Halloween is big business and has become a major celebration in the United States. Proper Halloween etiquette has become very important in today’s society so as to ensure a positive experience for all. In today’s blog post, I’ll share some important etiquette tips to help you navigate Trick or Treating and teach manners for kids to your family.
We’ll also go over some etiquette suggestions for hosts that plan to hand out candy to children in their neighborhood.
Trick or Treat Rules for Parents and Children
- First and foremost, do not take your children into neighborhoods that you do not live in or have a connection to. This is rude, dangerous and should not be practiced.
- Respect homeowners by not Trick or Treating at a house where the lights are off.
- Teach your children to look the hostess in the eye and say “Thank You” for their treat.
- Do not send children out to Trick or Treat if they are more than 14 years old unless they are accompanying small children.
- Brief your children before you go out together and stay near them while Trick or Treating.
- Do not walk on off-beat pathways or on the lawns of others.
- Be polite about the costumes that others have chosen to wear. Everyone has a right to be whoever they wish…respect all!
- It is my strong suggestion to have your child dress up as someone who has contributed to society. Order a book about this historical figure and tell the story of this person’s life to your child. This will give a positive meaning to your child’s Halloween experience.
- Teach your children not to eat their candy until you have had a chance to go through and check it. Discard any candy that isn’t properly wrapped.
Host Etiquette for Receiving Trick or Treaters
- Have plenty of candy!
- If a child asks you for more than one piece of candy, simply explain that you must have enough for all Trick or Treaters.
- Greet Trick or Treaters with a smile and shake their hand.
- Should you receive an older teenager, greet him or her with a smile and introduce yourself.
- Do not pass out candy without interacting with the Trick or Treater.
- Do not wear a mask or anything frightening while receiving Trick or Treaters.
- Take Halloween candy to local nursing homes for the shut in.
- Consider having non-perishable items such as pencils or mini balls on hand to give to children who have food allergies or cannot eat candy.
- If you wish to stop receiving guests at a certain time, post a sign that states the time you are closing candy distribution.
- Thank your Trick or Treaters when they leave and give them a positive sense of welcome.
Again, I cannot emphasize enough…parents, do not Trick or Treat in neighborhoods where you do not live. Go with your children when they are out Trick or Treating. Teach your children to wear a costume that will enrich their lives and let them know who they are representing! Halloween can and should be fun. Let’s all practice Halloween etiquette to secure a Happy Halloween for all!
Manners for Kids are Essential During Halloween!
As pictured in the photo above, my grandchildren dressed as George and Martha Washington for Halloween. My granddaughter has a book about Martha Washington and accompanied me earlier this year on a trip to Mount Vernon. She can proudly tell stories as to why she dressed as Martha Washington. This is how we should all present ourselves on Halloween…proudly honoring someone we respect.
If you’d like to help your children learn manners for kids, consider working with Dallas etiquette expert, Lisa Burdette. Lisa offers private and group etiquette lessons to help teens and children learn how to treat others with grace and kindness. She also provides instruction to improve a child’s social skills at home, in school interactions and throughout life.
Ready to book? Reach out via our Contact page to request your manners for kids session with Lisa today! The Dallas School of Etiquette also offers classes for interview skills and social graces, business etiquette and fine dining sessions for teens and adults.
Have a safe and wonderful Halloween!
