| Here's something that should make all your little ghosts, | | | | October 30th you won't be scrambling through the |
| goblins and witches cackle with glee: this year's | | | | remnant costume bins hoping to find a cape for |
| Halloween will last longer. Daylight savings time isn't | | | | Superman or the perfect tiara for Cinderella. |
| officially over until after Halloween, on November 4th. | | | | Scheduling applies to the big night as well. You'll want |
| That means more daylight and more time to collect | | | | to make sure you have ample time beforehand to eat |
| that candy! Sadly for moms and dads, that doesn't | | | | dinner together as a family (you don't want your |
| mean Halloween festivities will start later. Most school | | | | children to fill up on candy) and of course, you'll want to |
| parades and town festivities start early and wreak | | | | make sure you have enough time to take pictures of |
| havoc with working parents' schedules. It's also no | | | | your adorable little monster.' |
| guarantee your little monster won't change his or her | | | | Get organized for Halloween with the tips below. |
| mind at the last minute about a costume. Like any | | | | 1: Better in Bulk! |
| holiday, Halloween comes with its share of stress. But | | | | To save money, buy your candy in bulk packs, but |
| a little thought and preparation will go a long way to | | | | make sure your family likes the candy in case there |
| keeping the chaos to a minimum. | | | | are leftovers! Look for variety packs so there is |
| Alicia on 'Talk Now About Safety' | | | | something for everyone. If you have a costume closet |
| 'Have a conversation with your children before the big | | | | at home, or recital outfits, encourage your children to |
| day to talk about rules and expectations for the night. If | | | | make costumes out of pieces you already own. Think |
| your kids are older and trick or treat alone, make sure | | | | of costumes that your children can use accessories |
| you set a time they must be home (give them a | | | | from home, such as pirates, sports players or fairies. |
| watch), and agree on a route in the neighborhood | | | | 2: Health on Halloween? |
| before they set out. Give your older trick-or-treaters a | | | | People may think you are a dentist, but offer |
| cell phone in case of any emergencies, or just to | | | | toothbrushes and floss if you pass out candy as well. |
| check in throughout the night. On Halloween, over | | | | Even better, pass out prepackaged crackers, |
| 20,000 kids are hit by cars, so remind your | | | | wrapped granola bars or 100 calorie cookie snack |
| trick-or-treater to always look both ways! Provide your | | | | packs. It gives kids a healthy snack during the night as |
| children with a flashlight or glow sticks and consider | | | | a respite to all that sugar. Make sure you offer only |
| putting reflective tape on their costumes to make sure | | | | wrapped treats that are peanut free, to avoid any |
| they stand out. Safety is also very important when | | | | problems with children who have nut allergies. |
| creating a costume. Choose face paint over bulky | | | | 3: Try a Pillowcase |
| masks that obstruct your children's vision and | | | | Use pillowcases for your children's candy bags. They |
| costumes and accessories that are fire resistant.' | | | | are great because they don't break, can be washed |
| Sarah on 'Scheduling Enough Time' | | | | and you can tell your children, they hold the most |
| 'Avoid the last-minute chaos and possible heartbreak | | | | candy! If you want to make it into a fun activity before |
| of missing your child's costume parade at school by | | | | Halloween, take old pillowcases and have your children |
| booking the important times on your schedule now. If | | | | decorate their own with markers, paint pens, glitter and |
| you haven't already done so, sit down with your | | | | ribbon. |
| children this week to pick out a costume. That way, on | | | | |