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Halloween etiquette

Hello. I'm a reporter at The Ledger. I'm writing an article about Halloween etiquette. Do you talk to your children about saying “thank you” after receiving treats? Do you know notice many kids failing to say thanks or seeming pushy or rude when they come to your house? You can reach me at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518.

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Permalink Reply by Tracy Fritchman on October 24, 2011 at 12:46pm

Regardless of it is Halloween or something else, I try to teach my daughter to say please, thank you, etc. She is almost 5 so there are times when she doesn't but usually not from being rude, just not remembering. My pet peeve with Halloween is the older kids that come dressed as themselves and expect you to give out candy. (I tend to buy the cheap yucky cand and give it to them, save the good stuff for the ones actually in costumes). Halloween is about dressing up, maybe getting a little scared and getting candy also. When a 15 yr old comes knocking without a costume, it is kind of creepy for the person handing it out. I think parents need to speak with the older children and say if you are to big to wear a costume then you are to big for the candy.

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Permalink Reply by Gary White on October 26, 2011 at 5:30pm

Suzanne,

I'd like to use your comments for my article. Can you contact me so that I can get your full name? Gary White -- 802-7518 or gary.white@theledger.com.

Thanks.

Suzanne C said:

Our children are escorted by adults. We do remind them of their manners. It is tough, kids go crazy over Haloween and many manners go out the window just because of all the excitement. Ask teachers about their students when holidays, long breaks & summer start apporaching. I may lose the manner battle on some occasions, but as long as I win the war, I will be a happy Mom.

As far as trick or treaters coming to my door, most are very pleasant and say thank you. I have never had a problem with rude kids (that I recall). I also will give the "not so good" candy or not as much candy to those coming around not dressed. One year we left a big bowl of candy while we walked our kids around the neighborhood and when we came home, all the candy was gone and what looked like soda was spewed all over our entry. Didn't make us happy at all, but had never happened before. Most kids are good kids! Happy Halloween!!!