When my partner, Jake, and I made the leap to buy our first home, we were thrilled at the prospect of finally being part of a neighborhood filled with trick-or-treaters on Halloween. After years of living in a cramped city apartment, we were eager to welcome adorable little monsters to our new suburban abode.
On our first Halloween morning, I was busy stocking up on the “good” candy, brewing apple cider, and adorning our porch with festive decorations. Although we didn’t have kids yet, I was just as pumped to dive into the evening’s fun.
Jake, with his love for humor, thought it would be side-splitting to answer the door wearing an albino ape mask while handing out candy to groups of older trick-or-treaters. As the night unfolded, he delighted in jumping out to yell “Boo!” at the teens, who found it hilarious.
However, in a classic case of poor timing, when the next group approached — a tiny 2-year-old dressed as Winnie the Pooh — Jake’s antics turned from funny to frightening. The little one wasn’t laughing; he screamed, and rightly so! His mom had a few choice words for Jake about his “hilarious” Halloween routine. Since then, that albino mask has mysteriously vanished.
Now that I’m a parent, I’ve come to realize just how inconsiderate Jake’s Halloween humor was. After scaring poor little Pooh, I’ve become particularly attuned to how we treat the pint-sized visitors on Halloween night.
1. Keep in Mind That Halloween Can Be Terrifying for Young Kids.
You might think the gruesome, blood-soaked scarecrow on your porch is the epitome of Halloween spirit, but for little ones, it can be a source of nightmares. Consider removing the more graphic decorations during trick-or-treat hours so that the youngest goblins can feel comfortable approaching your door.
2. Don’t Be Rude If a Kid Doesn’t Say ‘Thank You’ for the Treat.
Not every child is capable of expressing gratitude, whether due to shyness or other reasons. Kids may freeze in front of a strange door adorned with spooky decor, so if a child forgets to say thank you, keep your comments to yourself unless it’s your own kid being downright rude.
3. Avoid Teasing Kids About Their Costumes.
Halloween is a magical time for kids to unleash their creativity. If a child approaches your door in a costume you don’t quite understand, engage them with questions like, “Tell me about your costume!” or “I love that sparkly headband!” It’s important for kids to feel accepted and celebrated, not ridiculed.
4. Be Mindful of Allergies.
Kids can have serious allergies, and it’s essential to create a safe Halloween experience for them. Consider placing a teal-painted pumpkin on your stoop to signal that you have non-food treats for trick-or-treaters with allergies. This small gesture can make a world of difference for concerned parents.
5. Skip the Clown Costume.
Clowns are universally disliked, and in light of recent events, dressing as one might earn you some very upset parents. Let’s keep Halloween fun and light-hearted by avoiding the red nose and oversized shoes.
Halloween can be overwhelming for kids, especially as the focus seems to shift toward adult-themed festivities. Although I enjoy costume parties, I always remind myself that Halloween is primarily about children having fun and expressing their creativity. When I open my door on Halloween, my goal is to ensure every child has a fantastic experience. After all, being the adult who made poor Winnie the Pooh cry is not something I want on my conscience.
For more insights on family-friendly celebrations, check out our post on How to Make Your Home Welcoming for Trick-or-Treaters. If you’re curious about family planning options, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource. Additionally, consider visiting Cleveland Clinic for helpful information on home insemination.
Summary:
Incorporating humor into Halloween can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, especially when it comes to young trick-or-treaters. Being mindful of children’s fears, practicing patience, and creating a welcoming environment can ensure a joyful Halloween for everyone.