TRYING to decide whether to let your children out to trick-or-treat on Halloween this year?

Unsure which houses you should knock on?

It's a question many parents will be asking themselves this week ahead of the spookiest night of the year. 

We have scoured Facebook groups in the area for parents' help deciding on the best Halloween etiquette.

And while some said they didn't agree with knocking on doors for sweets and preferred to throw a party instead, the overwhelming majority said they loved taking their youngsters out in their best fancy dress. 

So how do you decide which doors to knock on?

The majority told us they stick to family or neighbours they know but also look out for any homes that are decorated. 

One mum added: "I only go to decorated houses as you should respect some people's privacy if they don't like Halloween or are disabled and can't jump up and down answering the door!"

  • Look out for homes with the lights on, a carved pumpkin in the window and decorations around the door before you knock

Should I accompany my kids when they are trick-or-treating?

Again the majority said yes to this one. 

Dad Tony said: "As long as they're with an adult and safe let them have fun, get dressed up and eat sweets."

And if your child is too old to be accompanied by a parent, the general consensus appears to be they should at least make an effort.

Mandy added: "I have no problem with the accompanied children dressed up and having fun, but I do have a problem with gangs of teenagers at 9pm in nothing more than a mask."

What time should I go out?

Halloween falls the day after the clocks go back this year so the evening will be much darker much earlier. 

Dad Wynne said: "If kids knock I usually give them sweets but only up until 7ish."

  • Best advice appears to be heading out early in the evening to avoid annoying anyone and give your kids more time to enjoy their 'treats' before it's bedtime.

Anything else?

It may sound obvious but good manners go a long way according to our Facebook readers.

Mum Helen said: "They knock once and if nobody answers we leave."

  • Plenty of 'pleases' and 'thank yous' will help ensure everyone has a fun evening and if you don't get an answer after the first knock, move on to the next house.

If your children are getting dressed up for Halloween this year, don't forget to send us your pics or post them on our Facebook wall.