To the editor:

On the surface, Trunk-or-Treating sounds like a safe and fun alternative to running through dark neighborhoods to strangers’ houses, but I hope parents speak carefully to their children about these events. It may seem harmless, but something about showing my kids it’s OK to take candy from strangers in decorated cars makes me back off. These activities counter all the anti-stranger behavior schools and parents teach, and it won’t be long before child predators try to use this idea to their advantage.

I strongly urge parents to actively participate with their children on these nights and emphasize to them that this is a one-time thing, and only to be done with parents’ permission. Even then, young children who remember actions and feelings more than words are still vulnerable. I also doubt that many parents will deny the traditional house-hopping, even if they’ve been to several parties or “trunkings,” which are rarely on Oct. 31. As for my family, we’re sticking to the one-night traditional trick-or-treating for now. One truly special night a year seems less risky.

Erin Beaty,

Eudora