AIBU to think 13 is too old for trick-or-treating?

[Standandwait]

DS2 is 13 but has autism and moderate learning difficulties that make him more like a 6/7 year old in many ways. I told him that I think he's too old to be taken around trick-or-treating ... but he's so sad. WIBU to take him after all, one last time? It's not as if I can explain to other people answering their doors, and he is now a good 5'4" so could seem quite grown up to strangers.

Polite and wearing a costume-
As long as it's done in the spirit of "trick or treat" I think its a much better activity for a 13 yo than a lot of things they could be doing...
Most welcome at my house

DS is 12 shortly but very tall, so looks (and sounds) more like 14. It hadn't occurred to me that he'd be too old this year tbh. Mind you he's gone with a mixed group where there are kids from 2 to 12 years old, so it's not as intimidating as a big group of 16 year olds on your doorstep, I don't think.

Whoever mentioned no face masks was right though - DS wanted to wear a hooded cloak with a scary mask, but I said no to that. He was scaring me, looming over me like that, so I can see how other people wouldn't like it (his 2 year old sister was terrified too!)

haha pink you were my cautionary tale-I was very careful

My 17 year old considers herself too old so she is taking her brother and dressing up and of course her best mate is joining her and dressing up too

As long as he's with you, it's fine. It only becomes unacceptable when children trick-or-treat without proper adult supervision. The rule is simple: if you're old enough to go trick-or-treating without your parent or guardian, you're too old to go trick-or-treating at all.

I don't think 13 is too old. Anyway there are kids still in primary school who are that height.

Most of the teens near me are 16-21. Still kids.

Last year we had 14 and 15 yr old's all dressed up looking fab and doing thier turns.
No problem whatsoever with teens if polite and dressed up.

Lots of kids round here go without parents from 9 years old. They all know each other and its a fab night for everyone.

There is no age limit on having fun.

My 12 year old twins have gone. I've told them not to barge in front of little kids and be polite 👻

The rule is simple: if you're old enough to go trick-or-treating without your parent or guardian, you're too old to go trick-or-treating at all.

I've never heard of this rule and think it's bullshit so I'll still be handing out sweets to kids without parental supervision, because there's absolutely no valid reason not to!

He'd be welcome here. I don't height discriminate. I know 11 year olds who shot up above me.

Loads of teens t&t here tonight, I love it, the costumes are brilliant

Take him, I saw some 15/16 year olds tonight, trick or treating. My dd who also has ASD and moderate learning difficulties, and who is 10.5 years old, wants to go next year with her brother who is 5.

If he is dressed up and polite it's fine. Esp if you are with him.

DPends on your area. Around here the teens without younger children with them are the type to egg houses and such so once it’s gone 7:30pm most stop answering the doors as that’s when they tend to come out.

Thank you all! I realised on thinking about it that he wouldn't notice anyway if some people were all and I shouldn't care, so we went out with some friends who had younger children.

Halloween has always been his favourite holiday (though he hates dressing up, but will tolerate it if no mask and no hat) -- much more than Christmas since he doesn't understand about presents or toys, but loves the idea of getting sweets from all the world.

Come to think of it he's right -- so thanks all for your sweet replies!

I'm glad you took him out, I hope you all had fun!