Trick or treating, parties, costumes and candy — what is not to love about Halloween? Below are some tips on keeping your child or teen safe during this fun and festive holiday – and striking a balance between loving and trusting your teen and enforcing limits that keep him/her safe.

Younger kids should not trick or treat without adult supervision to both keep her safe and minimize her risk of being the victim of a prank.

If your child is the subject of a prank, listen to him, explain that the prank isn’t his fault and help him focus on the fun and costumes of the season.

Talk to your teen about pranks, what is acceptable behavior and how a prank might impact others.

If you feel your child is old enough to go trick or treating without adult supervision, set time and space limitations.

For kids trick or treating without adult supervision, negotiate reasonable intervals for checking-in by phone or in person.

Consider offering transportation for your teen and her friends throughout the evening.

Consider opening your home up for a gathering of your children’s friends, whether to trick or treat, or have cider/treats afterwards.

Communicate ahead of time about plans for Halloween. Discuss where your teen is going to be and with whom.

Make sure you have the address and phone number of the party (or parties) your teen plans on attending. Contact the host parents to find out the party’s start/end times, verify adult supervision and confirm that drugs/alcohol will not be allowed.

Set clear rules and expectations about Halloween behavior, just like any other day of the year, and be prepared to follow through with pre-determined consequences if those rules are broken.

Debbi Halela is YES Director of Clinical Programs.