Trick or treat cut-off age

[Zebra]

I'm in the minority too.

 

13 is the cut off in my mind.   Escorting your younger siblings is one thing, but going on your own as a teen is too old.

 

The majority of teens that come to my door are being at least a little obnoxious.    

 

I still give them candy and say nothing, but I think this is something we need to let children enjoy.

 

I let my teen hand out the candy.

[ktgrok]

I'm in the minority too.

 

13 is the cut off in my mind.   Escorting your younger siblings is one thing, but going on your own as a teen is too old.

 

The majority of teens that come to my door are being at least a little obnoxious.    

 

I still give them candy and say nothing, but I think this is something we need to let children enjoy.

 

I let my teen hand out the candy.

 

If the ones I saw were being obnoxious I'd probably feel similar. In reality, they are honestly the most polite out of all the trick or treaters. They sometimes act a bit sheepish, but they always say thank you, wait patiently for the littles to go first, etc. 

[linders]

When I was growing up, my dad said "12 is too old." I was unhappy - it wasn't about the candy, but rather I loved making costumes and having an excuse to go around in one.

 

So in our family - if you are willing to put in some effort on a costume, you can trick-or-treat as long as you want. Note: donning your school or sports uniform or throwing on a coat and tie ("I'm dressed up as an adult!") do not count. Real costumes, please.

 

DS17 skipped a couple of years, though he missed it, then stumbled on the idea of dressing up and offering to escort younger kids we know to make it more legitimate in his eyes.

[Carrie12345]

You're never too old for fun and candy!

 

I was sad when my now 19yo stopped. I think he was about 14.  My 16yo has been on the fence, but now she has friends asking her to come out, so I think she's in.  My 15yo is all about it!

 

I went all the way through high school.  In college, my friend and I dressed up and went door to door in the dorms for fun. No one really had candy, but they did smile, and we raked in a strong supply of Ramen from the people who got a real kick out of it!

[Elizabeth86]

If the ones I saw were being obnoxious I'd probably feel similar. In reality, they are honestly the most polite out of all the trick or treaters. They sometimes act a bit sheepish, but they always say thank you, wait patiently for the littles to go first, etc.

yes

[bettyandbob]

 

I dislike the Candy Grab. If you're driving your child around a neighborhood to maximize their candy, they're too young.

 

 

 

This annoys me. I live in a town house. I do not appreciate people dropping their kids in my neighborhood to hit lots of homes at once. If you bought a McMansion, that's part of the price of your neighborhood. Have a Halloween party or whatever. Don't go mix with the riffraff to take their candy.

[skimomma]

I live in a destination neighborhood for ToTing and we get 200+ every year, depending on the weather.  All ages are welcome here.  We do get a handful of teens not dressed up and there are always a few rude people of all ages, but I give candy to all of them.  My 14 will be ToTing this year and I would not be at all surprised if she does so for one or two more years.  She will be going with a group of kids of all ages (4-15) and had already started using the "helping" card as an excuse, but I know the truth:)  

 

I don't mind that people flock to my neighborhood for the night but it does REALLY bug me that a growing percentage are driving their kids from house to house.  Our neighborhood is primarily 50' x 100' old city lots.  I think the kids take more steps walking to the cars and back than just walking house to house.  I finally got a chance to question a few families last year and learned that at least some are doing this because they think it is unsafe for their kids to walk or there are small children and a parent with mobility issues.  I still don't get it and it makes our small city streets congested, which makes it less safe for the walkers, but at least it seems to not be pure laziness in all cases.

[skimomma]

This annoys me. I live in a town house. I do not appreciate people dropping their kids in my neighborhood to hit lots of homes at once. If you bought a McMansion, that's part of the price of your neighborhood. Have a Halloween party or whatever. Don't go mix with the riffraff to take their candy.

 

I don't mind so much because I enjoy the craziness of the crowds but I hear you on this.  We live in one of the poorer neighborhoods in my city and there are actually very few children that live here.  We are primarily a mix of older people and non-family rentals.  The lots were plotted pre-automobile so are very small making the neighborhood dense.  So, it kind of cracks me up that all of the people from the McMansion-villes are in a neighborhood they would never consider living in and almost act afraid to let their kids walk in for Halloween night.  

