Trick or Treating not Turning Tricks

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.

When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.

Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

Okay- the decorative contact lenses just grossed me out.  More importantly - please do not let your sweet little girl dress like a street walker.  (Yes, I wrote street walker.)  I'm not kidding.  The growing trend is for girls to dress in costumes that are best suited on the old 14th Street in Washington, DC. Halloween is about trick or treating - not teaching our girls how to turn tricks.  (Darn you MTV for getting away from music and turning to a culture of crappy reality television programming!!!)  You are supposed to be scary - not sexy.  And, yes, some merchants think it is acceptable to have your daughter be the sexy witch, naughty kitten, or busty nurse.  But sexing up our little ones is unacceptable.  

As a parent this is the time when you should step in and say not only no but hell no!   Look, McLean Mama is no prude and enjoyed her youth but 1)  I didn't take pictures and put them on Facebook and 2) I never purposely dressed up as a hooker or hooker-like costume as a child. 

So, please my fellow McLeaniacs - dress your girls like girls and not Miley, Brittney, or any of the other flavors of the month.  Don't let them grow up too fast.  Let them grow up just right!

I hope to see adorable witches, pretty black cats, scary vampires and a Strawberry Shortcake or two on Halloween.  You have only a week or so left so get on it and get your age-appropriate costumes and happy Trick or Treating!

See more at: http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Halloween-...