How Old Is Too Old To Trick-Or-Treat?

For years, I have passed out candy in a local Augusta neighborhood.  I've also taken my kids trick-or-treating around the same neighborhood.  One thing that has always raised concern for me is the amount of older kids who are trick-or-treating.  It's always made me wonder, how old is too old to trick-or-treat?  So here are my thoughts on the subject.  

I draw the line at high school.  The line could be drawn a little sooner, but I'm trying to be nice.  So, for my family, I have 2 kids who will not be trick-or-treating this year.  In my opinion, trick-or-treating is a 'younger' activity.  There are still many ways for those older kids to enjoy Halloween related activities.   Here are just a few suggestions for the older kids:

• If dressing up in costume is something they enjoy, have them participate in a local Haunted House.
• This year have them pass out the candy.  It doesn't have to be boring.  Be creative and scare the unsuspecting trick-or-treaters    OR
• Have them dress up and take the younger siblings trick-or-treating
• Let them have a Halloween party!   Or, let them go to one...BUT make sure you know all the details.  Remember, you're their parent...not their friend.

But, of course, trick-or-treating can be good wholesome fun to do with the family...and for some, age doesn't matter.  If going door to door and collecting candy is unavoidable, I have a few simple requests:

• Use your manners.  You, too, NEED to say 'Trick-or-Treat' and 'Thank You'
• Be the example to the younger kids.  Wear a costume that doesn't make you look like a....well....'unlady like'.  Nobody wants to see a 13 year old Playboy Bunny
• Wear a costume.  Slapping a on a sweatshirt and saying you're 'Justin Bieber' doesn't count.  Put thought and creativity into your costume.
• Don't cut off little kids.  Let them go first.  Help the little ones.