When are children too old to trick-or-treat? This is a topic that often resurfaces close to Halloween. There are definitely two sides to this argument but I truly believe that children should stay young for as long as possible.
As a teenager, I continued the ritual I so loved as a child. I found a costume (often a cozy stuffed animal) and made the rounds around my small town. Heading home after collecting pillowcases full of treats to sort through my candy and do trades with my sisters. I never worried about being too old, but certainly remember receiving some comments like “you’re too old for this, let the little kids get the treats.” I always remembered those houses and avoided them in the following years.
As an adult, I welcomed every costumed person (and some not) to my door with welcome arms, a huge smile and candy. I left my lights on quite a bit after the last child knocked, just to ensure that the older kids still had some available stops if they were out late. After all who am I to dampen a child’s spirit and creativity?
There is, however, often a stigma associated with older children trick-or-treating. Some people worry that older children will be trick-or-treating to cause some sort of trouble. They get frightened when larger children appear at their door, often unaccompanied by parents. Most of the time though older kids want to participate the same way they used to when they were younger.
Can we not continue to foster their youth? I hope that my children carry on these younger children traditions long into high school.
The question becomes how can parents help their older children participate safely and appropriately to help quiet some of the worries of the candy givers? Here are some great tips for older children to continue being able to enjoy trick-or-treating without all the looks or comments:
1. Wear a costume. It doesn’t have to be elaborate but if they want the candy they should definitely play the part of dressing up.
2. Think about costume choice and consider the little ones out there trick-or-treating and be cognizant of what you choose.
3. Be polite. Older kids can be extra polite while trick-or-treating. Little kids are watching and listening and will follow what they do. It’s also important to note that they are representing your family. Use manners, it also makes the people handing out candy happy too.
4. Set a curfew. Darkened homes mean no trick or treating so remind them to respect that. Some parents turn lights off early to get their little ones to bed without disruptions.
Sadly, if kids have decided they no longer want to trick-or-treat (which usually happens somewhere between 12 to 16) there are other fun ways to participate in Halloween.
Teens can participate in town Halloween parties by volunteering at the event or attending the event. They can take younger siblings trick-or-treating, they could collect for a charity instead of candy, they could pass the candy out at your home or they could host a supervised Halloween party as a group.
Whatever way your older children decide to celebrate, embrace it. I sincerely hope that I have tons of trick-or-treating years ahead of me because it is truly one of my favourite nights.
Shelley Heaphy
