Have a Safe and Stress-Free Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone! While most adults have already done the bulk of their celebrations over the weekend, if you're a parent, you still have the main event to contend with. And while trick-or-treating can be fun--whether going door to door with your kids and their friends, or staying home to see the neighborhood's children coming to your door in fun costumes--it can sometimes be stressful, too. To avoid some of the pitfalls of Halloween, such as hyper children, all-hours trick-or-treaters, and a house full of candy that lasts for weeks afterward, I have the following tips:

• Don't Give Out Candy That You Love- If you're like me, you may look forward to buying your favorite candy in small, bite-sized pieces, rationalizing that you can eat whatever isn't given out. Unfortunately, you're then left with pounds of your favorite candy, which can't be good for your health! If you haven't gotten your candy already, give out something you probably wouldn't eat yourself. Or, better yet, give candy alternatives!
• Give Cues to Trick-Or-Treaters- This may sound like common sense, but when you're done with trick-or-treaters for the night, turn off your outside lights to let any late-comers know you're 'closed for business'. You may want to leave the remainder of your candy in a bowl with a sign instructing people to take a piece if they like. This rids your house of the unhealthy temptation, and gives another signal for people to pass up your door, even if the candy doesn't last.
• Bring Your Pumpkin Inside- When you're done for the night, be sure to bring your pumpkin inside, just in case there are any potential 'trickers' looking for something to play with. Some traditions live on.
• Employ The Candy Witch- Who is the Candy Witch, you may ask? Well, some resourceful parents have come up with a new legend designed to cut down their kids' stash of Halloween loot while appealing to their altruism (or sense of greed). Basically, you tell your kids (the small ones) that if they leave most of their candy on the doorstep before they go to sleep, the Candy Witch will come in the night, take their windfall to other children who aren't lucky enough to have so much candy, and leave a gift proportionate to the amount of gifted candy. Everyone's happy! (Hint: As with Santa, YOU are the Candy Witch.)
• It's Okay To Hide Out- If the idea of answering your door fifty times in one night and handing candy out to goblins stresses you out, it's okay to go out tonight and avoid the whole thing. There are plenty of houses that will give candy.
• Be Safe and Happy- Most important, be sure to be safe (if you're going out, carry a flashlight, don't eat suspicious treats, etc.), and have fun! It's only once a year.

Halloween presents a great opportunity for people of all ages to have fun. Read this article for more ways to connect--and relieve stress--with your inner child.