So many reasons.

• encourages good pre-planning
• discourages underhand pre-planning
• gives me the chance to talk to the other parent first
• removes any unwanted pressure from anybody involved who doesn’t want it, but might feel pressured into saying yes because they’re already there.
• most importantly. I (the adult) want to make the most of you (the child) being out of the house. I could have gone out to dinner, thrown a grownups party, etc.

There’s a house in my area that gives out potatoes. Kids love it.

Then when houses run out of candy, some of the kids give them their potatoes (and candy) so more kids can trick-or-treat.

Kinda awesome seeing a 3yo get excited that they got a potato.