AlmiraGulch Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 My dd16 wants to trick or treat tonight. I say no way. 16 is too old to go knocking on doors begging for candy. I told her if she wants to put on some homemade costume and walk around with us while her little sisters trick or treat, that's fine. But she's not carrying a pillowcase and begging for Twix bars. She says she should be able to if she wants. She says she'll be wearing a costume, no one knows how old she is, and as long as she's comfortable with it then I should be, too. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Nope. The candy is for the little ones. I think of it this way.....the teens are taking candy away from little kids when they go T&T. 16 is two years from being a legal adult and too old to still be treated/act as a child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I say let her go. If she wants to dress up, why not? My 14 year olds are going. Let her enjoy what she has left of her childhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I say let her take the younger sisters and you can stay home. She can dress up and trick or treat with them. I think 16 is too old BUT she may just need that last little fling of childhood. 16 can be a rough age- and if a night of trick or treating is fun to her, it's not the end of the world. When we were kids, Halloween was a kid holiday- my parents never went to Halloween parties or dressed up (I'm 51, btw). But now it's quite the adult holiday- costumes, parties, etc. Maybe dd just wants to enjoy the fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Nope. The candy is for the little ones. I think of it this way.....the teens are taking candy away from little kids when they go T&T. 16 is two years from being a legal adult and too old to still be treated/act as a child. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matryoshka Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 My two 14yos are going with a friend of theirs who is... 16. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrn Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 We see teens trick or treating here all the time. They usually have youngers with them, but not always and they're clearly into the fun. I'm not really bothered by it, honestly. It does seem like that's the age to be stopping, but I'm not fussed about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd let her go. I went at 16 with a group of friends. We were all dressed up and we sang a ToT song we made up with guitar accompaniment. It was the last year I went myself and I loved the experience. She has her whole life to be a grown up. (I'm feeling blue and nostalgic today. Please take that into consideration.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I would let her go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I say let her be a kid. Everyone over buys with the Halloween candy. She's saving folks like me from eating the surplus. She's not taking candy from little children. Teens love candy! I say let her enjoy her last two years of not being an adult. Around here, it's normal to see a group of teens out trick or treating with their friends. Usually, it's a group of girls. I think they're sweet. As long as they're in costume, I'm happy to give them candy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 At 16, I would let her make her own decision, as silly as it seems to you. In general, as my 17 year old dd has gotten older, I have gradually distanced myself from making her choices for her when health and safety are not involved, in order to prepare her for a time when she will not have me making these decisions. Trick or treating would fall under this category for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksr5377 Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'm not bothered giving candy to teenagers as long as they're actually dressed up! Sometimes we get teenagers with nothing but a mask, and that doesn't really work for me. Not much effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree::iagree: Although, we did it too! But yeah, it wasn't for the baby. At least the 16 is doing her own work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in NH Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree: Pet peeve for sure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree: I say "little ones" don't need more candy. The less everyone has, the better. Spread the joy! :D I happily give dressed up teens with good attitudes candy. Last year we had a young mom with a little one (less than one) and the mom had her own bucket too? Like she wasn't going to eat the baby's candy? LOL - nice scam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I don't mind high schoolers trick or treating. I let mine go but they usually bring their younger brother and friends. This will be the first year neither of my older boys are going. My youngest son who is (12) is going with his friends around our neighborhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmoe Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I don't mind handing out candy to teenagers as long as they have a real costume that has required some effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I don't mind the teens who are actually dressed up and enjoying the event. I don't like the teens that are out simply to be mischievous and cause trouble, had those as a kid. Actually, kids grow at such different rates it's hard to gauge age. I'm not carding anyone that comes to my door though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd let her go with her sister. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitten18 Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 We see teens trick or treating here all the time. They usually have youngers with them, but not always and they're clearly into the fun. I'm not really bothered by it, honestly. It does seem like that's the age to be stopping, but I'm not fussed about it. