every door with a porch light on. Total paranoia. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can keep the holiday fun filled without feeling the need to take a Xanax! 

1. 1.  Dress Your Kids To Stand Out

Of course your little princess will want a rainbow crown with glitter and a white dress, but how many other children will be wearing the exact same thing. One way to alleviate some parental stress while you’re sitting in your car waiting for the kids to finish the block is to dress them as loudly and as differently as possible. This will help you keep an eye on the right kid. Blinking lights and glow sticks are a good way to set them apart.

1. 2.  Know Your Neighbors

Make sure to know what neighborhood you and your costumed pack will be traveling in. Do your research to avoid trick-or-treating at a sexual predator’s home. Also, going with a group of parents and children is always a good idea. The more the merrier anyhow! Do some research to find the best areas in the city to go trick-or-treating so you’re not left walking down deserted streets all night in the search of that one porch light?

1. 3.  Come Prepared

Kids tend to trip and fall pretty often in the daylight so you can bet that they will have even more trouble in the dark. I think it’s wisest to start early while the sun is still up if you will be walking with especially small monsters. If you’re kids are older and refuse to be embarrassed by trick-or-treating during the daylight, take Bactine, Neosporin and band aids in case of falls. Try to stick to well lit roads and popular areas with many people. Lots of malls and shopping centers offer trick-or-treating indoors for the especially tiny children.