The leaves are falling along with temperatures; the calendar flips to October, and it is officially spooky season. As we drive through the neighborhood, skeletons and pumpkins adorn porches and lawns. Excitement over costume planning is all the buzz. Now for the dilemma. Can you be too old for Halloween? I see the debate on social media every year. Let’s dissect the argument and make a community decision. Do our teens deserve to Trick or Treat on Halloween?

Full Participation Required

In my house, Halloween costume preparation starts in mid-July. Yes! I said July. Halloween is my children’s favorite time of year, and they take planning out costumes seriously. Costume preparation takes thought, research, and creativity to work within the allotted budget. The process is as much fun as the actual Halloween festivities. Whether you are in kindergarten or twelfth grade, if you are costumed and ready to participate, please roam the town trick or treating on Halloween. Any amount of costume will do. Put some thought into your look and head out for an evening of fun in the neighborhood.

Respectful Behavior is Key

My teen and her merry band of high schoolers meet at our house for their trick or treat stroll. My number one rule–be respectful and polite as you roam the neighborhood. If I hear from the neighbors that you and your crew were causing a commotion, that will be the end of your Halloween adventures. Key thing to keep in mind, there are young children everywhere. As the oldest, you need to put the little ones first. Give them space and time to get up and down the porch stairs. Watch your language, little ears are everywhere. Use your manners. Model for the younger kids how to say please and thank you as you roam through the neighborhood.

A Safe Space to Have Fun

Trick or treating on Halloween night is a safe space for teens to gather and enjoy themselves. The world is a crazy place. There are innumerable ways for teens to cause trouble and partake in unsafe shenanigans. If they choose instead to trick or treat, I believe we should applaud and encourage their decision. As they move on to adulthood, there will be Halloween parties and themed bar nights. Halloween is not a child only holiday. People of all ages take part in the fun. Give the teens a safe space to have fun. They deserve to be included.

My Vote is Yes!

As Halloween draws closer, my vote is a resounding yes for teens and trick or treating. Let them be young and enjoy the fun. I see no reason to exclude them. Time to carve the jack-o’-lanterns and buy all the candy. It is a spooky season, and we are going to have a ton of fun!