Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
Amid clusters of impossibly cute costumed kids on Halloween night, you get other trick-or-treaters who don't seem to fit in. Maybe it's that they are older than the rest, or show up in plain clothes with not even a face mask in sight. But is that a deal-breaker, or is everyone welcome to claim candy on your porch on Halloween?
That leads us to this week's question:
When should kids stop with the trick-or-treating?
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.
Carole Cac: As long as they dress up I don't care how old they are (hey teens, no costumes, no candy). I have noticed over the years though how many kids just walk up to the door, stand there, don't say a word and expect you are going to give them something. I usually just stand there and look at them until they've figured out they have to work for their candy by saying something. Amazing how few say thank you any more, so I alway say "you're welcome" and then they usually say thank you. I have a lot of fun handing out candy. Sometimes I tell them they can have a piece after they've given me their Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, or something else really good. I buy 2 kinds of candy - the "good stuff" and the "cheap stuff". Those that are really polite get to pick their own. Those that are not so polite get a piece of the "cheap stuff" that I pick out. Lights out at 8. —on Evergreen Park Patch Facebook
Tracie Lynn Tripoli: What? Age limit ? Idk what age, I'll let you know when I stop and I'm 41....lol —on Palos Patch Facebook
Kristy Killis-Jensen: Why not until they turn 18 and become an adult? They are only young once. Let them have fun as long as they aren't being rowdy! —on Frankfort Patch Facebook
Sue Novotny: After 8th grade they should be done. Only exception is if they have younger siblings that they are helping take around. But even then, shouldn't really be begging for stuff. —on Frankfort Patch Facebook
Susan Irvine Dudik: I'd happily hand out candy to a costumed teen or even an adult, as long as they were letting the little ones go first and were being considerate. —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook
Cristina E. Jaramillo: Im 22 and dress up head to toe and take my siblings with me. I enjoy this day alot its my favorite time of.the year and like everyone else is saying. If we strive and make.the effort to dress up why shouldnt we be able to get candy? i buy candy every year and no one ever comes to my house. I live on 175th street 2 years i stayed home and waited for the little ones and they never showed —on Homewood-Flossmoor Patch Facebook
Art Wiggins Jr.: When they have responsibilities that commands other wise. —on Chicago Heights Patch Facebook
Christopher Schabel: Us adults trick or treat for adult beverages around the sub-division loop, just saying... —on New Lenox Patch Facebook
Jason LaBella: Depends on whether or not they're carrying toilet paper and/or eggs. —on Orland Park Patch Facebook
Inga Balzaras-Rzeszutko: If you've got more cavities than not, it's probably time to hang up the trick or treat bag! —on Oak Lawn Patch Facebook
