It is the time of the year when scary costumes and kids’ toys abound at department stores reminding people that yes, Halloween is indeed coming soon.

Children are now looking forward to dress up and strut their stuff with friends and family. Some are already anticipating the bagful of sweets they will be getting. Young girls are already excited to don witch costumes that may no longer be the traditional look with matching broom but more of an influence of the Harry Potter series. Young boys are now thinking of ways to make them look very scary and perhaps spring some tricks on their fellow trick-or-treaters.

Parents, on the other hand, are now busy budgeting money for costumes and treats for visiting trick-or-treaters. Parents and guardians should also prepare children for the occasion by teaching them safety measures during the holiday.

Here are some safety tips published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that all parents should teach children during trick or treat season:

1. Children should stick to the route deemed acceptable by parents and not cut across yards or use alleys.

2. For older children who may no longer need adult supervision, they should go home at the agreed time.

3. Children should not enter homes or cars for a treat. They should only visit those houses with their porch lights on.

4. Children should travel in groups and communicate where they will be heading.

5. It is advisable to let the children bring a cell phone for easy communication and flashlights with fresh batteries for emergency.

6. As a group, children should remain on well-lit streets and walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk available, then they should walk at the far edge of a roadway as far as possible from passing cars.

7. Children should also cross the street as a group in established crosswalks and never between parked cars or driveways.

8. Explain to children the danger of assuming the right of way. Make them understand the accident that will ensue if they cross roads unseen by motorists. They should also be aware that just because one car stopped for them, it does not mean the others will.

9. Children should also be taught to call 9-1-1 and other law enforcement authorities in case of emergency.

We should also be mindful of safety around the house whether or not we will accompany the children.

The home should be safe for visiting trick-or-treaters.

These are some of the home safety tips recommended by the AAP:

1. Use votive candles for your pumpkins, and do not leave these candle-lit pumpkins near curtains and other flammable objects. Put them on sturdy table and never leave them unattended.

2. To keep the homes safe for visiting children, remove tripping hazards from the porch, front yard, sidewalks, and steps. Tripping hazards include garden hoses, kids’ toys, bikes, lawn decors, wet leaves, tree roots, and rocks.

3. Check the outdoor lights if there are burned-out bulbs and replace those before the trick-or-treaters arrive.

4. Pets, especially dogs, should be restrained and kept away from the porch or front yard to prevent accidents.

Halloween can be hectic, but what holiday cannot get stressful? A holiday is not all about merrymaking but also about keeping tradition and bonding with family. Let us enjoy yet another festive and safe Halloween!

It is the time of the year when scary costumes and kids’ toys abound at department stores reminding people that yes, Halloween is indeed coming soon.

Children are now looking forward to dress up and strut their stuff with friends and family. Some are already anticipating the bagful of sweets they will be getting. Young girls are already excited to don witch costumes that may no longer be the traditional look with matching broom but more of an influence of the Harry Potter series. Young boys are now thinking of ways to make them look very scary and perhaps spring some tricks on their fellow trick-or-treaters.

Parents, on the other hand, are now busy budgeting money for costumes and treats for visiting trick-or-treaters. Parents and guardians should also prepare children for the occasion by teaching them safety measures during the holiday.

Here are some safety tips published by the American Academy of Pediatrics that all parents should teach children during trick or treat season:

1. Children should stick to the route deemed acceptable by parents and not cut across yards or use alleys.

2. For older children who may no longer need adult supervision, they should go home at the agreed time.

3. Children should not enter homes or cars for a treat. They should only visit those houses with their porch lights on.

4. Children should travel in groups and communicate where they will be heading.

5. It is advisable to let the children bring a cell phone for easy communication and flashlights with fresh batteries for emergency.

6. As a group, children should remain on well-lit streets and walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk available, then they should walk at the far edge of a roadway as far as possible from passing cars.

7. Children should also cross the street as a group in established crosswalks and never between parked cars or driveways.

8. Explain to children the danger of assuming the right of way. Make them understand the accident that will ensue if they cross roads unseen by motorists. They should also be aware that just because one car stopped for them, it does not mean the others will.

9. Children should also be taught to call 9-1-1 and other law enforcement authorities in case of emergency.

We should also be mindful of safety around the house whether or not we will accompany the children.

The home should be safe for visiting trick-or-treaters.

These are some of the home safety tips recommended by the AAP:

1. Use votive candles for your pumpkins, and do not leave these candle-lit pumpkins near curtains and other flammable objects. Put them on sturdy table and never leave them unattended.

2. To keep the homes safe for visiting children, remove tripping hazards from the porch, front yard, sidewalks, and steps. Tripping hazards include garden hoses, kids’ toys, bikes, lawn decors, wet leaves, tree roots, and rocks.

3. Check the outdoor lights if there are burned-out bulbs and replace those before the trick-or-treaters arrive.

4. Pets, especially dogs, should be restrained and kept away from the porch or front yard to prevent accidents.

Halloween can be hectic, but what holiday cannot get stressful? A holiday is not all about merrymaking but also about keeping tradition and bonding with family. Let us enjoy yet another festive and safe Halloween!

Boon Frog Pod

The Frog Pod, winner of the JPMA 2005 Innovation Award, is a bath toy scoop, drain and storage unit all in one. It is designed to simplify the maintenance of a typical toddler bathtub environment. Simply scoop it up to rinse bath toys in bulk – the Frog Pod helps eliminate dangerous mildew and bath residue on the toys. A hidden shelf provides a convenient space for shampoo and other bath products. The Frog Pod can be attached to virtually any shower or bathtub wall. Base is simple to detach from the adhesive bracket for easy cleaning.

NOTE: This is not a toy. Never leave a child unattended when bathing. This product should always be mounted up out of reach of toddlers and used only under adult supervision. Never apply excessive force to or allow children to hang onto or from Frog Pod. Do not load the Frog with more than 10 pounds of toys or accessories. Prior to installation remove packaging and fasteners and discard properly.

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