When my partner and I purchased our first home, we were ecstatic about finally living in a neighborhood bustling with trick-or-treaters on Halloween. After spending years in a city apartment, we couldn’t wait to experience the joy of cute little monsters coming to our door on a tree-lined suburban street.
On our inaugural Halloween, I set about stocking up on the “good” candy, brewing apple cider, and adorning our porch with festive decorations. Even though we didn’t have kids at the time, I was eager to join in on the evening’s fun.
My partner, with his quirky sense of humor, thought it would be a riot to answer the door wearing an albino gorilla mask when teens came to collect candy. As the night progressed, he would pop open the door, shout “Boo!” and revel in the delighted screams of the older kids.
But then, he took it too far. When a tiny 2-year-old dressed as Winnie the Pooh approached, he sprinted out the door, arms flailing, yelling at the top of his lungs. The reaction was not laughter; little Pooh screamed in terror. Understandably, his mother had a few choice words for my partner about the limits of Halloween humor. That mask has since become a relic of the past.
Having kids now, I’ve come to realize how inconsiderate my partner’s antics were. It made me hyper-aware of how we treat the young ones who knock on our door on Halloween night.
Tips for a Kid-Friendly Halloween
- Keep in Mind That Halloween Can Be Scary for Little Ones. While you may adore that gory scarecrow on your porch, it could haunt a toddler’s dreams. Consider removing graphic decorations before trick-or-treating begins so the littlest goblins feel safe coming to your door.
- Don’t Be Rude If a Child Doesn’t Say ‘Thank You.’ Not every child can express their gratitude verbally for various reasons. Some are nonverbal and may struggle with the pressure of a stranger’s doorstep. Others might feel shy, especially without a parent by their side. Unless it’s your own child being overtly rude, keep your comments to yourself.
- Avoid Teasing Kids About Their Costumes. Halloween is a chance for kids to unleash their creativity and be whoever they want. If you don’t understand a child’s costume, ask them about it or compliment a fun accessory. Kids face enough challenges fitting in without adults making them feel silly about their choices.
- Be Mindful of Allergies. Kids have various allergies, and they deserve a safe Halloween experience. Show your support by placing a teal-painted pumpkin on your porch to indicate you offer non-food treats. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference for families concerned about allergies.
- Skip the Clown Costume. Let’s face it: clowns aren’t anyone’s favorite. With all the societal clown-related anxieties, you’re likely to meet some very disgruntled parents if you opt for oversized shoes and rainbow hair. For everyone’s peace of mind, just say no to the clown getup.
Halloween can be a bewildering night for kids, and the focus has increasingly shifted toward adult-themed festivities. While I enjoy costume parties, I always remind myself that Halloween is primarily about kids having fun and exploring their imaginations. When I open my door on Halloween, I strive to ensure that every child has a positive experience.
After all, being the adult who made a little Winnie the Pooh cry is a pretty lousy title to hold.
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Summary
This article discusses how to create a kid-friendly Halloween experience, emphasizing the importance of being considerate to young trick-or-treaters. It covers various points, such as removing scary decorations, understanding children’s verbal abilities, encouraging creativity in costumes, being mindful of allergies, and avoiding clown costumes, all while sharing a humorous personal anecdote about a Halloween mishap.