When are kids going trick-or-treating?

[Keef]

I'm obviously a miserable old git. I just think it's plain wrong. Do a party at home, but don't send them begging on strangers doorsteps. Sorry.

[Gubodge]

Last year was fantastic, with it being on a Saturday. Hundreds of kids out, grown ups really getting in the spirit of things with a lot of hard work having gone into amazing effects at some houses. I think I'll have to start talking it down for my two this year, it's bound to be a bit quieter. But it does allow for a halloween party on the saturday and Trick or treating on the Sunday, so double the fun!

(My excuse is having spent some of my childhood in the US, so I've always gone overboard for it. It's nice not to be just one of a few, these days.)

[anapau]

Spokes-woman Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Last year I had several very grumpy older kids

> trick or treating who got really upset because I

> only offered them sweets. They were after cash!

Are you actually serious.

[The Nappy Lady]

Keef,

My children are knocking on the doors of people we know - either fellow school families, or just friends due to having lived here for 15 years......but I really don't mind who knocks on my door as long as they have made the effort to dress up.

However, if you dislike it you shouldn't be harassed by it, I hope you will be able to have a quiet Halloween without any decorations up.

[pebbles]

What age do you start taking children out?

[Keef]

I don't really mind it too much, and it's fine if you're knocking on "friendly doors", but lots of kids knock everywhere, and I think that is a bit wrong, being that there could be elderly people home alone, or people with sleeping babies, who don't want the doorbell ringing (us last year).

[nunheadmum]

Last couple of years when we've had little ones in bed, we've just put out the remaining goodies with a little note saying 'Kids in bed - please help yourself' or similar and we're never disturbed. And we've always had goodies left over too - which surprises me!

[The Nappy Lady]

Very true Keef, when C was 3 weeks old 2 Halloweens ago we put a sign on the door explaining & saying "normal service back next year" it was really sweet as we heard lots of children approaching the door (we are known as Halloween friendly), then reading the sign & creeping away saying shhhh to their friends - not 1 trick or nasty reaction/door knock.

Pebbles - we dressed up but enjoyed staying at home answering the door with O for the first few years. I think she first went out with the neighbours children when she was 4. Not sure what we will do this year as I'm sure C at 2 will want to go out with the 'big girls' in her pumpkin costume!

P.s. O was a bit scared the year she was 2, so be a bit careful how you react to people at the door.

[sillywoman]

Isn't the accepted form to put pumpkin lanterns or decorations out if you're up for being trick-or-treated on? No decorations, no knocks on the door Keef - that's how it works round here, that way old ladies & grumpies don't get bothered. It's certainly what I drum into my kids.

[ryedalema]

First time for us this year - one 10 month old Pumpkin and one 3.5 year old Dragon. Oh and I think I've been ordered to be a witch - unless 'Mummy you're a witch' is actually meant to mean something else.

We'll be going on Sunday at 5.30ish - only to houses with Pumpkins on display. I'm hoping the resulting sugar rush will then disperse by bedtime.

We'll be leaving Daddy Wizard at home with the 'treat bucket'. Do you think any kids will be nervous of a tall man (sorry Wizard) opening the door and offering sweets? Or am I over-analysing this and do all kids go out with parents anyway?

[The Nappy Lady]

In my experience only older kids come without adult company.

Tell the scary wizard to go for it!!

[candj]

You're overanalysing! ;-) Most kids that we see come with their parents even if standing back on the pavement and the few older ones as molly mentions do come on their own, but we don't get too many of them, just the wee ones who seemed well and truly shocked to be given candy/sweets from strangers.