This is the scariest time of year! With Halloween just around the corner, no one can be too careful to make sure children and adults alike don’t catch head lice. What could be more scary? Here is a fun list of do’s and don’ts to ensure you have a screaming good time this Halloween and avoid head lice.
Do take your family to a local pumpkin patch. All members of the family can appreciate a delightful hayride in the crisp, cool air. Most pumpkin patches offer much more than that as well. Some of our favorite activities include corn mazes, petting zoos, giant slides into corn kernels, pumpkin demolition, carnival games, and scouring through the patch on the hunt for that perfect pumpkin! Big or small, pumpkins from the patch just seem more festive. A helpful resource for finding your local pumpkin patch is http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org. They offer detailed information about farms in each Texas county. Be sure to call ahead and make sure you know what to expect.
Don’t share scarves, hats or beanies with others while celebrating out it the pumpkin patch. One of the fastest ways to catch lice is by transferring it from person to person off of headgear or apparel that touches the neckline. In just a few minutes one louse can creep off of the hat and onto your hair follicles. That’s how the problem begins. Be on the lookout for anyone sharing head apparel while bundling up on that hayride. Even jackets with a hood or collar can be the culprit for catching lice. Beware of sharing!
Do enjoy the Halloween spirit by having fun, festive nights at home. Who doesn’t get excited about a scary movie night at home? Grab the caramel corn and Halloween candy and get ready to be spooked! When your kids are little there are hundreds of amazing, festive movies to get them ready for trick or treating. A few of our favorites include Halloweentown, Casper, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Hocus Pocus to name only a few. Take advantage of the Halloween season and spend some frightfully fun time with your family!
Don’t let children get too cozy with friends while they watch their favorite Halloween show. Cuddling up to feel safe and warm may be just the thing that is actually spreading lice to your child. Friends or neighbors, cousins or siblings can easily pass lice to one another when they get comfortable on the bean bag together and sit closeby for hours at a time. Sharing blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or beds is also not a good idea. Be careful how to approach this as to not hurt feelings. But, if you are not sure someone is lice free you can never be too careful.
Do take the time to enjoy Halloween by getting creative with costume ideas. If you have a hankering to make your own costumes this year now is the time to start. There are so many items in closets and wardrobes that can be used when embellished with supplies around the house. Custom, awesome Halloween costumes do not have to be expensive. Get thinking and come up with some cool ideas to make this season especially fun!
Don’t share pointy witch hats, robot helmets, scary masks, or even eye patches with your friends! Beware what your child is trying on or playing with this season. It may be too tempting to put on their best friends amazing mask. Just warn them that lice may be the result. Don’t forget to check their heads after the festivities just to be sure everyone has only had good, harmless fun and not contracted lice!