[TheReader]

I'm in the "let them ToT as long as they want to" camp, but my oldest quit going when he was probably 13 or 14 (in Brazil it was still a very novel idea, only kind of done, and definitely a little kid activity, so he stayed back to pass out candy with me even though he could have gone with his younger brothers). 

 

My middle son, who is tallest, is currently on the fence as to whether he wants to go with his younger brother or stay home and pass out candy with me. Youngest will go and probably keep going for a few more years, I imagine.

 

We get teens of all ages, costume levels, etc, but most are polite. I happily give candy to everyone, it's my favorite part of the event, seeing the costumes and passing out candy and just in general chatting with the neighbors and such. I always tell the teens I love seeing them, and I mean it. 

[JFSinIL]

I was 11 when I went out, felt too old, and sadly went back home.

My kids still went out with friends well into their teens - except for my son with autism. He turned 26 this year, and moved into a group home a town or so over (25 minute drive). I am hoping to use this move ("you are a grown man now! Wow!") to STOP his trick or treating.  But it may break his heart - Joe LOVES getting a new costume and going out door to door.  If he really wants to do so, I will bring him back here where most folks know him.  I follow (Joe can't go out on his own) and often have to prompt him to knock harder, or ring the doorbell, or say "Thank-you" - all ways to make sure folks realize this is a Special person hovering over them (Joe is six feet tall).   

 

Meanwhile I need to take some decorations over to his group home today - not sure if I am allowed to decorate the main living area but I can Halloween up his room a bit.  Joe loves the decorations.

[kewb]

I used to love Halloween. I don't mind teens enjoying themselves and being kids for awhile. Usually around here the kids stop around 13. Some older.

 

We get a lot of people driving in from other towns. I don't mind the little kids. I don't even mind the teens.

Unfortunately, there have been problems with groups using Halloween as a chance to case neighborhood homes. I stopped answering the door. I put out a cauldron and hope people are polite and don't take all of it. For the most part people take one. There have been some take it all kids.

Last year a group of older kids took all the candy and then started tossing the cauldron around and broke it. I heard them laughing while they were vandalizing my property. On the one hand, I get being caught up in the fun of the holiday and the sugar high. On the other, they purposely destroyed my property.

This year I will be putting out a cardboard box with the candy.

[Annie G]

I live in a destination neighborhood for ToTing and we get 200+ every year, depending on the weather.  All ages are welcome here.  We do get a handful of teens not dressed up and there are always a few rude people of all ages, but I give candy to all of them.  My 14 will be ToTing this year and I would not be at all surprised if she does so for one or two more years.  She will be going with a group of kids of all ages (4-15) and had already started using the "helping" card as an excuse, but I know the truth:)  

 

I don't mind that people flock to my neighborhood for the night but it does REALLY bug me that a growing percentage are driving their kids from house to house.  Our neighborhood is primarily 50' x 100' old city lots.  I think the kids take more steps walking to the cars and back than just walking house to house.  I finally got a chance to question a few families last year and learned that at least some are doing this because they think it is unsafe for their kids to walk or there are small children and a parent with mobility issues.  I still don't get it and it makes our small city streets congested, which makes it less safe for the walkers, but at least it seems to not be pure laziness in all cases.

 

Same here. In years past the local police have done foot patrols on our street and announced to the city that it's safest to t or t here.  They even blocked off some of the street. And we'd get upwards of 1000 kids if the weather was good. All between 5:30 and 7:30. It. Was.Crazy.   We'd have church buses drop kids off to work our street. One year we had a church bus from across the state line...22 miles away! 

 

Because of this, we had a wide variety of trick or treaters...from sweet and polite to downright terrifying.  And the cost was not insignificant. 

 

I don't know the answer for kids who don't live where it's safe to walk door to door, but I am glad that the heyday of t or t is over here.  They no longer block off the street because so many parents drive door to door.  Which means we do not try to come or go during those hours....traffic is nuts.  Now we only get about 400-600 at our end of the street. 

