Kids start talking about what they're going "to be" for Halloween weeks, even months, before the end of October. Parents often have mixed feelings about a tradition that involves so much anticipation...not to mention candy. Here are some tips for making Halloween enjoyable.
Costumes
For younger children the appeal of Halloween is the chance to make believe. Dressing up like a ballerina or a lion extends the pretend play of house or store into new arenas. Young children have excellent imaginations and don't need elaborate gear. They're likely to have more fun in simple costumes that focus on comfort rather than on authenticity. Hats are usually preferable to masks, which many young kids shed quickly.
Older children love the element of disguise and mystery. Halloween allows them to use their creativity to evoke emotional reactions from friends and family. Some kids aim to scare, others to amuse, and still others to dazzle or surprise. When it comes to face coverings, kids need to be able to see where they're going. Older children need to be reminded to go easy when younger kids are around and to be ready to reveal their true identities when asked.
Parties
A Halloween party is often a good alternative to trick-or-treating. It's helpful to keep parties small and manageable, especially since disguises may lower kids' inhibitions. Safety is key. A brief Halloween parade (indoors or in the yard) early in the party lets kids show off their costumes before parts are jettisoned. It helps to plan some organized activities in advance. Consider games in which everyone can participate, such as Halloween-themed Charades or Telephone. You and your child can also find some not-toooo-scary Halloween stories or poems to share. (Listen to Monster Me by Eileen Spinelli.) Requires Flash.
Trick-or-Treat
For some families trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition. It's a good idea to know what's customary in your neighborhood and to team up with other parents so that you have a few adults accompanying the kids in case of a costume malfunction (or more pressing emergency).
Candy
Set guidelines in advance about what will be done with accumulated treats. To cut down on on-the-spot sweets consumption, make sure your child eats a well-balanced meal that day. With your child's cooperation you can store the excess candy and ration it over time or donate it to a place, such as a local store, where it can be shared by many. For hygiene reasons, candy distributed or accepted should be wrapped.
For reminders about how to keep Halloween safe, as well as fun go to www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/octhalloween.htm.
Istar Schwager, Ph.D., is an educational psychologist, mom, and founder of Creative Parents, Inc., with the website creativeparents.com. She believes that as parents we need all the support we can get.