I've always had a dislike for older kids showing up on my doorstep with a flannel shirt, jeans and a pillow case. They come to the door and look at me. They don't say "Trick or Treat" or "Eat Shit" they just look at me as if to say "Well, bitch what are you waiting for? Gimme the candy." Honestly can't stand that. For crying out loud, at least TRY. Put on a mask, say something. But no. No costume, no plea for candy, and no "Thank you" when they do get candy. I won't allow either of my girls to ever do this. They were raised better. But when do you say enough is enough to your kids? Do I say 'no, you're too old' when all of their friends are showing up at my door? Granted, their friends ARE dressed in costume and most are respectful, but that makes me the grouchy old mom who won't let her kids go trick or treating.
What's a mother to do? What do YOU do? How old is too old, in your opinion?
As an aside (cuz you know I'm FULL of asides) a few years back we did Shep or Treat at Shepherd University here in town with 13's old Girl Scout troop and the kids went trick or treating in the dorms. Now, I'm not sure where they get the idea that college kids have enough money to buy treats to give out, but this one poor kid had given out all the candy he had bought and had resorted to handing out Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme cookies, and when he ran out of those, it was Ramen and Pop-Tarts for everyone. I believe we depleted his food budget for an entire semester.
Whatever you decide to do tonight, be safe, don't eat all your kids' candy, and Happy Halloween!
Pleasant attitudes would get candy for everyone from me... my 15 yo went with us (me and the littles) last year ... he and his girlfriend dressed up as cowboy and cowgirl (so it did involve flannel shirts) but they made conversation with everyone so I didn't feel uncomfortable about it. The sullen teenage jackasses that lope along and the slutball teenage girls in fishnets get on my nerves though!
ReplyDeleteGayle, you're doing it right!!! :) That's the way they SHOULD be when they're that age. Be friendly, be nice, be courteous and I have NO problem. But be sullen? Nah, hang up your shirt and your pillow case.
DeleteTeri
Cannot STAND the older kids in Vikings Jerseys who tell me they're Vikings players. PUH-LEEZE. And if they just stand there - mute - holding their king-sized pillow cases out I just stand there - mute - holding my king sized bowl of candy and have a little stare down. Seriously, I don't say anything until they do. Then I proceed to give them 1 mini candy bar. My husband swears we'll get TP'd one of these days but those kids PISS ME OFF. My 11 year old will still go (homemade costume of a 'ninja pig' of course) but 17 will pass out candy while doing her usual loads of homework. Sucks to be a studious teen. Happy Halloween!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Halloween. Just read your blog on the topic and I love your point of view. LOVE the raisins and carrots for repeat trick or treaters!
DeleteTeri
My 15 yr old did not go last year, he went and played b-ball with a group of friends in a neighborhood across the street. he will not be going out this year. Probably choosing to conquer the wolrd on X-BOX or something. 11 will be going out with her besties. I will be standing inside my nice warm house passing out candy to those who ask for it and those under 3 ft tall. But you bet if you are taller than the average 6 year old you better at least say Trick or Treat!
ReplyDeleteAmen!!! That's all I'm asking for!!
DeleteTeri
My oldest did trick-or-treating for UNICEF last year and actually did pretty well. I think trick-or-treating for candy is acceptable through 8th grade, but once they hit high school I'd put the kibosh on it. Well, except for the UNICEF stuff. :)
ReplyDeleteYup, the older one did fairly well for Unicef and I'm okay with her doing that. But she's not the type to walk up on to a porch, not say anything and grab candy (who are we kidding, this is 15, she can't NOT say anything).
DeleteTeri
I really like the idea of the bigger ones trick or treating for UNICEF! Totally okay with them doing it if it is for others, and the fun of going, not getting something.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannan!!
DeleteTeri
One is never too old! Thankfully I have a child now so when I dress up I don't get quite as many odd looks...
ReplyDeleteShe did look a lot cuter than you did tonight, Marc. Did she share her candy with you?
DeleteTeri
Good thing is I will not be home tonight to worry about it..
ReplyDeleteI was out half the evening as well, Nazi.
DeleteTeri
I think by the time they are in high school, it's time to hang up the pillow case!
ReplyDeleteI would tend to agree, unless it's for charity like Unicef.
DeleteTeri
We shut down our operation at 8pm which means we get most of the cute little ones and not as many of the older poachers. Plus, more candy for us. It's a win-win.
ReplyDeleteBONUS!! Hope Jake got lots of goodies (and will share with mom).
DeleteTeri
I'd give a card carrying AARP member candy if they were in costume and said trick-or-treat! I'm excited to be a new follower. :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!!!! Yes, as long as they say Trick or Treat and are respectful and don't knock little kids off my porch trying to get the candy, they're ok. ;)
DeleteHope you stick around!
Teri