My killjoy husband doesn't want our kids to Trick or Treat for two reasons

"The kids desperately want to be involved... I'm not convinced by his argument."

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Advice Needed

My husband hates Halloween.

He doesn’t understand why Australians insist on celebrating an American holiday and especially objects to overloading our children with sugar ‘for no good reason’.

He also argues it goes against all the teachings of Stranger Danger and basically doesn’t want our kids (8, 6) to participate. Of course, it’s all anyone is talking about at school and they are desperate to be involved.

I am in two minds… Any advice? 

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Advice from the Kidspot Editor, Emily

I remember dropping my daughter off to daycare on November 1st last year, and her teacher telling me it was hands-down the worst day of the year. The kids were overtired, ratty and sporting a whopping sugar hangover, and it was up to the educators to mop up the mess. 

In that vein, your husband is right. Halloween makes kids gross. I completely understand why he’s not exactly a fan. 

Yet here we are. Like it or not, Halloween has well and truly arrived in Australia and chances are your kids will want to take part. It’s in our schools (Halloween craft, anyone?) it’s in our neighbourhoods and it’s most certainly in every department store.

Who can blame the kids for wanting to get involved? 

Kids Trick or Treating in Adelaide. Image: Supplied

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"Halloween is a celebration of community"

And, yes, even though it’s a holiday dedicated to excess sugar and spooky costumes and staying up late on a school night - or perhaps because of that - I say let them. 

With all due respect to your husband and his (completely valid) opinions, banning your kids from Halloween celebrations isn’t doing them any real favours. 

Yes, it’s an American tradition. But guess what? It’s here. Just take a stroll around your block, count how many houses you see decorated and then try to tell me otherwise. 

Yes, there’s a lot of sugar involved… but are you not the parents? You are in charge of how much your child consumes - much like Easter, which, funnily enough, also began as a pagan festival not of Australian origin. If your kid comes home with too much swag, ration it out (or eat it yourself.) Get creative! 

And finally, on the stranger danger point… I suppose trick or treating does encourage behaviour we would normally deem as risky. Literally every parent warns their children against taking candy from strangers. But at ages 8 and 6, I would certainly hope an adult would accompany them; and, furthermore, explain why this isn’t an activity we would normally encourage.

Personally, the way I like to view Halloween is a celebration of community. It’s a great way to meet neighbours and get silly as a family together. 

Halloween safety tips to consider

Former detective, and Aussie mum, Kristi McVee, posted an Instagram recently with sage safety advice.

She captioned her post, "These days our kids want to be involved in anything and everything - especially traditions that may not be the 'norm' in your household.

"As a child of the 80's, we didn't have this tradition and as an ex-police officer and child abuse detective, it sets off all sorts of alarm bells in my child safety and prevention brain.

"I've broken down those alarm bells for you here.

"Just remember ... you don't have to take your kids trick or treating or let them go if it goes against your values or beliefs or if it doesn't feel right."

McVee's tips are:

1. Kids under 12 should always be accompanied by an ADULT - not simply an older sibling.
2. Teens over the age of 12 should stay in groups of 3 - 4, AND be accompanied by an adult.
3. Talk to your kids about never going inside a house or a car - and discuss an action plan if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.
4. Only take sealed or packaged treats.
5. Reiterate road safety lessons.
6. Try to supervise and be present as much as possible - even if it involves trailing them while walking the dog.

Originally published as My killjoy husband doesn't want our kids to Trick or Treat for two reasons