 

 

You know, I do have an answer. Our city has all kinds of festivals and events and they could do a city wide trunk or treat using one of the city properties they use for other events.  They could even do it during the day on a weekend.  I would totally love that. 

[TheReader]

I was 11 when I went out, felt too old, and sadly went back home.

My kids still went out with friends well into their teens - except for my son with autism. He turned 26 this year, and moved into a group home a town or so over (25 minute drive). I am hoping to use this move ("you are a grown man now! Wow!") to STOP his trick or treating.  But it may break his heart - Joe LOVES getting a new costume and going out door to door.  If he really wants to do so, I will bring him back here where most folks know him.  I follow (Joe can't go out on his own) and often have to prompt him to knock harder, or ring the doorbell, or say "Thank-you" - all ways to make sure folks realize this is a Special person hovering over them (Joe is six feet tall).   

 

Meanwhile I need to take some decorations over to his group home today - not sure if I am allowed to decorate the main living area but I can Halloween up his room a bit.  Joe loves the decorations.

 

Aww, keep taking him as long as he wants to. On our street/in our neighborhood, the kids at 6 feet tall range from 13 to 20 (and maybe older, who knows). I'd welcome him, and I bet your neighbors who've watched him grow up love seeing him each year. 

[TheReader]

I used to love Halloween. I don't mind teens enjoying themselves and being kids for awhile. Usually around here the kids stop around 13. Some older.

 

We get a lot of people driving in from other towns. I don't mind the little kids. I don't even mind the teens.

Unfortunately, there have been problems with groups using Halloween as a chance to case neighborhood homes. I stopped answering the door. I put out a cauldron and hope people are polite and don't take all of it. For the most part people take one. There have been some take it all kids.

Last year a group of older kids took all the candy and then started tossing the cauldron around and broke it. I heard them laughing while they were vandalizing my property. On the one hand, I get being caught up in the fun of the holiday and the sugar high. On the other, they purposely destroyed my property.

This year I will be putting out a cardboard box with the candy.

 

What I do (mainly due to our barky dog) and many of our neighbors do is to sit out in the driveway or on the front step with the candy, at least during the prime hour or so. Everyone chit-chats, some of the neighbors gather together, it's a lot of fun and solves the problems you mention. No one can case my home, because they aren't even peeking inside. No one scares or surprises me, because I'm watching them come up the street. No one does anything to my house, because I'm sitting out there with the candy. Makes it a social, fun evening for me. 

[Guest]

Any age welcome here if they actually are part of the community .... most aren't, and are driven in from neighboring communities. Its resulted in more parties, and less t or t. The high school clubs run a haunted house with t or t and that's where most high schoolers spend the first part of the night. To t or t there, they have to bring candy as well as take.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I see older teens trick or treating.  I don't have a problem with it. There isn't much out there for them to do at that age.  The parties are either for little little kids or adults (and the adult parties aren't even all that appealing to all adults). 

 

 

[Dmmetler]

I was 11 when I went out, felt too old, and sadly went back home.

My kids still went out with friends well into their teens - except for my son with autism. He turned 26 this year, and moved into a group home a town or so over (25 minute drive). I am hoping to use this move ("you are a grown man now! Wow!") to STOP his trick or treating. But it may break his heart - Joe LOVES getting a new costume and going out door to door. If he really wants to do so, I will bring him back here where most folks know him. I follow (Joe can't go out on his own) and often have to prompt him to knock harder, or ring the doorbell, or say "Thank-you" - all ways to make sure folks realize this is a Special person hovering over them (Joe is six feet tall).

 

Meanwhile I need to take some decorations over to his group home today - not sure if I am allowed to decorate the main living area but I can Halloween up his room a bit. Joe loves the decorations.

This is something where I really like NextDoor-my neighborhood has a group home in it, and they can post that their residents want to trick to or treat and everyone knows to expect them so when you open the door and it's a half dozen adults, it's not surprising. Many have restricted diets, so this also lets me have special treats for them, and since they post first names and costumes, I can give each person their own special treat and know they can eat/use it. We also have some kids with food allergies and specialized diets, and while I do Teal Pumpkin, I can have a special bag for them, too, if I know they're coming. Halloween is one of the few times I see Nextdoor used for more than complaining that "someone in my neighborhood does X annoying thing-cut it out!"

