The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-10-22
M % Divorce From Lax Nupa Laws Would Ease Marital Problem
YoNI1. 
By Olive Roberts Barton

Any day now, the porch furniture will have to be taken in, any every thing else loose about the place. Oc- tober, the loveliest month of the yesr, loses its peace and joy for the householder in view of Hal- lowe'en pranks. Too bad that we allow 8 holiday to cast its shadow so long befL-e, and permit the omen to be as bad, or worse. than the real thing.
 And with this in mind, I believe that, parents can do much to inc prove . situation that Is fast be- coming intolerable to the average citizen. a4
 TO begin with, a good talk fest is never out of order. Make it un- derstood that you will not permit any disorderly conduct before corn night, or whatever local name fits your night before Halloween. This gives the children two nights instead of one, for ringing doorbells and clowning about. This is a conces- sion toward some peace, at least. Better two nights of fun than two weeks, as So. many of our offspring seem to think their birthright.
 tA Be Specific
 There is no use denying them this much, an. the easily irritated MT. Smith or Mrs. Jones will just have to go a-visiting at this time, or stuff cotton in their ears. But two nights are enough, and enough is plenty.
 Which brings us to the second point in our lecture. Tell the youngsters exactly what you think decent" fun, and what is outside the pale of good behavior. Don't gen. eralize. Make each order very specific. No stealing, no marking of property. No dumping of refuse on lawns or doorsteps and certainly no burning.
 Thirdly, the very best way to keep children of the streets is to enter tain them at home. It is the easiest thing in the world to get up simple little Halloween party. Be sure to let them dress up. From there on, use your own imagination. If a taffy pull is. more than you feel up to, fill in the time with bean hunts and guessing games. Have small faa vors and decorations Homemade, if you like) in yellow and black. In- clude nuts, apples and sweet cider in. the "eatS," and the party is on.
 If more parents took the trouble to have parties at home for the children on Halloween nights, the general terror of natives, and the yearly dread of the great day, would subside. It used to be a time gen. erally enjoyed by, everyone. But re- gently it has become time of ;i- cense for the few, resulting in weeks of apprehension for everybody.
 There's Limit to Patience
 There is little harm in young CT children dressing up and going about with their little bags from door to door asking for apples or 8 few nuts. It. gives them 8 thrill, So open up Mir. Tightwad, and lay in a supply. It should not be a matter of threats or profanity, either, if your doorbell rings twenty times in one evening. But beyond one night of it, or two xt the most, you have my hearty en- dorsement if you make war. Pa tience ceases to be virtue when good thing is stretched too far.
 I should never let 8 boy, or girl either, go out for entire evenings without giving an account of his doings. And if I heard a rumor of serious mischief, he should be den- nied any further liberty until All Halloween Day is past. Parents know their children. They should have some idea of what is going on. And I repeat that parents, and not the law, will be able to save for us one of the most enjoy- able festivals of the year. Other wise the end is almost certain. Let us try to do our part.
 Copyright, 1886, NEA Service, Incl