Too Old To Trick Or Treat?

I love Halloween. I know it’s not for everyone and there is much talk about it being an unwelcome American import but that’s not how I see it.

Granted, there are certain rules which I believe must be observed to make it fun for everyone but when that happens. Well, when that happens Halloween is an opportunity to make the street where you live feel like a community. How can that be a bad thing?

I really enjoy helping my children to get dressed up and go trick or treating. We are very strict on 2 things when we are trick or treating

• No decorations or lit pumpkin means no knocking.
• You must always remember your manners.

Something I have become increasingly aware of though as the children have grown older is that people have very differing views on the age at which it is considered okay for kids to trick or treat.

I was standing in the queue at the supermarket yesterday while picking up a few bits and some people were chatting about this. I say chatting, they were having a good old moan.

“Well I think primary school age is the only ok age to trick or treat at” one lady said. The other agreed “I don’t want great big teenagers at my door”.

I silently took their point and considered where I stood on the matter. I was undecided.

As it happens I was forced into hopping off my Halloween fence when my daughter asked me this morning whether she would still be allowed to trick or treat tonight.

Bess is 12. My middle child. 12 (I have decided) is an awkward age. 1 year younger and you are in definite child territory in terms of gift buying and 1 year older and BAM, she is a bona fide teenager.

I thought carefully before replying to my daughter’s question but this is where I have decided I stand on the matter.

There is no “too old” for trick or treating

As I said previously, the rules must be obeyed of course but in a society where we are forever bemoaning the fact that our children are not staying children for long, how can we take this away?

Until Bess tells me that she doesn’t want to take part in Halloween (or any) activities then she will be included. I don’t want to have to tell her she is too old for anything, especially something fun!

If a teenager wants to knock on my door to trick or treat then he or she (as long as they observe the rules) will always be welcome.

I think we should encourage our teens to embrace their youth and get involved in events rather than viewing them as potential troublemakers.  What do you think?

Happy Halloween!