It’s a great time of year when the summer gives way to cooler weather, the kids head back to school, and the holidays are just around the corner. As this time approaches, kids are not concerned only about the supplies they’ll need for their new classes. They also start to think about the fun they will have dressing up when Halloween arrives.

As parents, we want our teenagers to continue to enjoy this time of year when they can still indulge in dress up and have a good time at school and with their friends. We may even dress up ourselves to keep the spirit of the holiday alive in our homes and neighborhoods. But there is a concern that our teenagers—particularly our female teenagers—start thinking about dressing up in some questionable costumes.

When they were younger, dressing them up as a princess was fun and entertaining for them and for their folks. Once they become teens, however, their tame costume choices often give way to more exotic and imaginative alternatives.

If you’ve shopped online—or in department stores—you’re well aware of the racy options available to teens and adults who want to dress up for Halloween. But most of us would rather our daughters who have decided to dress up like Cat Woman not slink out of our homes wearing little more than a long tail and plastic ears.

There are ways to circumvent this concern. Many of the less appropriate costumes can be altered at home so that you feel more comfortable when your teen leaves for a party. There are also places online where you can buy a Halloween costume that already looks appropriate for children of that age.

The important thing is to stay involved in these decisions. As parents, our responsibility is to guide them through the decision making process—including what to be on Halloween.