Trunk or Treat: A Safer Halloween Option

Halloween. Such a popular holiday for all ages. This specific holiday, as everyone knows, is celebrated by dressing up in costume and going door to door in hopes of receiving a wide variety of candies and chocolates. After knocking, the door opens and children shout "Trick or Treat!". The neighbor then smiles and places the ever so delicious goodies in the different colored pumpkin baskets or bags.

This is the traditional way to celebrate Halloween. However, nowadays, many choose different ways for their children to celebrate this holiday.

Trunk or Treat

"Trunk or Treat" is the new way for parents of young children to take their kids "trick or treating", minus going door to door. Like in the name, children will walk from car to car for treats in the trunks of the vehicles. These events are usually hosted in church parking lots. This is ideal for some parents with younger children because they know the people they are sending their children to and most are parents as well.

Earlier tonight, I attended a local church's meeting on their annual "trunk or treat" event. Exception of myself, everyone seemed to know one another and were very welcoming to my son and I. You can check out my experience from earlier on my Twitter or search #saferhalloween2014. The church I chose to check out today was Grace Community Church in Arlington, TX.

Is it safer?

Some people won't agree, but many choose to attend "trunk or treat" events because they feel it is much safer for their children. Most of the people I spoke with today decided that they would be attending the event like they do every year. Their children ranged from infants to 12-years-old. A few decided against it. I was able to interview one of those parents who decided not to attend and posted the interview to my Twitter. 

For the parents that said they felt safer taking their kids "trunk or treating", they explained to me how when doing it this way they can get to know, or already know, the people they are receiving candy from. They say it is less likely that someone tampered with the treats because they all know one another on a personal level.

One of the parents who decided against it, explained how no matter where their family celebrates the holiday, they will check all the candy before any can be consumed. They have a solid point. 

For some safety tips on this fun night, before venturing out, be sure to check out these following links:

Halloween Health and Safety Tips

and

Halloween Safety Guide

Questions?

Questions? Concerns? Have any tips of your own from a past experience? Let me know!

Don't forget to check out my Twitter!

Park Safety

In case you didn't know, children love getting out of the house. Why spend money taking your children out for only a little while when you can take them somewhere for free? Your local park is the answer.

Parks are a great way for children to play, use their extraordinary amounts of energy, and meet new friends. Best part is, parks are everywhere. They are for the most park always open to the public within reasonable times for you and your family.

Practice Park Safety

Children are prone to accidents. That is just one reason to make sure to practice park safety. In the audio story below, I interview one mom and one aunt/babysitter and their thoughts on park safety. The two ladies give very helpful tips.






Something interesting about these two ladies, is the fact they have different situations to deal with. The mother has two children, one less than a year old. The aunt/babysitter watches over a 6-month-old.

Some good points they brought up in the interview included: checking sandpits for glass and debris, have children wear their shoes (closed toed) at all times, not allowing children to play in or around park sitting water due to falling in or possible bug bites, calling or going to your local police department and ask about the crime rate in your area beat, and the obvious of staying in plain site and not running around in the woods.

Don't be Afraid of the Park

Photo by: Leesha Hickman

Now that you've probably listened to the story, don't fear taking your child to the park. Going to the park is helpful for children's development when it comes to their social interactions. It builds confidence among other social identities. 

However, do make sure you know where your taking your children.

For tips and more information, check out these sites:


Safety Tips

Safety While in the Park

Questions?

Have any questions for me? Tips or anything you'd like to add to this? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you, as always.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter.

Fun Exercises With a Baby

Being a busy mom, or a new mom, it's near impossible to get free time to go to the gym. Why let that stop you? Why go to the gym when you have a perfectly good baby at home? The video above hopefully motivated you to workout with your little one. Not only will you be getting your burn on, but you get to spend that quality time with your baby. Their little laughs and smiles will keep you going.

About the Video

In the video above, I feature my son Daxton with his aunt Samantha who is also my sister. I would have used myself as the example, but I don't think taking "selfies" of my son and I would have been as efficient.

The video includes a few stretching and exercising ideas that you can do with your baby if unable to go to the gym or just want to get fit while playing with your little one.

For some more information on these workouts check out parenting.com and fitpregnancy.com

Baby Workout

Like any workout, you should always start by stretching. Focus on your back, legs, and arms. I start the video by having Samantha show us how to stretch her back in the "cat" position while having Daxton lay on his back looking up to her. This way they can communicate as well as make funny faces for those adorable baby giggles. She follows this stretch with sitting in the "pike" position while holding the baby in her lap, resting his head in her hands. The baby feet in face is a plus. The last stretch I feature, Sam stretches her legs once more while tickling the baby,

Following the stretches, are a few exercise options that will strengthen the core, legs, arms, and abs. They are in no particular order. Featured are wall sits, squats, baby presses, sit ups/crunches, planks, and push ups. All of these exercises give you the ability to talk to your baby while doing them.

Questions?

Did this motivate you? Have some more baby workout ideas you'd like to share? Let me know! I'd love to hear your input!

Also, don't forget to check out my twitter for more updates.