trick or treating for sick siblings?

[gone in 3.1]

Last year I was handing out candy and little girl about 13 came up and told me she was trick or treating not only for herself but for her sick younger brother, who couldn't come trick or treating. I didn't think much of it and just gave her the candy, but then later I realized under all of the make up she had on (she was a vampire) and her costume that she was in my class (I teach 8th grade english), and I knew for a fact that she didn't have a younger brother.

What do you think
Do you believe kids when they say these things?

[scorpio 40]

majority of kids and adults tell white lies so it wouldnt worry me if she felt the need to fib.
maybe the treats are a treat for her not all parents are giving and kind.
tis one night only.
this year you will be ready !! switch the teacher off and wait to be told some tall stories!

[jadewik]

She's in 8th grade. A lot of adults stop giving candy to teenagers. Maybe she told the lie so people would still give her candy.

I've been sick on Halloween before-- twice that I can recall. It's no fun. The first that I remember was when I was in elementary school. My 'rents forced my siblings to give me a few candies. The second time was in college when I had Pneumonia.... though I still went to work and passed out candy while I was at work. =)

[Pumpkin_Man]

I think scorpio had a point. I don't condone lieing, but there are a lot of kids who don't often get candy. When TOTers come to my door, I never ask questions. I see a TOT bag, I toss in a piece of candy, no questions asked.

Mike

[Andybev01]

I agreee with Mike.

I have as much fun giving out the candy as they probably do in receiving it!

Jadewik; did you go to work to pass out candy or just to pass out?

[Haunt Master]

Ok, everybody!

Be careful with some older TOTers, no matter what their ages because one time I gave out candies that some TOTers are older like 15, 16, and 17 year olds! They didn't even wear the costumes!

Also, a midget lady walked up to my porch saying "Trick or Treat?" I realized that she's the woman - not a KID! I asked her, "Are you grown adult?" She said, "YES!" She enjoys Halloween! So she loves to collect candies! We talked for a little while, then she walked off to the next house. I can't believe that lady is little and short like dwarf!

[Halloween_crazyy]

I think some younger teens do derserve candy, I mean there's this guy who lives next door and thinks when you turn 12 you stop going out TOTing! I think if there's no costume you should give them something lame like a toothbrsh or an apple (if they are oldr I mean). They aren't in it for the Halloween spirit, they're in it for the candy.

[Rising Dead Man]

I think some younger teens do derserve candy, I mean there's this guy who lives next door and thinks when you turn 12 you stop going out TOTing! I think if there's no costume you should give them something lame like a toothbrsh or an apple (if they are oldr I mean). They aren't in it for the Halloween spirit, they're in it for the candy.

Thats a good idea!

[Halloween_crazyy]

I think some younger teens do derserve candy, I mean there's this guy who lives next door and thinks when you turn 12 you stop going out TOTing! I think if there's no costume you should give them something lame like a toothbrsh or an apple (if they are oldr I mean). They aren't in it for the Halloween spirit, they're in it for the candy.

Thats a good idea!

Yeah, I think it isn't fair to put an age limit on TOTing, but if they have no costume then they don't derserve candy!

[Rising Dead Man]

I agree with you 100 percent!

[theicewitch]

I have given for sick sibs, I know 99% of the 300 who visit my porch every year, and if you wear a costume you get a treat, I don't care how old you are. I have watched these kids parade to my haunt for ten years. I love seeing em grow up.

[Desdemona]

I always dress up in costume when taking my daughters out TOT'ing and really appreciate it when someone giving out candy coaxes me up to the door to get my treat too (usually with a huge smile and compliment for the fact that I put an effort into making the holiday special for my kids while still making sure they are safe). At our house we have 2 treat containers. In one we have "soft" candies like gummies and junior mints and kisses that are okay to hand out to little ones and in the 2nd one there are things like taffy, tootsie pops or chocolate with caramel or nuts that are for the older kids. I always make sure I have something that has no nuts or chocolate (like animal cookies or candy corn) because some kids tell me they are alergic. My 14 year old has put a lot of thought and effort into her costume this year and is going to dress up as the definition of "random" - she looks great - I see nothing wrong with her going out TOT'ing or anyone else for that matter, no matter what their age.

[Kyu]

I used to go out when I was sick.
No excuse.
I never believe them when they say stuff like that. (Unless I like their costume.)

[Pumpkin_Man]

I have to admit that I get a little honked off when kids come to my door without a costume. I try to keep an opened mind, and I consider myself pretty liberal about giving out candy on Halloween, but I also have a strong belief in tradition, and there is a significant difference between Halloween TOT tradition and just plain begging. ANY unsuspecting paper bag can be made into a Halloween costume, so there's no reason, even if you are poor, that you can't put at least a mask on and go TOTing. Heck, if you have an old musical instrument around the house. A tuba, a trumpet, an accordion, etc you can go TOTing as a musician. Wear a tool belt and be a mechanic for Halloween. Draw a funny face on an old grocery bag, ANYTHING, just respect TRADITION.

Mike