Melissa B Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Poll to follow. If your children trick-or-treat in the traditional door-to-door fashion - when do your kids STOP trick-or-treating? My dd is 14 and in 9th grade. She is not sure she is ready to stop yet. She enjoys the entire evening - getting dressed, running around with her younger siblings, etc. However, she is 5'9" and looks much older - even in a costume. :D She doesn't feel staying home to hand out candy or walking with dh and I through the neighborhood while her siblings trick-or-treat hold the same appeal. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 well, i live in the country now so we don't get trick or treaters. in the past, we did give out candy & i never minded older kids joining in on the fun. the only time i found it annoying is when they wouldn't dress up or acknowledge me at the door (they would just hold out their bag but no, "hello"..."trick or treat" ....nothing. otherwise, i say she should go and have FUN! ugh...sorry for the initial typos, lol. making pancakes and typing! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trlt Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I put 13 but I guess I should have put 12. Both of my boys did not want to go trick or treating after age 12. They chose to dress up walk around the neighborhood with friends or go to/have parties for their friends but no more trick or treating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Well, I don't know. My boys are 12 and 7 and they are both planning to trick or treat this year. Of course, my dh dresses up with them so the kids might never stop. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kari C in SC Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 (edited) When I was in high school, one of our clubs went trick or treating for items for the food pantry. It was fun at the time and I still got candy. Looking back as an adult, though, it seems really rude to have put people on the spot like that. Out little town has tons of trick or treaters every year, and no matter how much candy I buy, we end up running out before the kids stop coming. I've seen some older teens out, especially later in the evening, but usually it's middle schoolers or younger. ETA: I didn't answer the poll, as my kids haven't stopped. I figure it's up to them when they quit and don't have any problem with older kids coming to the door, though I don't care for the gruesome costumes some wear. Edited October 13, 2012 by WordGirl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I picked 12 but find it flexible. If she's in costume and with her siblings I'd let her go and have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Mine would do it forever. They went out with a huge group of teens last year in our neighborhood and had a ball. They did get some wary looks, even though they were very polite and well-behaved. I told mine this year that I am just tired of doing it. I'm retiring. :lol: They have a costume dance to go to, and I'll buy them some candy. I just am over the whole traipsing through neighborhoods thing. So...my answer really is...when mom gets sick of doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I would say high school. Now if my oldest wanted to still dress up and take her younger siblings around, that would be fine with me, but not the actual going up to people's doors part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My kids quit around age 11 or 12. I admit I dislike seeing kids around middle-school age or older trick-or-treating. Maybe it's because most I've seen don't really dress up and don't show the same charm and enthusiasm as the young kids. But, to me it's something for littler ones. I felt like even at 11 or 12 my kids were pushing it. But I would still give candy with a smile; I am not a mean treats-giver! The only time I said something was when some teen boys dressed as inner-city gangsta types rang my bell after 9 pm. But I don't think that's what you're talking about. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherMayI Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: My 13 year old is going and I don't see him opting out anytime soon...he LOVES Halloween and trick-or-treating:D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeannie in NJ Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 the year dd was 14 and ds was 12, they decided they wanted to stay home and hand out candy instead of going trick or treating (we had always just left a bowl of candy on the porch while we were gone). However, we still get some teens trick or treating at our house, I am fine with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Around here, it's about 6th grade (12/13) unless they're taking younger kids around. I'll happily give candy to a teen in costume who is supervising younger kids. And for moms with their dressed up baby, I'll pull out the chocolate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 14 was the last year I did it when I was young. But I'll hand candy to any kid in a costume. I see some teens here trick or treating and I don't think it's a big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My 14yo says he's not doing it this year. My community's costume contest only goes to age 12 this year. I ToT'ed until high school graduation (though not nearly as methodically as our mapped plans when we were younger, lol.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: Wholeheartedly agree!! As long as you are having fun and being nice, go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My oldest stopped at 12yo by his own choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Around here it ranges from 12-14. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edelweiss Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. That's what I think too. I have no issues with teenagers trick-or-treating if they are wearing a costume. A group of kids walking around the neighborhood in their regular clothes with Target bags? Yeah, not so much. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My daughters also enjoyed the costumes and all that stuff. :) But they would always wear costumes--real costumes, not just old clothes IYKWIM--and so as long as they were willing to do that, I let them go. And I don't mind handing out candy to people of any age who have the gumption to dress up like crazy people. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daffodil Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Any age is fine with me as long as they are polite and in costume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I did it through high school. A couple friends and I dressed up as a theme and played instruments for people, mostly going to houses we knew. One year, we were trumpeting Christmas trees. Another year, we were carrots and a rabbit. I don't hand out candy anymore (rural neighborhood - no one walks all the way to my doorstep), but I'd be totally cool with a high schooler dressed in a costume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MollyAnn Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: DD is 12 this year and I keep teasing her that it is her last year, but as long as she dresses up she can go. A couple of years ago we were out trick or treating and a car drove up and parked next to us. The driver was a teen girl dressed as a princess and her passenger was a quite tall and built football player. They both had bags and started going door to door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myfunnybunch Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I voted 13. Really, my girls both stopped around 12-13 and started again when they were 16. They just went with their little brothers. :D We usually get one or two groups of high schoolers every year, a little later than the little kids. I don't mind. When ds7 gets home, we do a peanut check then dump all the peanut candy in the teens' bags. