I knew what to expect but I had hoped it would not be so late. With confidence I opened my front door expecting older children, even teenagers. There stood before me were two little mites shouting out, 'Trick or Treat.' They didn't appear to be any older than three or four. I turned on the porch light and noted their Dad standing a few feet away. Usually I just give away the lolly pops which I have ready at the door before wishing them well and closing the door. Tonight I directed a question at the adult standing in the darkness. I mentioned they were so young to be out so late at night. I suggested a torch. I noted they made a lot of noise and could scare the elderly ladies living alone further down the road.
I could hear their Mum further away thanking me for the lollies. I did not reply. In previous years the little mites will come knocking on the door hours before darkness with their parents standing on the road to ensure they are safe. Some parents come to the door. I am happy to pop lollies in their bags and smile nicely at them.
I continued to think about the little kids rattling on my door. What if a total stranger invited them into their house, no matter how innocent it maybe? How would the parents hiding behind the hedge or standing in the road react? Would the children be marched back home with an ongoing fear of what had started out as an innocent outing?
Memories of my Brownie Days (Girls Guides) brought back the dangers of door knocking. It was called 'Bob-a-Job,' 10cents (a shilling in those days) for each job which helped the home owner. Innocently I was knocking on doors in my local area. Selling my services as a; car washer, sweeper, dishwasher or whatever the home owner had in mind. This was the years long before selling Girl Guide cookies became popular. I was fortunate I was given jobs suitable to my small size and strength. My only bad experience was being bitten by a dog keeping guard at his front door. There was no one home at the time. I was always proud when we handed in our little envelopes stuffed with shillings at our weekly meetings.
There is ongoing discussion on how today’s children are wrapped in cotton wool and not allowed to go out and explore their world. I know when my children were primary school age I always had to know where they were. It was a long time before mobile phones. I did allow them to walk to their friend’s house but never in the dark. Today many children are driven everywhere or a parent or older sibling will walk with them.
How far is too far? We are often confused. We want our children to grow up to be independent and able to think for themselves. Unfortunately we hear continuously on the news about predators enticing children and teenagers into their cars, parks or homes. There is no easy answer.
