As with birthday parties, sports activities, and other events, it is important to think about what your child is ready for.  Halloween can be a family favourite or a real nightmare depending upon how you approach it.

Keep in mind that children might change their mind several times about who or what they want to be.  Then there is the costume, is it itchy, too cold, too hot, too constricting?  Last, but not least, there's the mass amount of sweets.  

In order to keep things moving along smoothly.  Here are a few key guidelines:

-Try not to stray too far from your child's dinner time and or bedtime.

-Your child may be so excited that feeding them anything healthy before heading out may be a bit difficult.  Plan to offer a healthy snack very early, leave out little bowls of veggies and fruit for snacking on as you prepare for the evening out.

-For your child, going to one or two houses may be plenty for the first time.  An older child may even be happy just going around one block.  Don't relive your trick or treating days of trying to get as much "loot" as possible in the evening.  

-If you notice your child beginning to fade, freeze, or just be worn out, you can offer to have them help pass out treats and see the older children come by your house.

Not everyone lives in a great trick-or-treating neighbourhood.  Gather with friends and trick-or-treat around their area.  If you don't have that option, here are some others: