Safe and Spooky Halloween!

It’s spooky season, which means pumpkins, yummy treats, spooky stories, and Halloween fun!

But now that you have a tween, Halloween might look a little different. Maybe they want to trick-or-treat with friends instead of you this year, or perhaps they’ve been invited to their own Halloween parties! As your tween grows, new and exciting changes come along, but with those changes come some new safety concerns.

The great news? You and your tween can have a blast this Halloween by keeping things safe! We all know the basics—don’t go to houses without porch lights, stay with your group, and watch out for cars—but there are a few more tricks (or treats) you can use to make this Halloween even more fun and worry-free.

Keep the Conversation Spooky but Sweet

First and foremost, talk with your tween! Discuss all the details of their Halloween plans: Who are they going with? Where are they going? What will they be up to? How are they feeling—excited, nervous, unsure? It’s not just about getting the 411, but showing them you care and are in their corner.

Go Over the Ground Rules (Even if They're Not New!)

Even though your tween is getting older, it doesn’t hurt to refresh those Halloween basics. Set clear boundaries about their trick-or-treating route, talk through any tricky spots like dark alleys or vacant homes, and agree on when and where they’ll check in. If there’s a party in the mix, make sure you’ve discussed safety around peer pressure, substances, and set a time for when you or another parent will bring them home. A little structure can go a long way toward ensuring they have a great time!

Tech-Savvy, But Safety-Savvy Too

Your tween might be a social media pro, but now's a great time to go over some tech safety tips. Help them make sure their phone’s map is ready to go, they know any important addresses, and their emergency contacts are easy to reach. Oh, and a quick reminder about when and how to call 911 never hurts.

And while we're talking tech, remind your tween to be mindful of what they’re sharing online. No location tags, personal info, or risky photos—let’s keep the spooky stuff in the ghost stories, not their social media feed!

Stay Street-Smart & Trust Their Gut

Halloween can bring out the tricksters, and sometimes that means risky behavior like vandalism or peer pressure. Encourage your tween to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say no and stick to their plan. Let them know they can always count on you to help navigate any tricky situations, whether it's at a party or while out with friends.

Be Their Safety Net

Above all, make sure your tween knows you're just a text or call away, no matter what. The old “I won’t be mad, I just want you to be safe” promise really counts on a night like Halloween. Show them you’ve got their back, and if things go sideways, they can count on you for support.

Costume Cuteness + Safety

If they’re heading out to trick-or-treat, remind them that costumes can be fun and safe. Reflective gear, layers for chilly weather, and a flashlight (even if they have their phone light) are small additions that keep things festive and safe.

Trust Your (Spidey) Senses

You know your child best! If something about their plans doesn’t sit right with you—whether it’s a friend, an activity, or just a gut feeling—it’s okay to step in. You can always offer to host a Halloween party at your place if trick-or-treating feels too risky. Bottom line: trust yourself. You've got this.

Halloween is all about spooky fun and making great memories with your tween. Keep it safe, and this year's celebration will be one for the books!

Wishing you and your tween a safe and spooktacular Halloween!