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.

Megan Murphy Miller: We expect kids grow up way too fast nowdays. I find nothing wrong with older kids who come to my house to trick or treat as long as they are polite. I would much rather have that than kids finding other ways to have fun on Halloween. They are only young once, let them enjoy it! — Batavia Patch Facebook

Susan Smentek: Anyone in a costume is welcome. Teenagers and parents, too (but we keep a bucket of cheaper stuff like smarties for the no costume crowd. ) What I don't like are the parents from other towns who pull up with van loads of kids to dropoff in our neighborhood. That happens a lot. We prefer to see friends and neighbors. — Elmhurst Patch Facebook

Jennifer Brown Cortez: The deal in my house is they can go but must wear a costume. My oldest stopped after 9th grade. Youngest is freshman and will likely go this year . If they dress up, who cares? I enjoy (most) of the teenagers at my door on Halloween night! — Geneva Patch Facebook

Colleen Arnold: I say thru 8th grade. But, I really don't mind the older ones as long as they are polite. I'd rather get rid of the candy then add to the buckets of candy my kids will bring home. — Glen Ellyn Patch Facebook

Cheryl Turek: Since this age group tends to come out after7pm when our trick or treat ends, I don't open the door. Also the age is usually printed in the local paper cutting off at 12 years old. — Lisle Patch Facebook

Jennifer Kozel: If they are dressed up and they do not cause any issues then they are still welcome at my house!!! — Naperville Patch Facebook

John Ceinski: 16? — St. Charles Patch Facebook

Tracy Dietrich Colangelo: I make the teens say trick or treat, with or without costume. I get a kick out of it! LOL — Wheaton 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.