When my partner and I purchased our first home, we could hardly contain our excitement about finally residing in a neighborhood bustling with trick-or-treaters on Halloween. After years of living in a city apartment, where encounters with adorable little monsters were few and far between, moving to our charming suburban street felt like a dream come true.
On Halloween morning of our inaugural year in the house, I set out to stock up on the “good” candy, brew some warm apple cider, and adorn our porch with festive decorations. We didn’t have kids yet, but I was just as eager to join in the evening’s festivities.
However, my partner, with his unique sense of humor, thought it would be hilarious to answer the door wearing an albino ape mask. As the night progressed, he’d greet groups of older trick-or-treaters with a loud “Boo!”—much to their amusement.
But when he decided to take it up a notch by sprinting out the door, arms flailing and yelling at the approaching kids, it was all fun and games… until he startled a tiny 2-year-old dressed as Winnie the Pooh. Poor Winnie, clutching his “Hunny pot” basket, screamed in terror—not delight. I can still hear the reprimanding words from Winnie’s mom echoing in my ears. That albino mask has since been retired.
Now that I’m a parent, I understand just how thoughtless my partner was with his Halloween antics. Because we frightened little Winnie the Pooh, I’ve become particularly attuned to how we should treat the kids who come knocking on our door on Halloween night.
1. Keep in mind that Halloween can be scary for little ones.
Sure, you might think that your gory, blood-splattered scarecrow is the epitome of Halloween spookiness, but for young children, it can be downright terrifying. Consider removing overly graphic decorations early in the evening so that the tiniest trick-or-treaters feel comfortable approaching your door.
2. Don’t be rude if a child forgets to say ‘thank you’ for their treat.
Not every child is able to express gratitude verbally for various reasons. Nonverbal kids might be overwhelmed and struggle to find the right words, while shy ones may feel too intimidated to speak without their parent beside them. Critiquing a child’s manners isn’t helpful, so unless it’s your own kid being blatantly rude, keep your thoughts to yourself.
3. Avoid teasing children about their costumes.
Kids adore Halloween because it lets them unleash their creativity. It’s the one time they can dress up as anything they like, regardless of how it may appear to adults. Instead of poking fun, engage with them by asking, “What’s the story behind your costume?” or “I love that sparkle headband!” Building their confidence is far more important than any sarcastic comment.
4. Be mindful of allergies.
Regardless of your feelings about kids and allergies, it’s crucial to recognize that many children have allergies that can pose serious risks. You can help by placing a teal-painted pumpkin on your porch to signal that you offer non-food treats, or simply hand out non-food goodies to every little ghost that comes to your door. Parents of allergic kids will greatly appreciate your consideration, allowing their children to enjoy the evening safely.
5. Skip the clown costume.
Let’s face it—clowns aren’t exactly a crowd favorite. Given the current climate surrounding creepy clowns, wearing one could result in some very unhappy parents at your doorstep. For everyone’s comfort, avoid the red nose and white face paint.
Halloween can be an overwhelming experience for children, and it seems that over the years, the focus has shifted more toward adult-themed celebrations. While I enjoy costume parties, I always remember that Halloween is primarily about kids having fun and showcasing their creativity. When I open my door on Halloween night, I strive to create an enjoyable experience for all the little visitors.
Being the adult who scared poor Winnie the Pooh is not a badge of honor I want to wear.
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Summary:
This article humorously discusses how to be considerate and mindful when interacting with young trick-or-treaters on Halloween. It emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere while being mindful of children’s fears, allergies, and creative costumes.