My teenager thinks trick or treating will still happen.

[nicegirl73]

I’ve explained to them all (14,12 and 10) that people will not be doing it this year and I don’t want them to be disappointed.
But she just got angry with me now saying I don’t know that it won’t.
Am I unreasonable trying to manage their expectations that there won’t be any trick or treating?
Ir maybe some places still will trick or treat...and I’m worrying too much.
I am in no way one of the people jumping to abide by all the ever changing rules I just can’t seem trick or treating happen. Help!

In our area everyone only knocks on decorated houses in normal times. There are about 5-6 households we know on our road, many of which are in the same bubble at school who have said they will go to each other's houses.

We will be decorating our house as usual and going but will only knock on decorated houses and will stay just in our own small road. I don't think anyone should ever knock on houses without a pumpkin etc outside anyway.

It's not illegal for teens to trick-or-treat in the US, in most places. There may be some towns that have rules about it, but it's more about preventing unruly teens from antisocial behaviour than strictly forbidding them from having an innocent night collecting sweets from neighbours.

There will be people who don't think teens should participate, but as long as teen trick-or-treaters are respectful and polite, most won't have a problem with it.

@Avery7

Those of you saying you won't open the door to trick-or-treaters, are you worried about getting egged?

I am South East, the rule is to only approach houses displaying a pumpkin. If idiots start egging pumpkin-free houses, that won't go down too well.

The council has asked people to not go trick-or-treating, who would think it's a good idea in the current climate anyway?

14 year old is far too old here, it's only for Primary school children, year 6 at the latest. There are a lot of trails (pumpkin trail, witch trail, scarecrow trail) in the area, so kids can do that and get sweets from their parents instead.

If idiots start egging pumpkin-free houses, that won't go down too well.

Yes but this year lots of people are planning to display a pumpkin for the trail, but not open their door.

We'll be decorating our house and I've made up party bags to give out. I've gone to a bit more effort this year to make up for less houses joining in.

12 and 14 year olds are too old for trick or treating. It is for little kids. I would find a group of teenagers intimidating and wouldn’t answer the door to them in non Covid times.

In our area, kids are colouring in a pumpkin picture, and displaying it in the window, and then parents take their kids round to spot how many they can find. There is a checklist and certificate to print out too!
It's a half term activity, so we are displaying ours now, with a few window decorations, but I'm tempted to take it down on Halloween, as people's houses are already getting egged today, and I don't intend answering my door on the night.

No, we are staying in and will not be answering the door if anyone knocks. Won't put a pumpkin out and will turn outside light off so nothing will be inviting them to knock.

I don't think it is sensible this year.

There will be people who don't think teens should participate, but as long as teen trick-or-treaters are respectful and polite, most won't have a problem with it
I agree as long as they're polite knocking at a reasonable hour they're welcome during normal times. Not this year it's cancelled here.

I love it when the teens knock on the door, especially the ones who are doing it even though they feel awkward as hell.
It's unfair that teens get such a bad rap. They're still children.