While the kids are gleefully anticipating trick-or-treating; as a parent, you may be less than excited, and possibly feeling a bit stressed. Whether you’re responsible for the safety of door-to-door trick-or-treaters, party goers, or simply charged with preventing your little ghouls and goblins from getting sick off of too much sugar, here are a few ways that smartphone apps can help make this year a truly happy (and safe) Halloween.
Prepare Your Phones
These tips were created mainly with families in mind who allow children to carry a cell phone. If your child doesn’t have a cell phone, make sure that they’re with a friend or adult who does. Remind them to fully charge their phone before heading out for a night of fun. In your haste to get ready, don’t forget to charge your own phone! Even if you plan to accompany your children on Halloween, it’s still wise to give or loan them a cell phone just in case you’re unexpectedly separated.
Track Trick-or-Treaters
If your children are roaming the neighborhood trick-or-treating, or going to their first Halloween party, you’ll feel reassured knowing where they are throughout the evening. Thankfully it’s easier than the days when you had to call in every hour. Does your child have an iPhone? If so, you can use the ‘Find My iPhone’ feature to track their location. Android devices can similarly be tracked by using ‘Find My Device’. If you’re looking for more robust functionality, Find My Kids is a free app for iOS and Android with loads of features, including tracking multiple children, and receiving notifications when your child leaves an agreed certain zone.
Shed Some Light on Things
Take a moment with your child to practice turning their phone’s flashlight app on/off so they can illuminate where they’re walking and stay sure-footed at all times. If your child is carrying an iPhone, you can also teach them how to use Siri’s voice command to “Turn on my flashlight / Turn off my flashlight.” Android users can also say “Okay Google” and prompt their flashlight to turn on/off, or better yet, install an Ambient Flashlight app that works when needed (and turns off when there’s ample light available).
Avoid Allergens
Food allergies and sensitivities afflict many children these days. For parents of children with severe allergies, we recommend learning about the Teal Pumpkin Project, or the Nextdoor app, both of which are making Halloween more fun for youngsters living with allergies by promoting giving out non-edible treats. If your child has a food sensitivity, and you’re still allowing them to trick-or-treat, be sure to have a sit down together to sort through their haul. If you’re having trouble identifying the ingredients on a bite-sized bar, you can use the free iOS and Android compatible app Ipiit to scan the barcode and learn what’s inside.
From all of us at SquareTrade, have a safe and happy Halloween!
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