To saying No to Trick-or-Treating

[MumofTwoBoys95]

I have two boys (Aged 5 and 2)

My eldest son is in reception and he's made plenty of wonderful friends. One of the Mums asked me if I'd let my Son go trick-or-treating, a group of them are going and there'd be plenty of adults. I can't remember what I said exactly, I think it was something along the lines of "Oh, I'm sorry but we don't celebrate Halloween" and I said some other stuff, but I kept it all very respectable

I don't ever remember going out late at night, knocking on people's doors. I always got a big bag of sweets that I could never finish and I got to watch Disney films until I was asleep on the sofa

AIBU for doing the same things with my little ones that my parents did with me

Talking about a child being snatched doesn't sound very respectable. Do what you want to do.

I think it's another horrid American import (along with baby showers), that is effectively begging, this time for sweets.
So no we don't do it here.

YABU - nuff said.

I can understand you saying no because you don't like the idea of trick of treating and knocking on peoples doors for sweets.

But why on earth do you think they're going to be snatched off the streets?

I think you're DC will resent it when they're older if they're still not allowed to go. Trick or treating is only once a year and a lot of fun for kids.

@Ariela
"Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2018 occurs on Wednesday, October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints; soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating sweet treats."
From history.com

You seem overly anxious about this, OP. Do you have mental health problems?

You aren't being unreasonable to politely decline the offer, but I think inferring that the people offering aren't being good parents or are putting their dc at risk is unnecessary and in not surprised it wasn't well received.

Also I think your dc will feel like they are missing out on a normal and fun activity.

Wow, you were a bit rude really!

It’s fine that you don’t celebrate Halloween but what you said is not very nice. I’d say the chances of a little child accompanied by a responsible adult, being snatched is virtually zero.

You don’t want your dc to go and that’s fine. However you were rude with the whole oh I’d rather have my dc warm and safe 🙄

Unless you live in a very freezing cold country going trick and treating isn’t going to make them that cold.

Most years on Halloween here in the uk we don’t get news reports of all these dc being snatched off the streets, by child kidnappers that hide in the bushes. So chances of being snatched, also very low.

So rude and a kill joy

Ha! I see we've already had the 'it's an American import' bollocks trotted out. Someone should design an MN Halloween bingo card, then we could amuse ourselves ticking each tired old cliche off as they're brought out on the numerous threads on the matter.
Seriously though, if you like it, take part and have fun. If you don't like it, don't take part and don't answer your door. It's not bloody compulsory!!!

I never allowed it and neither did I open the door to them except one year when a group of fifteen year olds came round muttering “trick or treat....” never again.

As for the OP’s other post, IMO it never happened.

I think what stumped the other Mothers is when I commented that I'd rather have my children safe and warm inside than snatched by someone off the street

I can see why this sounded snotty and judgmental tbh. It’s fine for you to do whatever traditions you like with your kids, but I don’t think you needed to be a dick about it.

You seem overly anxious about this, OP. Do you have mental health problems?

I think it's another horrid American import

Whenever I see the word ‘horrid’ I’m reminded of Terry Pratchett, who said it was exclusively used by people trying to be ostentatiously twee

I'm Irish and children knocking on doors and saying 'Help the Hallowe'en Party' has been a tradition here for a long time. The 'Trick or Treat' expression is American but the tradition isn't.

I think it's harmless and quite neighbourly as long as the children don't go out to late, behave politely, and don't knock at doors where lights have been turned off as that is usually a sign that the resident doesn't want children calling.

You sound a bit OTT with your talk of kids being snatched etc.

@BuggeringNora Here you go

My mum was from North America and never let me. She called it glorified begging 

I grew up in Canada where trick or treating is the norm. It is not begging - it is a community event.

If it is cold, dress more warmly.
If it is dark, bring a flashlight.
If there are child-snatchers (highly unlikely), go with your child.

People here are so uptight about such an innocent childhood experience!

@OftenHangry - Bravo! I salute you; very nice work 

@BuggeringNora

(takes a bow)

I already have all of them. Sadly including the wire....