A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN

There's an old saying: "When you live on the edge of the ocean, you can either build a fence around your house — or teach your children how to swim!"

Just in time for the arrival of holiday witches, Halloween ghosts and costumed goblins, come the genuine, real-life fears that trouble and worry our world. In this current climate of fear and anxiety, many parents are very afraid about their children going out trick-or-treating and celebrating Halloween this year. With safety as a top priority, families throughout the country are nervous, and reasonably so. They are concerned about their kids entering the homes of strangers, walking on dark streets, and attending parties and after-school gatherings. This year, some parents will even be eliminating the costumes and candy that are often associated with this favorite tradition and popular children's holiday. Many parents will carefully review the security of out-of-home events in hopes of keeping their children extra sheltered and protected.

Of course, we would all like to build the proverbial fence around our kids to keep them safe and out of harm's way. Like living on the ocean's edge, today's world is a scary place. But, enabling children to enjoy the fun and traditions of holidays such as Halloween — and teaching them how to swim — can have its joys and benefits as well.

Just like building toys — building judgement and critical thinking skills in children is a crucial part of their cognitive, social and emotional development. And, for parents, the setting of rules — like those necessary for a smart and safe Halloween — are a crucial and formidable responsibility.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has prepared guidelines for parents to safeguard Halloween festivities and minimize any safety risks that kids might face while celebrating this age-old holiday. NCMEC has helped concerned families with 14 useful tips to help trick-or-treaters enjoy the all the "spooky pleasures" of Halloween 2008.

Parents, please:

1. Do not allow a child to go Trick or Treating alone. Be sure older children TAKE A FRIEND and an ADULT accompanies young children.
2. Be certain to accompany young children to the door of every house they approach.
3. Be certain that parents are familiar with every house and all people from which the children receive treats.
4. Children should be cautioned that they should N O T enter any home without prior permission from their parents.
5. Children should be cautioned not to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know the owner and are accompanied by a parent.
6. Make sure that all children carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing.
7. When using facial masks, make sure that children can see and breathe properly and easily.
8. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
9. Children should be warned to NEVER approach any house that is not well lit and does not have an outside light on.
10. Children should be cautioned to remember any unusual or suspicious incidents and report them to their parents and/or the proper official.
11. Children should be cautioned to run away from people who try to trick them with special treats.
12. Children should be instructed to scream and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them, in any way, to go with them.
13. Parents should inspect all treats and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, has been opened, or is not wrapped.
14. A good alternative to Trick or Treating is for parents to organize parties at home, in schools, or in community centers.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!