Top tips for dealing with Halloween

Average rating:

Be prepared for pester power when out shopping. Supermarkets have loads on offer so set a budget or what you are going to get before you go. If you have time, make things - there are loads of ideas on the internet such as the government site Breakout or www.halloween.com.
If you don't fancy them trick or treating find out what the alternatives are. Schools, libraries and websites will be advertising children's events and parties in local parks which are great fun.
Have your own party, it doesn't have to cost the earth and you can put on games such as apple bobing and best costume competitions.
To avoid your kids overloading on sweets set ground rules beforehand such as not being allowed to eat sweets for the rest of the week.
Encourage relatives and friends to mix sweets up with alternatives such as boxes or raisins or toffee apples.

Parentline Plus, www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Top pumpkin tip

If you find a perfect pumpkin but it's missing the stem or the stem is too short, don't worry! You can still use it! Just carve the bottom out for the opening the same way you would do the top.

Then, just sit your candle on the bottom piece and sit the pumpkin over it. Works great and you don't need to worry about burning your fingers when you light the candle.
Noeleen Bulter, Durham