Hey, Mom and Dad: When Are Kids Too Old To Go Trick-Or-Treating?

Welcome to "Hey, Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.

Amid clusters of impossibly cute costumed kids on Halloween night, you get other trick-or-treaters who don't seem to fit in. Maybe it's that they are older than the rest, or show up in plain clothes with not even a face mask in sight. But is that a deal-breaker, or is everyone welcome to claim candy on your porch on Halloween?

That leads us to this week's question:

When should kids stop with the trick-or-treating?

Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.

Felecia Zajac Podojil As long as they attempt to dress up in some form of costume, I don't mind any age. However, I always want to deny candy to the older kids that don't dress up, but I am always afraid that they will vandalize my property. I will never forget our very first trick or treaters at our current home - 3 kids that were high school age came to my door and were not dressed up. I asked them what they were for Halloween, and one of them had the nerve to say something that I don't even want to repeat. I thought I heard him wrong but still gave them candy because I was in shock over his answer. 
They need to at least attempt something fun! — Downers Grove Patch Facebook

Emily Fudacz I stopped trick or treating when I reached high school. I barely even did it in middle school. Too bad I am too old to go now... LOL. Maybe there should be adult trick or treat. All toothbrushes and toothpaste at every house. Stock up for the year! — Hinsdale Patch Facebook

Monica Patricia ScottTeens could be doing so many things worse than asking for candy. Last year we had over 2200 trick or treaters and large percentage were teens. With few exception all said "trick or treat" and "thank you". My take is be young and have fun doing harmless things as long as you can. Being an adult comes soon enough. — Downers Grove Patch Facebook

Marie Hartell Markowski If they're not in costume then they have to
either sing a song, dance or tell the Wicked Witch a "clean" joke.
Otherwise, no treat. I only remember one kid refusing and his buddies
gave him such a hard time about it that he finally told a joke. — Lemont Patch Facebook

Laura Lesondak Sullivan I'm happy to give candy to anyone who comes to my door. That said, I'm not really comfortable when they are a foot taller than me and have a 5 o'clock shadow. — Oak Park Patch Facebook

So what's your take? Is there an certain age when kids become too old for trick-or-treating? Tell us in the comments below.