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 Manners Matter
Ghosts & Goblins Need to Remember Their Manners
Q. I enjoy participating in trick or treating, but I am reluctantly giving out candy again this year. I hesitate because last year we had a number of children who trampled through my flower beds and many did not even have on costumes. I wish you would address acceptable behavior for trick or treating. Thank you. Tricked Out
A. Dear Tricked,
To me this is one of the most fun of holidays! Children get a chance to be creative in their impersonation of super heroes, princesses, and ghouls. I love baking fun, spooky cookies, and seeing the excitement on their faces when they begin to examine what kinds of candy treats they received.
However, negative experiences like having your yard torn up, or feeling unappreciated can really ruin the festive mood. Here are some tips for being a good tricker and a good treater:
Trick or Treat Manners for Kids
Always say "please" and "thank you" when you approach a house to ask for candy.
DO NOT go to houses which have the front porch light off. Remember: Light on = yes. Light off = no.
Don't be obnoxious by purposely scaring small children just to make them cry.
Let smaller children receive candy first.
Do your trick or treating before 9 pm.
If you are a child, DO NOT trick or treat without a costume. RUDE, RUDE, RUDE.
Never, ever throw candy wrappers in someone's yard!
Stay on the walkway! DO NOT cut through the yard.
Don't carry dangerous props such as real knives, swords, etc.
Don't step on anyone's costume if it drags on the ground.
When someone opens the door to give you candy say, "Trick or Treat!"
Try not to "gobble up" your candy so much so that you become sick.
Always go to the front door of a house. Never go to the back!
Don't go trick or treating if you are over the age of 14.
DO NOT give any of your candy to someone's pet.
Always carry a flashlight so that cars can see you.
Trick or Treat Manners for Candy Givers
Pretend you don't recognize the dressed-up neighborhood kids!
Don't put on a long vampire or mummy act for the kids when they approach just give them the candy.
Have your porch well-lit.
Don't go overboard with grisly-style decorations. Be tasteful and mindful that the majority of trick or treaters are very young. It really isn't funny to terrify little kids and it will stress out the parents.
Don't allow your pet to approach children, even if it is a "friendly" one.
If you are decorating with real candles, be sure to keep them at a safe distance. You don't want to set any wings, capes, or your neighborhood on fire.
Don't be stingy give name-brand treats for goodness sake!
Purchase treats that are readily recognizable and will easily pass a parent's inspection.
This is not the time to be cheap do not give homemade or opened items that a parent might find questionable.
While it's fashionable to give "healthful" treats, be mindful of the fact that apples, unsealed boxes of raisins, etc. might not seem safe to parents and these things might get tossed into the trash.
Truman and Mrs. Susan Fleming will be glad to answer your questions on manners and etiquette. Susan Fleming is a home economist, editor and lifestyle writer, specializing in the areas of entertaining and children's etiquette. Just e-mail your question to
manners@kidsvillenews.com. If we use your question in the publication, you will receive a Kidsville News! t-shirt!
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