For the first few years of the pandemic, my children and I stayed home on Halloween.

I set up little Trick or Treating stations for them and we played games and watched movies.

Lucky for me, they were really little then and they didn’t know what they were missing.

Last year, my kids started to become really good about wearing their masks.

So, I changed my tune and felt confident enough that we could go out and Trick or Treat.

We did.

And we did not catch COVID.

I know that there are families out there just like us who are still trying to dodge the virus.

Here’s what we did to still enjoy Trick or Treat and stay safe from Covid.

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1. Have a Discussion

The first thing to do is to have a family discussion about staying safe and trick or treating.

Everyone should be on board about the plan.

Also, everyone needs to understand why you are doing things differently.

No one else is going to be wearing a mask (besides the costume ones), so why should they?

Explain and remind your child about Covid and the dangers of it.

Let your child know that everyone has a choice right now – stay safe or not.

Most people are choosing not to, but as a family, you are all choosing to stay healthy and strong.

Remind your child how they can still have fun and be safe at the same time.

Discuss what staying safe from Covid while Trick or Treating will look like.

And ask for your child’s input on ideas, as well.

Make it a fun, team effort so that staying healthy feels like fun!

2. Wear Masks

Even though you’ll be outside and not too close to any other child for long, wear a mask!

It is that time of year where everyone is coughing and sneezing.

With you being outside, chances are slim of you catching Covid.

But it doesn’t hurt to kick it up a notch to be certain.

A simple, disposable face mask should do the trick.

But how you decide to mask should be up to you and your family.

Some families still prefer to wear the KN95 ones.

We wear those when we are indoors, as well as a disposable one over it.

So that will be up to you.

Prepare your child on what to say if anyone makes a negative comment about wearing a mask.

That way, your child will feel better about wearing one.

Lastly, make certain to bring extra masks, just in case.

You never know when one might break or get wet.

3. The Don’t Touch Your Face Rule!

Everyone needs to remember this one important rule!

Do not touch your face!

Covid and other germs get into our bodies when we have the germ on our hands.

Then when we touch our eyes, nose or mouth.

So, as a general rule, before we go anywhere, I tell my kids not to touch their face!

Make that a good rule to use, too, when you are out Trick or Treating!

“But, mama,” says my kids, “What if I have to scratch my nose?”

Well, that brings us to step 4 here…

4. Bring Hand Sanitizer

Yes!

Bring the hand sanitizer!

You don’t have to clean your child’s hands every single time they go up to a neighbor’s door.

But you may want to give a squirt every so often on your journey.

Or, as in step number 3, if your child needs to scratch their nose, give a squirt to their hands, first!

This way, they can scratch their nose with cleaner hands.

Remember, hand sanitizer does not replace hand washing!

But it is a good alternative when there is no soap or water around!

So, try to bring a little one that you can stick in your pocket.

This will make transporting safety a bit easier!

5. Keep a Distance

Try not to send your child up to doorsteps where there are alot of kids.

Patiently stand back and wait for the crowd of candy-hungry kids to dissipitate.

Then you can let your child go up.

Now, let’s be realistic.

If your family is masked and you’re only around the group of children for a quick minute, you should be fine.

So, don’t be a bear (like I used to be) and interrupt your child’s fun throughout the journey.

If you see a group of kids ahead, just suggest that your child wait a minute.

But if your child takes off to join the bunch before you can say anything, just relax.

It should be fine.

Remember, Covid doesn’t do well outdoors in the first place.

The chances of catching it increase the longer you are face-to-face with someone.

So being close to a group of kids for a hot minute and having the protection of a mask while you’re outdoors should deem the situation to be okay.

Try to relax and let your child have a little bit of fun.

This situation should be okay.

Just avoid long encounters and you and your family should be good.

6. Switch Candy Buckets

No, this is not what you think.

But your child may be disappointed for a minute with this one.

Before I take my kids Trick or Treating, I make up a separate bucket for them ahead of time.

I buy the same candy bucket that they will take Trick or Treating.

So, there are two of the exact same buckets.

One is for Trick or Treat and the other I fill ahead of time with Halloween goodies.

When we return home from Trick or Treating, the candy that they collected gets put aside.

I don’t allow them to eat it.

Why?

Because of all the hands that have touched it since it was collected.

Too many germs for my comfort.

Instead, after they come in and get cleaned up, I surprise them with the bucket I made up.

It is usually filled with some candy, packaged chips or crackers and I always include a book.

They also enjoy when I put little Halloween toys in there, as well!

It takes their mind off of the fact that they can’t have the candy that they just collected.

And it is more geared towards the things that they like, so it is a win-win!

Now, this part is totally up to you.

Some people may think that it is mean, but I don’t.

They are still getting some cool Halloween treats and I can include fun things that I know that they like!

Call it what you will, but here, it is just another idea on how to stay safe from Covid during Halloween.

You’re a Boo-rific Parent!

Good for you for wanting to do your best to keep your family safe and let them have fun!

It is really hard to keep a balance of fun and safety when society is doing the opposite.

With these tools and tips, your family should be able to go out and enjoy Trick or Treating!

Remember to have a good family discussion about the Trick or Treat plan.

Wear masks, bring the hand sanitizer, keep some distance and don’t touch your face!

And swap out the Trick or Treat buckets with a more personalized fun one!

You can do this!

You can keep your family safe, enjoy a social situation and have fun!

Now go out and enjoy the scares of the night!

Of course, if you’ve changed your mind, check out my article on how to stay home and have fun!

 

Do You Have Other Ideas on How to Stay Covid-Safe and Trick or Treat?

Feel Free to Leave a Comment Below!