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree: This. If they go to the trouble of dressing up, I have no issue with teens out trick-or-treating. Why should they not have fun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Excelsior! Academy Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Meh. Let the teen go. What annoys me is teens clearly out to cause mischief and knocking on my door way too late with an empty pillowcase expecting me to load up. A teen who is still into Halloween or taking siblings that wants a couple of pieces of candy is okay with me! Grown up years come fast enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2samlibby Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I say let her go. If she wants to dress up, why not? My 14 year olds are going. Let her enjoy what she has left of her childhood. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I agree that as long as they dress up and are following the customary rules, teens should be able to trick or treat, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountitallJoy Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd let her go. I went at 16 with a group of friends. We were all dressed up and we sang a ToT song we made up with guitar accompaniment. It was the last year I went myself and I loved the experience. She has her whole life to be a grown up. (I'm feeling blue and nostalgic today. Please take that into consideration.) :iagree: And a :grouphug: for you, Kalah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Trick-or-treating teens don't really bother me if they're in a costume. But both of my boys voluntarily decided to stop when they were 13, for which I am very thankful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renthead Mommy Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 As long as she is dressed in a real costume she is welcome to it. I will say it really irks me when teens show up in regular clothes and say they are 'serial killers - they look like everyone else' or some other stupid thing. But if you are dressing up, hey, have a Twix bar! We TorT'ed all the way through high school because we dressed up for Senior year. So you spent all of high school planning your senior year costume/theme. When you work hard on costumes, you want people to see them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tokyomarie Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I say let her be a kid. Everyone over buys with the Halloween candy. She's saving folks like me from eating the surplus. She's not taking candy from little children. Teens love candy! I say let her enjoy her last two years of not being an adult. Around here, it's normal to see a group of teens out trick or treating with their friends. Usually, it's a group of girls. I think they're sweet. As long as they're in costume, I'm happy to give them candy. I agree. We are not big into Halloween here. My kids have never done ToT (my girls grew up overseas where there isn't ToT) but I always have candy for the kids who come, just to be neighborly. I did ToT when I was in high school, probably up through my junior year. It was common for high school kids to go out then and it's common to see high school kids at my door. As long as these kids are partaking in the spirit of the holiday by coming in costume and are polite when they come to the door, I see no problem with a high school student going out Trick or Treating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nscribe Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 We have lived in our neighborhood and watched many of the teens grow up. I enjoy that they come by on Halloween and it gives me a chance to see them and chat with them briefly, it is worth a piece of candy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magic Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 My 16 year old is going trick or treating tonight. He has been planning his costume for months and already has it put together for tonight. No one around here seems to mind the age of the trick or treater as long as they are in costume and respectful. My teens will escort my younger kids in one neighborhood that does not have sidewalks but after that they will split off with my husband and I taking the younger two and the teens meeting up with friends. There are many events in our town tonight that are specifically for 12 and under- church parties, trick or treat street, downtown trick or treating in the afternoon, etc. but trick or treating is for all ages in costume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Let her go. I TorT'd when I was 16. We worked so hard on our costumes, and I still remember how much fun that night was. btw - I'm 39 now :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Let 'em go. My teens (one is 18 - gasp!) is TorTing tonight with other teens from church and little siblings. They designed and made their own costumes, including a trip to the thrift store on Saturday and digging out long-abandoned paints and other craft supplies. None of the costumes are scary and they are great at including the little kids in their fun. Last year they all went as the characters from Clue! game. This year it's a mix of Avengers, a Christmas tree, and some sort of robot from Minecraft. I'll have five gallons of cider ready for neighbors and two chilis (one red, one white) in crock pots. For us, it's a fun teenaged open-house (and open neighborhood). And, the kids gathering at our house are just some of the teens that will be out tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trinchick Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I think it's OK with a few caveats: NOOOOO trick or treating after 8:00. Older kids need to know when the fun is over even if it isn't their bedtime yet. No large groups of teens. Frankly, I get intimidated when I open the door to a bunch of teens (just being honest and speaking only for myself). Be polite rather than demanding (which I'm sure your dd would be). While the night is a candy grab, please try to pretend that you want to say hi and are not just enduring my presence to get a treat. And I'll echo the need for a real costume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Age limit here of 12 and under. