Trick-or-treating is a big part of Halloween. It is pretty obvious that this tradition was designed for children to participate in (often accompanied by their parents). Is there an “age limit” for trick-or-treating? At what age does a child become too old to go trick-or-treating? Ultimately, a parent needs to make that decision for themselves. Here are some things to consider when wondering if your child is too old to trick-or-treat this year.
Check the local rules.
Many cities or towns will issue specific rules regarding trick-or-treating. These rules usually consist of things like the hour that trick-or-treating can begin and the “curfew” that signals the end of the festivities.
Sometimes, these rules will give a guideline about age limitations for trick-or-treaters. It might limit trick-or-treating for kids who are in elementary school (for example). Some places specifically state that trick-or-treating is only for kids who are 12 or younger. If your child is older than those limitations – it means that he or she is too old for trick-or-treating.
Could your teen be mistaken for an adult?
Parents who hand out candy are expecting little children to come over and trick-or-treat. Kids look adorable in their costumes! Things get a bit scary when older teens, who are large enough to be mistaken for adults, show up at stranger’s doors in costume. Now, the parent has to decide if the masked stranger at the door is there for candy – or for something more nefarious.
If your child looks more like a college student than a middle school kid – that’s probably a sign that he or she is too old to trick-or-treat. Another “cut-off point” could be when the teen becomes old enough to drive a car or to start applying for jobs. Parents also need to consider if their teen really wants to go trick-or-treating or if that’s just an excuse the teen is using so he or she can go out and cause trouble.
On the other hand, a teenager that looks like he or she is about 12 years old could probably get away with trick-or-treating. If your teen can still “blend”, and you believe he or she will behave, it might be ok for him or her to trick-or-treat this year.
The “Babysitter” Alternative
Is your teenager mature, responsible, and really good with their younger siblings? It might be possible for your teen to take his or her younger siblings out for trick-or-treating. Give your teen, and younger children, rules to follow. For example, the rules could include having everyone hold hands as they go door to door. Or, it could place limitations on where they can go (such as around the block).
Make sure your teen wears a costume too, and that it isn’t a scary one. Parents who hand out candy will realize that your teenager is functioning as a “babysitter” and is not a threat. They will probably offer him or her some candy, too!
Image by Thomasz Stasiuk on Flickr.
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