[SparklyUnicorn]

I went out until oh gee probably 16.  But nobody knew.  One of the few benefits of being so short and looking so young. 

 

 

[Serenade]

He's almost 16 but he's so tall he looks adult height already and without his younger brother I feel people may not like having a kid his size come to their door trick or treating.

When my older son got adult-sized and still wanted to T or T, I told him he could go as long as he wore a benign kind of costume -- nothing scary and intimidating to others. He was 16 last year, and he dressed up as a monkey business man. (Business suit with a monkey mask and brief case).

[Pink and Green Mom]

Mine wanted to stop at 11.  I buy them a huge bag of candy instead.  I have no problem whatsoever with older kids trick or treating, whether they are in costume or not.  What does make me LOL is parents who bring their infants around with a trick or treating bag.  As if a 5 month old, no matter how cute and adorable, is going to be eating a KitKat. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

I didn't do it for the candy cuz I don't like candy.  My mother would eat all of my candy. 

 

So it's not always about the candy.  ; )

 

 

[happypamama]

This is something where I really like NextDoor-my neighborhood has a group home in it, and they can post that their residents want to trick to or treat and everyone knows to expect them so when you open the door and it's a half dozen adults, it's not surprising. Many have restricted diets, so this also lets me have special treats for them, and since they post first names and costumes, I can give each person their own special treat and know they can eat/use it. We also have some kids with food allergies and specialized diets, and while I do Teal Pumpkin, I can have a special bag for them, too, if I know they're coming. Halloween is one of the few times I see Nextdoor used for more than complaining that "someone in my neighborhood does X annoying thing-cut it out!"

That’s so incredibly beautiful!

 

And I hope Joe gets a new costume and goes ToT!

 

I’m cracking up at the idea of teens not bothering with good costumes. Ever since my 15yo could pick out her own clothes, she’s had a flair for costumes. At 7, a two-day trip to Williamsburg meant three lengthy trips to the milliner’s shop so she could discuss the finer points of the various types of stays (I am not exaggerating). Halloween is the pinnacle of costuming for her.

[kewb]

What I do (mainly due to our barky dog) and many of our neighbors do is to sit out in the driveway or on the front step with the candy, at least during the prime hour or so. Everyone chit-chats, some of the neighbors gather together, it's a lot of fun and solves the problems you mention. No one can case my home, because they aren't even peeking inside. No one scares or surprises me, because I'm watching them come up the street. No one does anything to my house, because I'm sitting out there with the candy. Makes it a social, fun evening for me.

You have sent my introverted self into spasms at the thought of all that interaction. When my kids were younger they loved sitting outside handing out the candy when they were done tot.

[Serenade]

I didn't do it for the candy cuz I don't like candy.  My mother would eat all of my candy. 

 

So it's not always about the candy.  ; )

Parents mostly like to show off their cute infants.

[Dmmetler]

Mine wanted to stop at 11. I buy them a huge bag of candy instead. I have no problem whatsoever with older kids trick or treating, whether they are in costume or not. What does make me LOL is parents who bring their infants around with a trick or treating bag. As if a 5 month old, no matter how cute and adorable, is going to be eating a KitKat.

Bring your adorable 5 month old! I'll happily give you chocolate! I figure if anyone needs a sugar rush, it's a parent of an infant or toddler :).

[mom2scouts]

I don't mind the teens, but one year we had a woman ask for extra candy for a child home sick. Just minutes later, she proudly told us that this was their fourth time trick or treating and they had several garbage bags full of candy now. Talk about greedy!

[Dmmetler]

If the ones I saw were being obnoxious I'd probably feel similar. In reality, they are honestly the most polite out of all the trick or treaters. They sometimes act a bit sheepish, but they always say thank you, wait patiently for the littles to go first, etc.

What I see here are really creative teen group costumes. In many cases, I think they're using trick or treating as a chance to cosplay (we have several cons here through the year). Many have little acts they put on.

[Caroline]

First, JFS, please keep taking Joe trick or treating. He probably makes people in your neighborhood happy. Unfortunately, I would be afraid to take him somewhere he isn't known because people can be really mean.

