The week's best parenting advice: October 26, 2021

The most common Halloween injury, America's pediatric mental health crisis, and more

Halloween.
(Image credit: Illustrated | iStock)

1. The most common Halloween injury

It's Halloween week, and parents may be wondering about the best ways to keep kids safe when they venture out for trick-or-treating. Last year, COVID was the top concern, but this year experts say the risk of infection for outdoor events is low. Instead, the most dangerous part of Halloween for kids seems to be the costumes. "When I work in the emergency department, the number one thing I see on Halloween are kids who fall and get hurt," says Dr. John Perno, vice president of medical affairs at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital. "Having a safe costume is the best way to start off on having a good Halloween." Indeed, nearly 30 percent of Halloween-related injuries seen in the ER can be attributed to falling down, reports ABC Action News, so make sure your kid is comfortable and can move safely in their costume before they venture out.

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.