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A treasured fall\/Halloween tradition in the United States is pumpkin carving or making \u201cjack-o\u2019-lanterns\u201d. Whether this is your first time decorating a pumpkin or you are a seasoned pro, these videos have a few tips and ideas you may find helpful.<\/p>\n
How do I make it safe for the children?<\/strong> If you are carving a pumpkin with your host child(ren), remember to be very careful with them around sharp tools. You can purchase kid-safe pumpkin carving tools that cut without a sharp blade. If you don\u2019t have those, let kids help with all of the tasks that don\u2019t involve a knife such as: picking the pumpkin, scooping out the insides, choosing the design and adding any other decorative touches. You can buy or print pumpkin templates online and school aged kids can use a thumbtack to mark the pattern on the pumpkin. Here<\/strong> <\/a>you can find a free template and instructions on how to do this.<\/p>\n How long do they last?<\/strong> Carved jack-o-lanterns begin to deteriorate after just a few days outside (depending on the weather). Temperatures over 60\u02daF (15\u02daC), rain, and freezing then thawing all make them rot more quickly. So, if you want your pumpkin to be fresh on the big night, don’t carve it more than a few days before Halloween and\/or keep it in a cool place.<\/p>\n Check out Au Pair in America\u2019s Halloween Fun<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Pinterest board and\u00a0our Fall Bucket List<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0for more fall traditions and activities to try.<\/p>\n