 

We have a chili party in our cul de sac before it gets dark. Then I sit on our driveway and hand out candy for our house and the two families on our cul de sac who have little kids. I do that so both parents can enjoy trick or treating with their little people.

 

My DS16 will go trick or treating with my DS10. Both will dress up as soccer players. DD12 is going with friends as a unicorn.

[lynn]

I would not tell a kid he/she is to old. I don't mind teens with costumes having fun. They know when they are to old and are done. My ds and friend put on costumes last year and had fun handing out candy.

 

My 20yo son brought his sister trick or treating g last year. Most neighbors gave him candy, he didn't bring a bag because he didn't expect that.

Edited October 8, 2017 by lynn

[TravelingChris]

I love Halloween.  I don';t mind teens at all but do prefer them in costume.  I haven't had rude teens.  

[Lizzie in Ma]

I have never been a big fan of arbitrary age cut offs or freedoms, parental or otherwise.  I pretty much love teens, I think it is a fantastic age to be around. And they are under so much pressure in this day and age to grow up, I think a childhood ritual can be all inclusive.

They are welcome here.

 

[Lady Marmalade]

I like the idea of having them escort someone younger once they are getting a bit on the too old side.  We are in a weird stage right now where the child who still wants to go is almost 6 feet tall and his little brother is too young to go yet, so he can't just take his little bro as an excuse.  I suggested he help pick out what we buy and he can hand out the candy and keep some for himself so that he still gets candy but I still can't decide if I should let him go or not.  He's almost 16 but he's so tall he looks adult height already and without his younger brother I feel people may not like having a kid his size come to their door trick or treating.  

 

Ugh, yes.   My 13 year old DS is 6'3".  My 17 year old DD is more than willing to dress up an go with him, but between the two of them, I'm just not sure they should be going.  

 

The past couple of years DS dressed up with a group of his friends in a them, so it worked.  But I don't think he has any plans this year. They're all reaching the same awkward should we or shouldn't we age. 

[marbel]

Same here. In years past the local police have done foot patrols on our street and announced to the city that it's safest to t or t here.  They even blocked off some of the street. And we'd get upwards of 1000 kids if the weather was good. All between 5:30 and 7:30. It. Was.Crazy.   We'd have church buses drop kids off to work our street. One year we had a church bus from across the state line...22 miles away! 

 

Because of this, we had a wide variety of trick or treaters...from sweet and polite to downright terrifying.  And the cost was not insignificant. 

 

<snip>

 

Whoa, that would really annoy me.  I think under those circumstances I would keep my door shut and lights out.  Or does the city subsidize peoples' candy purchases?  (Being facetious but not really, kwim?)   

 

But, really, the city/police shouldn't be advertising good neighborhoods for people to BUS kids into. That's awful. I have zero respect for a church doing that. The members/leadership of those churches could be setting up something in their own area for the kids that live there.  Better yet, the parents who wants their kids to have a place to trick or treat should do it!

Edited October 8, 2017 by marbel

[OrganicJen]

I went out until oh gee probably 16.  But nobody knew.  One of the few benefits of being so short and looking so young. 

 

That's the hard part for my son.  He's special needs and very immature and really if people realized that I'm sure even the people who think kids should stop at 13 or whatever would probably be fine with an older special needs kiddo continuing.  However, he's so darn tall so there is no way for people to know that he's special needs, I feel like he just would look like an adult in costume.  But we will probably let him go regardless since it seems like the majority of people likely wouldn't be bothered by him showing up at their house. 

[umsami]

You're never too old. :)

[Carrie12345]

I live in a destination neighborhood for ToTing and we get 200+ every year, depending on the weather.  All ages are welcome here.  We do get a handful of teens not dressed up and there are always a few rude people of all ages, but I give candy to all of them.  My 14 will be ToTing this year and I would not be at all surprised if she does so for one or two more years.  She will be going with a group of kids of all ages (4-15) and had already started using the "helping" card as an excuse, but I know the truth:)  

 

I don't mind that people flock to my neighborhood for the night but it does REALLY bug me that a growing percentage are driving their kids from house to house.  Our neighborhood is primarily 50' x 100' old city lots.  I think the kids take more steps walking to the cars and back than just walking house to house.  I finally got a chance to question a few families last year and learned that at least some are doing this because they think it is unsafe for their kids to walk or there are small children and a parent with mobility issues.  I still don't get it and it makes our small city streets congested, which makes it less safe for the walkers, but at least it seems to not be pure laziness in all cases.

