trick or treating

**jodi** · 10-09-2007,11:05 AM

my son has announced that he's old enough to take his younger sister TOT'ing this year without my assistance. He's 11 and we live in a good family neighborhood, but I'm not sure. What do y'all think?

Also, what is the consensus regarding how old is too old to TOT?

**Ween12amEternal** · 10-09-2007,11:26 AM

Wow, that's a toughie! Could you make an agreement with him that he & his kid sister can go alone on your street only during daylight hours, then you'll go with them on an extended run further out around the neighborhood after dark? (I think I would still be pacing the street while they were out ToT'g during daylight time.) That could be a good, safe compromise. I understand wanting them to feel the pride of being "the big kid", but just for safety, I'd want to supervise somewhat. Let us know what you do!

**OMGDan** · 10-09-2007,11:28 AM

There is no 'too old' My girlfriend and our friends last did it when we were 18. If you enjoy the holiday and are having fun, what's the problem? It's been mentioned here before and 99% of people tend to agree.

And personally if you live in a good neighborhood i don't see the problem. You could always set certain boundaries if it made you more comfortable. I'm gonna guess some people will think it's unsafe but i've been in not so nice neighborhoods and seen young ones TOTing and there's never been any problem. It's gonna be up to you in the end though, if you don't feel he's quite old enough then go with them.

**Spats** · 10-09-2007,12:44 PM

Leave one adult at home to pass out treats and the rest of you go out, ALL of you,... YES, in costume, and get treats... yeah, all of you.

If folks think only to give the little ones candy, hold out the bag and call it parental donation. If that doesn't work, wink at them and remind them that "Trick or treat" is not a greeting, it's an ultimatum.

Too old is a sick and cruel myth.

Kill it now. If everybody got out there, it would be safer and more popular than ever. Trick or treat would be revived.

**lancekik** · 10-09-2007,01:07 PM

just agree to walk 1/2 a block behind and on the other side of the street, its a compramise, carry wakie talkies, just in case ya need to be in contact. if every thing goes well, maybe next year they could venture alone with 20min waki talki check ins , you could allways spy on them like TV parrents haha

**BATFLY** · 10-09-2007,01:46 PM

spats that's wonderful:

"Trick or treat" is not a greeting, it's an ultimatum

may i use that as a my signature?

**halloween house** · 10-09-2007,03:53 PM

Safety first! go with them.

**RRguy** · 10-09-2007,11:30 PM

Unsupervised kids should go in groups and probably more than two. Who knows where the creeps might be.

**beautycastvixen** · 10-10-2007,01:14 PM

My boys are 8 and 9. I guess if they were a little older I would kind of allow them to go out themselves, but I would follow them!! Too many crazies out there. Too old for trick or treating? I would say 12 or so. Parents are sad though cos they can't steal their children's candy!!