It’s that time of year again, when your child insists on being some Halloween character you either think is wonderfully adorable (usually if your child is under 10) or severely disapprove of (usually if your child is over 10). While you’re on your own for that costume thing, here are some ideas for a safer and healthier Halloween for your family this year.

1) Offer alternatives to candy   

I realize it’s practically blasphemy to say this in reference to a night that is notorious for all things sugary and sweet, but consider some alternative giveaways for your trick-or-treaters this year. Stickers, erasers or temporary tattoos are great substitutes. In case you’re worried about being considered the “lamest house on the block" this year as a result, know that many retailers are hip to this new healthier trend and sell some pretty cool Halloween-themed toys to give away instead of treats. If that doesn’t work, handing out popcorn or pretzels is another option.

2) Hey, easy on that pumpkin’s face

I don’t know whose idea it was to create a tradition where small children surround themselves with sharp knives and lit candles to carve one of the thickest-skinned gourds around, but making a jack-o-lantern requires you to come at that thing like a scene out of a horror flick! To help keep children safe, let them draw the faces on the pumpkins and insist that you do all the carving (a.k.a. stabbing), and use flashlights to light up your pumpkins instead of candles.

3) No slipping on pumpkin guts either

If your household is anything like mine, after our jack o’lantern carving it looks like someone mopped the floor with pumpkin entrails. And if you’ve ever planted your feet in it (like my son tremendously enjoys doing), you’ll know that pumpkin flesh is really slippery and can lead you to slide and fall. Remember to put old newspapers under the table, or better yet, carve the pumpkin on the back deck and then wash the area clean with our outdoor bleach

4) Wash your hands before and after trick-or-treating

Ever think what all those little hands in your candy bowl mean for germ spreading? That’s a horror movie in itself. Remind your kids to wash their hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” or fantasize about how many chocolate bars they’ll collect that night) regularly.

5) Clear the path to your haunted house

With so many trick-or-treaters visiting your home, it’s important to make sure your walkway is well lit. Put away toys, and sweep away wet leaves or even Halloween decorations that may cause someone to trip and fall.

Hope your Halloween is a fun, healthy and safe night for your family!