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommymilkies Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Dh and I still did in our early 20s (think 22 and 21) just for something to do, we didn't expect to get any candy though, but we look young. Heck I still get candy when trick or treating with dd even though I'm not dressed up (people ask if dd is my little sister, I tell them, No, she's my daughter then they ask how old I am and when I tell them they are shocked!) Oh and this year I turned 29 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiMomNP Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My son was 11. He enjoys giving out the candy now though. We always offer candy to the parents/older siblings that come with the little ones too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker25 Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I stop costuming you after 12. You can trick or treat at 13 and 14, but you have to find your own costume and it has to be a costume. My oldest wore her ballet dress at 13 and that was fine. 14 is the age we stop at though. We don't allow scary or gross costumes either. My oldest was taller than me at 14 and she decided not to go that year. She stayed with my mom who does a little game on her carport every year for the trick or treaters. She had a blast doing that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 They can stop when they want to; I won't stop them. Heck, I trick-or-treated the year after I graduated high school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnMama Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I voted never, but I really think they should trick or treat until they not want to anymore. Personally, I'll give candy to anyone who shows up with a bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristyB in TN Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I think it is common for older teens to trick or treat now. I am in a heavy traffic area for the little goblins and ghosts and am really enjoying the older kids, too. Their costumes can be awesome! Last year my daughter and I sat on the porch with candy and got a kick out of the teens dressed like the group LMFAO ( I think that's right) they had a boom box and danced up our driveway!:lol: Halloween is just fun. I don't think it has to stop at a certain age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 We always have plenty of high schoolers who trick or treat in our neighborhood so I would let her go if she wants to. DS13 has decided that he doesn't want to trick-or-treat this year, but instead would like to dress up and hand out candy. If he still wanted to go, I would absolutely let him. I went out until I was 16. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: I tried to stop it at 13 but found that it just isn't done. So now when dd is ready to stop she will stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Ds 15 went last year (at 14) and is torn about what he wants to do this year. He's considering going with my niece and her 4 year olds so he'll have an excuse. As someone who hands out candy, I don't mind teenage trick or treaters as long as they made some attempt at a costume and are polite. In fact, I enjoy having them come to the door. Not as much as the cute little ones, but teens are fun because you can mess with each other in a way you can't do with little kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeFe Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Whenever they stop dressing up and/or act obnoxious and impolite throughout the evening. If kids are dresses up and acting pleasant I don't mind it at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 generally they stopped when they were past elementary age. they would then "volunteer" to take younger siblings around. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 As long as they wear a costume - they can trick or treat. :iagree: Costumed, polite kids of any age are welcome at my door! I think much of this depends on what siblings and friends are up to and what your local teen situation looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Whenever they stop dressing up and/or act obnoxious and impolite throughout the evening. If kids are dresses up and acting pleasant I don't mind it at all. :iagree: My 16 yo dd is unsure what to do this year, it might be her last! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My thoughts are when a kid is old enough to have a job and buy his own candy they shouldn't trick or treat anymore. I don't like seeing teens out trick or treating. My oldest is 11 and we told him he has a year or two after this year at best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 We still go as a family. We always do costumes as a group like Scooby Doo, Alice in Wonderland, Traditional Halloween Characters, Fairy Tails Creatures. No one complains and a lot of people seem to appreciate it. We see lots of other adult in costume as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyCrazyMama Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 They can stop when they want to; I won't stop them. Heck, I trick-or-treated the year after I graduated high school! I'm so glad you said so, lol, my oldest went last year (she doesn't live nearby) I was a bit embarrassed but she went with a younger cousin (9). I do hope she doesn't go this year.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Our 17yo has decided not to go this year. Last year she dressed up and went door to door in our neighborhood with her younger sister. They dressed as Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, and sang an abbreviated version of "Sisters" from White Christmas at every house. At our house, dressing up is just part of the deal -- the kids also come up with some sort of song or dance to perform at each house. I think they like the theatrical aspect of it more than they care about the candy. They work on this for WEEKS, coming up with a concept, figuring out how to make it work on various porches, costuming, rehearsing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Our 17yo has decided not to go this year. Last year she dressed up and went door to door in our neighborhood with her younger sister. They dressed as Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, and sang an abbreviated version of "Sisters" from White Christmas at every house. At our house, dressing up is just part of the deal -- the kids also come up with some sort of song or dance to perform at each house. I think they like the theatrical aspect of it more than they care about the candy. They work on this for WEEKS, coming up with a concept, figuring out how to make it work on various porches, costuming, rehearsing. Now that I would love to see on my doorstep! Not a sullen teen in a hoodie mumbling at me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 When I was a kid, none of us would be caught dead trick or treating after our 13th birthdays. But all of my kids and their friends trick or treat until they graduated from high school and move on to college. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I put a stop to it at when they complete elementary school. I'm another one who doesn't care to have older trick-or-treaters at my door, partly due to their age and partly due to the expense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 Ditto, here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pippen Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 I think it is common for older teens to trick or treat now. I am in a heavy traffic area for the little goblins and ghosts and am really enjoying the older kids, too. Their costumes can be awesome! Last year my daughter and I sat on the porch with candy and got a kick out of the teens dressed like the group LMFAO ( I think that's right) they had a boom box and danced up our driveway!:lol: Halloween is just fun. I don't think it has to stop at a certain age. If older kids did something like this I'd probably feel differently. Here teens rarely put forth much effort for costumes. Most often it's just a mask or streaky face paint with street clothes and carrying a pillowcase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted October 13, 2012 Share Posted October 13, 2012 My kids pretty much stopped two years ago, all of them. I was surprised. I gave them the option to go and they all said, "Can you just buy some candy this year?" :lol: This year we will be in Florida on vacation. We will be at Disney but not at the Disney after park celebration. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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