Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash
Fall is here, which means it’s closer to Halloween where kids can trick-or-treat!
Unfortunately, this year will be very different because of COVID-19, but we can still make the best out of it! Below are three tips on staying COVID safe this year for trick or treat:
Physical Distancing
Teaching kids to stay away from strangers or keep their distance from others is already difficult, but it’s essential this year because of COVID. As parents or caregivers, we need to encourage them to practice this and not scare them.
Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash
Educate your children why physical distancing is important this year and stay close to them. If your older kids are going out by themselves, enforce this rule. Avoid going with your friends or neighbors and enjoy it as a family this year instead. Empathize that you understand how disappointing and sad this is but remind them why it’s necessary.
Avoid Groups at Houses
Avoid groups that gather at one house at a time – wait your turn from a safe distance. Ensure you all stay at least 2 meters (or 6 feet) apart from other people.
Encourage Safe Interaction
Just because physical distancing is to be enforced doesn’t mean our kids can’t wave and say hello to others from a safe distance! In fact – we should strongly encourage this kindness and community action!
Hand Out/Receive Treats Differently
Because of the physical distancing rule, this changes the rules for handing out or receiving treats/candy, but there are safer ways to get creative around it!
If you are handing out the candy, you can pre-package all of the treats in separate bags and then put them all out in a big bowl outside on your porch about 6 feet apart from you for kids to grab safely. You can stay there wearing a mask, or you can supervise it from inside. Before putting the treats in the baggies, sanitize the individual packaging and baggies before giving them out.
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash
Seek Out Other Trick or Treat Alternatives
If you are not comfortable going door to door for trick-or-treating this year, that’s ok too! There are many creative ways you and your kids can still have fun with this holiday! Consider these alternatives and more:
Virtual Trick or Treating
It seems that almost everything this year is virtual now – so why not utilize that for trick or treating? Arrange a virtual costume party with games or a contest!
Trunk-or-Treat
Your local area may utilize a unique way to trick-or-treat, safely, from the trunks of vehicles! The vehicles are usually decorated with a theme to make it even more fun for the kids. It’s a great way to still enjoy the fun while practicing safe social distancing and creating memories with your family.
Carving Pumpkins
Why not spend more time carving pumpkins this year in place of going out? You could do this at home with your family, or you could do this virtually with friends! Make it fun!
Scavenger Hunt at Home
Another alternative to going out is to arrange a fun scavenger hunt in your home that you can do with your kids – this way; you can be very involved as well! Hide treats all over your home and have your kids find them!
Be Aware of Your Community Rules and Have Fun!
While safety rules can change between now and then because of the virus, we should be aware of how to trick or treat safely if we choose to go. Stay up to date with the rules in your town regarding trick or treat during COVID-19. It would be best if you talked with your kids about the typical safety precautions for trick or treating and any COVID-19 safety protocols. Just because trick or treating is different this year doesn’t mean it can’t be fun while still being safe!
Share in the comments below: What is ONE thing you can do this year to have a safe trick or treating event following these 3 tips?