To hand out trick or treat sweets

[AllstarFacilier]

We’ve moved to a new estate in the last few years and there are lots of kids. They’ve started coming earlier and earlier trick or treating, and so I’m expecting some this week and have bought the treats in already. Last year they were two weeks early and I had to say to come back nearer the time, as we had nothing in. TBF, it’s usually older ones with one in just a mask that do this, and the littler ones fully dressed up do it the weekend before/on the night of. Last year we had some come round into Nov as the kid had been poorly and we didn’t have anything in so they ended up with a bag of crisps 😂

Anyways, we buy a few bags of mini size chocolates and those lollies and refreshers etc. I also put things in like glowsticks and spiders etc, but we’ve noticed that most kids will pick out quite a few each, and I always panic that I’m going to run out. We had a group of five last year and they took a handful each, and then came back again on their way back out of the cul de sac and I had to say they’d already been. Their parents were with them too.

AIBU to physically hand the sweets out to them, rather than let them grab handfuls? I’ve tried saying “take two treats” but then I feel tight saying that too. I’ve also tried not putting as many in the bowl, so that it doesn’t look like there’s loads to grab. Some of the neighbours left sweets out by their front doors last year and a group of kids went around and took the lot in one go, so I’m not keen on doing that.

Well my dad would give them 50p if he wanted to give them something and he didn’t have anything in. An older single lady may be scared and want to get rid. Either way, I think the kids are being cheeky and trying it on, not going out to threaten. I’m not lacking sense in any way that impedes my job

Perhaps you should speak to your SLT to get some help, I’m struggling with what else to say as, despite everyone pointing it out, you’re still spectacularly failing to understand why encouraging this behaviour- particularly as a teacher - is wrong.

I forgot how careful you have to be with language because people will take things so literally

and yes, language matters. Especially with kids. Again, perhaps ask for some advice or training

This sounds great! Kids only seem to go where there are decorations here, but people have had their decorations up for ages already. I’ve just been looking at our estate Fb page and someone is organising a treasure hunt where people are saying things like “find the spiders’ web on Elm Street” and they’re going to make a checklist for kids, which is cute. Though I’ve realised that they’ve said to leave prizes out for the children taking part over next weekend, which isn’t Halloween, so it does look like they’re all happy for the weekend before around this estate anyways.

I’ll concentrate on continuing to get fantastic GCSE results, thanks for your concern about my CPD though. A couple of kids expressing that they can trick or treat for cash would hardly raise eyebrows with SLT.

Language matters for kids, but even my year 7s come in understanding metaphors and hyperbole. I made the mistake of assuming adults would too.

Leaving treats out is too much of a temptation. Someone has to be home and hand out the sweets.

As for parents driving their children in cars: I grew up in a very sparsely populated area. It was a revelation when I started trick or treating with friends in estates and apartment blocks, you could easily do 10x more houses in an evening. Bonanza! I honestly couldn’t care less if children are being driven around, why do you even care? You’re making a child happy, whether from your street or a few roads down. What does it even matter?

Very interesting reading the Halloween/trick or treat posts... I'm in Canada and our culture seems quite different. I understand trick or treating is newer in UK.
Here, kids only go trick or treating on Halloween night. If your house is decorated / porch light is on it means you are giving out candy. Dark house- no go. Lots of kids in neighbourhood usually means one treat given out per kid. Kids simply say, Trick or treat! when you open the door, you ask about or praise costumes, give a treat or two, say have fun, be safe and that's it. Fun. Friendly.
Little ones go out as early as 5pm and usually are done by 7pm. Shopping malls host trick or treaters for a safe place parents can go with the little ones, so shops give out candy and many of the workers will be in costume.
Older kids are not turned away, again, lights on means you are welcoming all.
If you are in an apartment/condo complex people decorate their doors and often put a little sign up along the lines of: Trick or treaters welcome 6-9pm and it is respected. Some don't put any decos/signs up and either answer their door or not. Some will leave candy at the door to let people help themselves, but only in apartment buildings.

Happy Hallowe'en! 🦹‍♀️👺👻

A couple of kids expressing that they can trick or treat for cash would hardly raise eyebrows with SLT

im not suggesting you report the kids. I’m suggesting maybe getting some advice on managing and setting expectations for children/ teenagers for yourself