As working parents, every year we find the traditional Halloween trick-or-treating schedule challenging. Dressing our kids in costumes amidst our daily routines and then buckling up for a late-night celebration disrupts our workdays and the children's sleep patterns. The morning after shirks not only the kids off their schedules but also complicates the lives of teachers who have to manage classrooms filled with tired and sugar-filled students.

We are not alone in this struggle. Many parents, students, and educators share our sentiment. A survey conducted by The Halloween and Costume Association found that 70% of parents do not accompany their children trick-or-treating and most are fretful about the safety of their children when they are trick-or-treating without supervision (The Halloween and Costume Association, 2018).

Transitioning this much-loved tradition to always fall on the last Saturday of October would be a game-changer for families, teachers, and indeed the whole community. A predictable and convenient weekend Halloween celebration ensures that our children can participate safely without having to worry about school routines the next day. It allows parents to participate more fully and enjoy the festivity without the stress of rushing home from work.

It's time for a change that benefits us all. Together, we can make this happen. Please sign this petition urging our local authorities to adjust Halloween trick-or-treating to the last Saturday of October.