 

The driving thing makes me bananas, too.

Even in our development, there's only one main street down which everyone trick or treats, plus a handful of homes that loop back to the parking lot on the next street over, where we do a Trunk or Treat (which gives those of us who live farther out the chance to give out candy.)  But the street remains open during the 2 hours that are generally assigned, because it *is* the main street.  We don't have shoulders or sidewalks.  Idling cars force travelling cars to pass, while little kids could jump out from just about anywhere. 

 

If you can't manage to walk the 1-1.5mile loop, stick to the flipping Trunk or Treat!!! The driving is increasing the safety risks, not helping them!!!

We used a stroller and/or wagon when we had kids who couldn't hoof it the whole way.

[OrganicJen]

The driving thing makes me bananas, too.

Even in our development, there's only one main street down which everyone trick or treats, plus a handful of homes that loop back to the parking lot on the next street over, where we do a Trunk or Treat (which gives those of us who live farther out the chance to give out candy.)  But the street remains open during the 2 hours that are generally assigned, because it *is* the main street.  We don't have shoulders or sidewalks.  Idling cars force travelling cars to pass, while little kids could jump out from just about anywhere. 

 

If you can't manage to walk the 1-1.5mile loop, stick to the flipping Trunk or Treat!!! The driving is increasing the safety risks, not helping them!!!

We used a stroller and/or wagon when we had kids who couldn't hoof it the whole way.

 

I agree...I worry so much about the safety of the kiddos running around trick or treating with the cars that are already on the streets, and when I see the cars and pickup trucks driving around carrying kids to drop off at each street it bothers me that they are increasing the traffic and the danger for the kids on the street.  

[scoutingmom]

 

 

I don't mind that people flock to my neighborhood for the night but it does REALLY bug me that a growing percentage are driving their kids from house to house. Our neighborhood is primarily 50' x 100' old city lots. I think the kids take more steps walking to the cars and back than just walking house to house. I finally got a chance to question a few families last year and learned that at least some are doing this because they think it is unsafe for their kids to walk or there are small children and a parent with mobility issues. I still don't get it and it makes our small city streets congested, which makes it less safe for the walkers, but at least it seems to not be pure laziness in all cases.

We drive our kids. Both my husband and I have mobility issues. We drop the kids off and park. They go along the street and we every so often move up in the car to keep an eye on them. We are very careful of everyone.

[scoutingmom]

I don't mind if people drop their kids off in the neighborhood, in fact my mom would love it. Their neighborhood that USED to have a BILLION kids.....now has none. Last year she bought one bag of candy and had half of it left.

 

I don't like driving the kids around the neighborhood. In fact, I think it's not safe. There are a million kids of all ages, running around, crossing streets back and forth, in the dark. I don't like the idea of being out driving around in a situation like that unless it's unavoidable.

Kids should not be crossing the streets back and forth. Do one side, carefully cross at the corner, do the other side.

[scoutingmom]

 

 

Just because they shouldn't, doesn't mean they don't. And when there are a large number of kids in a neighborhood, that means there are more kids doing things they shouldn't, which makes it unsafe for cars to cruise up and down.

Absolutely kids do things they shouldn't. But I don't know. Around here during halloween the kids don't zig zag or cross often in the middle... they do a lot of education campaigns on it. Yes, occasionally a kid does, but not that often. But the few movies I've seen that have a halloween scene show kids all over the place.... so maybe it is different in the States.

[Caroline]

 

Absolutely kids do things they shouldn't. But I don't know. Around here during halloween the kids don't zig zag or cross often in the middle... they do a lot of education campaigns on it. Yes, occasionally a kid does, but not that often. But the few movies I've seen that have a halloween scene show kids all over the place.... so maybe it is different in the States.

