Halloween Safety Tips For Kids and Au Pairs

This post was originally published in September 2019 and revised in October 2024 by other contributors.

We bet you’ve been looking forward to trick-or-treating with your host kids! Trick-or-treating is an American tradition straight out of the movies, and we’re thrilled that you get to experience it. Have a memorable and safe Halloween by following these safety tips.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

• Talk to your host parents about what streets you can trick-or-treat on.
• Only stop at houses with the outside lights on.
• Stay on the sidewalk when walking and hold younger children’s hands.
• Carry a flashlight with you.
• Watch out for cars, and always follow proper safety rules when crossing the street.
• Be on the lookout for jack-o-lanterns and candles. These are fire and tripping hazards.
• Carry extra layers in case the temperatures get cold.
• Stay off your phone and give your host kids your full attention.

Say Thank You

Halloween is another chance for you to share your culture! Teach your host children how to say “Thank You” in your native language. Encourage them to practice it every time they’re given a piece of candy.

Candy Safety

• Ask your host parents how much candy your kids can have and where to store it at home. Many families keep the candy in a specific place in the house so that your host kids can’t eat it all at once!
• Before your host child eats any candy, inspect it to make sure it’s completely sealed and closed, without any tears. Throw away candy that could have been open before.
• Eat a snack or dinner before trick-or-treating so that your kids aren’t hungry.
• Throw away any homemade treats, like cookies or fruit, unless you know the person who gave them to you and your host parents say it’s safe.
• If you have young host children, ask your host parents what types of candy they can have. Small, round candy is a choking hazard.
• Be mindful of any food allergies your host kids may have and read the ingredient labeling carefully!

Brush Your Teeth!

When you get home and finish enjoying your sweets, help your host children brush their teeth. Make it fun by opening a new, colorful toothbrush, singing a silly song, or making faces in the mirror.

Halloween General Safety

If you decide to go to a Halloween party or outing for grown ups only, make safe choices! 

• Don’t drink and drive! It is illegal and dangerous. Call an Uber, Lyft, or have a designated driver with you.
• Stay together with your group of friends. When people are in costumes, it can be easy to lose track of others, especially in a dark environment. 
• If you don’t enjoy scary things, like haunted houses or horror movies, don’t feel like you need to participate. Halloween can be intense for some au pairs, especially since it’s the first time they’re experiencing it as adults. 

We hope you have a fabulous Halloween in the USA!