Halloween: A Checklist and Guide for Parents to Prepare
- Brian Page
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Halloween can be one of the most joyful nights of the year for families—but it can also be one of the most stressful. Between managing costumes, setting boundaries on sugar, and passing out treats at home, it’s easy for the magic to get lost in the mayhem.
Before diving into the practical stuff, I want to highlight what I believe to be most important. Have a ritual with your wife. Of course, the kids should be involved, but they grow up, just like ours have. But we still pass out candy.
We share the same ritual as my friend Paul Sullivan of the Company of Dads: We always make chili for the evening. And I am a chili fanatic. If you're looking for a great chili recipe, here are my two favorite recipes to choose from:
👻 Trick-or-Treating With Your Kids
Safety First
Halloween night is full of excitement, but safety should always be top of mind. Stick to well-lit routes, bring flashlights or glow sticks, and add reflective tape to costumes. If your kids are old enough to go alone, make sure they stay in groups and carry phones or tracking devices.
Smart Costume Planning
Costumes don’t need to break the bank. Consider:
Budget-friendly options: DIY ideas, thrift stores, or costume swaps.
Practical choices: Weather-appropriate layers, comfortable shoes, and visibility for younger kids.
Avoid hazards: Steer clear of long capes or masks that obstruct vision.
Candy Strategy
Set expectations before you head out. Establish rules like:
How many houses you’ll visit
When candy can be eaten (after inspection!)
Options to sort or trade candy afterward
Many families introduce the Switch Witch, trading excess candy for a toy or book the next morning. It’s a fun way to limit sugar and encourage generosity.
Logistics & Etiquette
Eat a hearty dinner before heading out to reduce the sugar crash. Stick to curfews and remind your kids to say “thank you” at every door. It’s a good opportunity to reinforce kindness and community engagement.
🏡 Preparing to Hand Out Treats at Home
Stock Smart
Buy candy early when it’s on sale, and consider mixing in non-food options like:
Stickers
Temporary tattoos
Mini erasers
Glow bracelets
Don’t forget about allergy-friendly homes! Display a teal pumpkin to signal you have safe options available.
Set the Vibe
Create a welcoming (and safe) atmosphere. Keep pathways clear, decorations friendly, and porch lights on. Festive music or costumes can turn your porch into a Halloween highlight.
Get the whole family involved: kids love choosing treats to pass out and helping with decor.
Leftover Game Plan
If you overstock (and let’s face it, most of us do), have a plan:
Freeze chocolate for later baking or rewards
Donate to schools, shelters, or troops
Set up a candy “buy back” at home to trade sweets for a family experience
Be a Good Neighbor
Stick to local trick-or-treat times, avoid excessively scary decorations for young kids, and consider the accessibility of your porch or pathway. And the last thing you need is to be toilet-papered by the teens who passed by and noticed your porch light was off with no candy in sight.
📋 Halloween Checklist for Parents
💡 Final Thought
Halloween doesn’t have to be another task on your to-do list. With a little planning and shared responsibilities, it can become a night of family joy, neighborly connection, and creative fun. Talk through expectations with your partner ahead of time—Who’s taking the kids out? Who’s staying home? Who’s cleaning up?
When you share the load, you make room for the magic.