Our neighborhood has kids all over the place. It's so much fun.

[Carrie12345]

Kids should not be crossing the streets back and forth. Do one side, carefully cross at the corner, do the other side.

Absolutely kids do things they shouldn't. But I don't know. Around here during halloween the kids don't zig zag or cross often in the middle... they do a lot of education campaigns on it. Yes, occasionally a kid does, but not that often. But the few movies I've seen that have a halloween scene show kids all over the place.... so maybe it is different in the States.

 

I'm just trying to imagine convincing families to turn a 1.5 mile walk into a 3 mile walk, lol. (There are no cross streets for us to shorten it.)

 

There's nothing inherently unsafe about crossing a street.  It IS unsafe for kids to have to walk around an idling car... or a row of 4 idling cars, with idling cars on the other side, leaving barely enough room for driving cars to squeeze in between.  The yards here aren't safe to dash across, either, as there are tons of drainage swales, well caps, septic sand mounds with vents sticking out, piles of wild animal poop, ticks... 

 

The idea that the blame lies on the kids trick or treating is just absurd to me.  It's the idlers causing the danger.

[KungFuPanda]

Ugh. I hate the cut-them-off mindset. This means it's socially acceptable for everyone BUT teens to TOT? If you're middle aged and go with your kids, you're a good mom. If you're grandparents and you dress up, people will LOVE you. Little kids? THE BEST! But 14-19? What's WRONG with those delinquents?!? Teens might be the only ones who CAN process mass amounts of candy without bouncing off the walls or gaining weight!

[EmilyGF]

I am in the high school is too hold, junior high is iffy.

 

The older kids I get have lousy costumes and "gimme gimme" attitudes, as in "What, only two pieces of candy?"

 

Do they have any clue how much candy costs given the number of trick-or-treaters we get?

 

And the adults are the worst - especially the ones who have no costume and take a huge handful. Now I reach in and give each kid 2 pieces of (good) candy. No more choosing your own.

 

I spend a good $70+ on candy. 95% of the trick-or-treaters are not from our neighborhood. I understand why they come to us, and I'm OK with it generally, but I find the older ones frustrating. It'd be different if it were the neighborhood kids that I knew.

 

Emily

[OrganicJen]

Wow I don't think we've ever had an adult actually take any candy before. We of course have had adults with kids but the adults have never taken candy...usually they just say thank you when we give their kid candy.

[Sandwalker]

Any age is fine for me, but the porch light goes off at 9pm!

[Sandwalker]

Ugh. I hate the cut-them-off mindset. This means it's socially acceptable for everyone BUT teens to TOT? If you're middle aged and go with your kids, you're a good mom. If you're grandparents and you dress up, people will LOVE you. Little kids? THE BEST! But 14-19? What's WRONG with those delinquents?!? Teens might be the only ones who CAN process mass amounts of candy without bouncing off the walls or gaining weight!

This ^ I give the teens huge handsful of candy :D

[OrganicJen]

Any age is fine for me, but the porch light goes off at 9pm!

Speaking of this, I was strictly taught that you never go to the door to trick or treat if their porch light is off, yet in recent years I see people do it all the time. Do people not teach this rule to their kids anymore? Maybe it's just in our area that they don't seem to.

[BarbecueMom]

Any age is fine with me. In our neighborhood, kids get candy, parents get beer and Jell-O shots. Lots of garage haunted houses, mad scientist shows, awesome and elaborate pumpkins, joke telling, and fire pits going. Something for everyone.

 

I think more people decorate for Halloween than Christmas here.

[Annie G]

Speaking of this, I was strictly taught that you never go to the door to trick or treat if their porch light is off, yet in recent years I see people do it all the time. Do people not teach this rule to their kids anymore? Maybe it's just in our area that they don't seem to.

 

Our front porch runs the entire way across the front of our house. One year we had our porch light off (ran out of candy) and were watching  tv. Multiple groups of kids came and after we didn't answer when they knocked on our door,  they knocked on our WINDOWS and yelled to us.  Yeah, that was super fun.  At least one group of kids had a parent in the car at the street- so clearly she didn't tell them not to knock.