Halloween is a tradition that tweens look forward to all year, and your child may have even begun to consider costume ideas months before October rolls around on the calendar. While your tweens should have plenty of say on what he or she decides to wear, you may also need to provide a little guidance on costume ideas that aren't very good choices. Below are costumes you'll want your tween to avoid this year.

Costumes You Don't Want Your Tween to Wear

The Sexy Tween Costume: Browse the isles of any party store and you'll see dozens of costumes for tweens and teens that look like they might come from a department store's lingerie section. It's sad that companies are trying so hard to convince young girls to wear vamped up Halloween costumes, but they're so popular that you almost can't avoid them. Be super clear with your tween that costumes that don't fall within your category of acceptable will have to go back to the store. Clarify your family's beliefs and values, and also be clear about where hemlines and necklines can fall, and how tight her costume can be. Discuss acceptable options with your daughter before she goes shopping. 

The Vulgar Costume: If girls are attracted to sexy Halloween costumes, boys are sometimes drawn to costumes that are rule or vulgar. Help your tween tame his costume a little before he offends neighbors, teachers, or even his own peers. Convince him to remove sexually explicit or vulgar words from his costume.

If you think his costume is racist, or offends women, or people of a particular religion, it might be time to sit down and have a discussion about what is and is not socially acceptable behavior. Costumes that make fun of those with challenges or disabilities should also be off the table, as should costumes that may prove insulting to people with different political beliefs. In other words, let your tween know that the Halloween season is about having fun, not poking fun of others.

The Unsafe Costume: It doesn't matter if your child will be trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, or attending a Halloween party at a friend's house, you want to make sure his costume will be safe and won't interfere with his having fun. Avoid costumes that may hamper your tween's vision (such as a costume with a mask that has poor visibility), or costume that won't easily be seen by drivers or other trick or treaters.  Girls should make sure that any costume they wear doesn't flow too much -- you don't want her tripping or catching her costume on a rail or doorknob. If your tween's costume requires a lot of make up, be sure to test the make up on first, to be sure that your tween doesn't have an allergic reaction. Girls should also be wary of wearing very high heels on Halloween. High heels can easily lead to injury while walking, running or dancing.

Note: In the end, if you help your tween pick a suitable costume, he or she will be much more likely to enjoy the holiday, and avoid potential embarrassing moments. Halloween is all about having fun and celebrating the fall season, and it should be enjoyed.