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted October 31, 2012 Author Share Posted October 31, 2012 Wow! Nice thoughts, here. My teen daughter needs to thank you. I believe I have been swayed, primarily because of this: At 16, I would let her make her own decision, as silly as it seems to you. In general, as my 17 year old dd has gotten older, I have gradually distanced myself from making her choices for her when health and safety are not involved, in order to prepare her for a time when she will not have me making these decisions. Trick or treating would fall under this category for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd be fine with a 16 year old ToT if they are dressed up. I went ToT when I was 15 because my friend wanted to. I insisted we were too old. Then she was too embarrassed to ring the bells and we went home after like 2 houses because I was the only one ringing and saying trick or treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Wow! Nice thoughts, here. My teen daughter needs to thank you. I believe I have been swayed, primarily because of this: Glad it was helpful to you! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Glad to hear you're probably going to let her go, op. Kids already have to grow up so fast now. If a teen wants to feel like a kid and just have fun for an evening, I say go for it. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 If she wants to dress up and come to my house, I'll happily give her a treat! I don't like the "not in costume with a pillowcase" teenagers-but teens who are in it and enjoying it are welcome. And I make sure I always have chocolate for the moms who are carrying around a sleeping dressed up baby. I know good and well that the 6 month old isn't going to eat that candy :). One of my friends posted on facebook that her Autistic son, who is in his 20s, will be trick or treating with his daytime caregiver. He still loves the dressing up and going out, and it's good practice on social skills that he needs. So she's trying to put together a list of friendly folks who he can trick or treat and have a good response. I would imagine he's not the only special needs adult child who still looks forward to this ritual each year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warneral Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. Lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 She says she should be able to if she wants. She says she'll be wearing a costume, no one knows how old she is, and as long as she's comfortable with it then I should be, too. What do you think? I'm with your daughter. I'd let her go. I also hate the phrase "begging for candy." It has nothing to do with "begging." It's a fun tradition and the people who decorate their houses, leave their porch lights on and hand out candy do it because they want to and enjoy doing it, not because they are being "begged." Let your daughter have fun. She'll outgrow it on her own before you know it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I'd rather give candy to a dressed up teenager than to a dressed up infant in a stroller and I know the parents are going to eat it. :iagree: We get more teens than any other age range on our street. Let her go. Who says you have to act grown up all the time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoObvious Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I wouldn't encourage it, but if she wants to go, she'd better earn it with a dang good costume! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 NO! That's why I stopped giving out candy several years ago - TOO MANY TEENAGERS! We have had HUNDREDS of kids come to our door in a single Halloween (neighbor used a counter). If your teenager wants candy, buy it for her. My teens always knew that it's NOT age appropriate for teenagers to trick-or-treat! My high school teen will be hanging out tonight with friends but NOT trick-or-treating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelbe5 Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 DD 17 went this year. I did tell her this is the last year for her, though. She will be 18 next time. She watches her brother, who has autism, and her sister. I told her that she can still dress up next year and that I will buy candy just for her! We have plenty of older kids come to our door . . . and plenty of adults with babies in strollers who come to trick or treat on behalf of the baby . . . I doubt very much those babies will be eating candy! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I don't mind handing out candy to teenagers as long as they have a real costume that has required some effort. :iagree: I'll happily give to teens in costume! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 Wow! Nice thoughts, here. My teen daughter needs to thank you. I believe I have been swayed, primarily because of this: Yes, that is my position, too. I let them make up their minds, but I really disapprove of teens going around getting candy. Probably because my MOTHER really disapproved of teens going around to get candy, I assume everyone else does as well and that they are imposing on people. But I've shared that with them and the mom of the friends who invite them every year is a really lovely person, so I guess there are other ways to look at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 I don't mind handing out candy to teenagers as long as they have a real costume that has required some effort. especially if they are accompanying their younger siblings. Massive groups of teens with no effort put in...no thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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