When my partner and I purchased our first home, we were thrilled at the idea of finally experiencing Halloween in a neighborhood filled with little trick-or-treaters. After years spent in a bustling city apartment with minimal interactions with costumed kids, moving to a charming suburban street was a dream come true.
On Halloween morning during our first year, I got busy preparing by stocking up on “good” candy, brewing apple cider, and adorning our porch with festive decorations. Although we didn’t have children yet, I was eager to join in the evening’s fun.
However, my partner, with his playful sense of humor, decided it would be a riot to greet trick-or-treaters wearing an albino ape mask. As the evening progressed, he opened the door to groups of older kids, yelling “Boo!” which they found amusing.
But when he spotted a group of teens approaching, he took things too far—charging out the door with arms flailing and shouting at them. The teens loved it, but little 2-year-old Charlie, dressed as Winnie the Pooh, was terrified. He didn’t see the humor in the situation, and understandably, his mom had some strong words for my partner about his antics. That mask has never resurfaced.
Now that I have children, I see just how thoughtless my partner’s Halloween humor was. Because we frightened little Charlie, I’ve become extra mindful about how we treat the children who come to our door on Halloween. Here are some tips to ensure a positive experience for everyone:
1. Understand that Halloween can be frightening for young kids.
What you might consider a fun spooky decoration could be a source of nightmares for a little one. Consider removing overly graphic displays early in the evening so that young trick-or-treaters feel comfortable approaching your door.
2. Be understanding if a child doesn’t say ‘thank you’ for their treat.
Not every child has the ability to express gratitude verbally for various reasons. Nonverbal kids might find it hard to articulate their thoughts while standing on an unfamiliar doorstep with scary decor. If they don’t say thank you, it’s best to keep your comments to yourself unless it’s your kid being outright rude.
3. Avoid making fun of kids’ costumes.
Halloween is a special time for children to unleash their creativity. If you don’t understand a costume, engage them by asking, “What’s your costume about?” or complimenting an accessory. It’s crucial to support kids in feeling confident about their choices and creativity.
4. Be aware of allergies.
Children have various allergies, and making Halloween safe for them is important. You can show your support by placing a teal-painted pumpkin on your doorstep, indicating that you offer non-food treats. This small gesture helps kids with allergies enjoy the festivities without worry.
5. Skip the clown costume.
Clowns can evoke fear in many kids, and given the current climate around them, wearing a clown outfit could lead to unhappy parents. For everyone’s peace of mind, it’s best to avoid anything that might add to a child’s anxiety on Halloween.
Halloween can be an overwhelming experience for young children, and the focus has increasingly shifted towards adult-centric celebrations. While I love attending costume parties, I always remind myself that Halloween is primarily about kids having fun and expressing their creativity. When I open my door on Halloween night, I strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all the little ghouls and goblins.
Being the adult who made little Charlie scream is certainly not something I want to repeat.
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Summary
: This article emphasizes how to create a positive Halloween experience for young trick-or-treaters while sharing a personal anecdote about a humorous but misguided Halloween encounter. It offers practical tips on making the holiday enjoyable and safe for kids, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone.