10/30/2024
Some great tips to have a safe and fun Halloween!
For many children, Halloween is a sanctioned opportunity to hit the town and get some major developmental work done, exhibiting mastery over their environment, testing out confident interpersonal interactions, and building a social network. But for plenty of other kids, those same opportunities loom as huge challenges.
The Costume
Things like helmets, masks, face paint, scratchy material, special shoes, and props with sound effects can be uncomfortable or overwhelming for kids. It’s okay to do Halloween your way, which might mean t-shirts and sweatpants.
The Routine
Go over what to expect, and what they’ll be expected to do.
If your child struggles with social interactions, make a clear agreement about who will speak and when. Should you decide to stay in, they can still participate and gain some social experience, even if it’s not a lot.
Find Your Own Traditions
Remember, Halloween is supposed to be fun. If your child doesn’t enjoy trick-or-treating, help them find other ways to celebrate. Things like carving pumpkins, making goody bags for neighbors, and spending the evening playing games and hanging out as a family may be more fun for your child.
Parents want the best for their children, and for their children to be seen as capable and engaged in the eyes of their peers. But it is the comfort and joy of kids that should come first. If this isn’t the year for your child to break out of her shell or for him to be able to handle extended activities with peers, there is always next year.
Here are some tips for parents whose children aren’t the happiest trick-or-treaters:
https://childmind.org/article/taking-halloween-by-the-horns/
