Before you know it, Halloween will be here. If your children attend public school, even preschool, there will be peer pressure to dress up in costume, and Trick or Treat. Most schools still celebrate Halloween by allowing the children to dress in costume and parade through the halls. An in-class party allows the children to exchange candies, which will be mostly devoured on the bus ride home. Even my preschooler had eaten most of her candy last school year on the bus ride home. What are our Halloween options? We don’t want our children to be teased by their peers for not celebrating at all. I know, that isn’t a great reason, but do you remember how embarrassing it can be for children to be different.
It is also a little scary for parents these days to take their young children door-to-door Trick or Treating. We have heard too many horror stories over the years of tainted candy and perverts.
It is hard to believe that when we were children, our parents sent us out the door, in the dark, by ourselves. Sometimes we were gone for several hours until well past dark. Of course, we weren’t carrying cell phones back then either. I doubt any of us parenting today would consider allowing our young children to do that.
Many communities, churches, and schools have responded to the family need for safe, fun, Halloween celebrations for children. There are tailgate parties where known and trusted members fill their car trunks with goodies. Then children, dressed in costumes, go from one trunk to another with their usual Trick or Treating.
Some elementary schools have set up haunted rooms and games for an evening of family fun. The children return to school after supper with their families, dressed in costumes, and Trick or Treat though the haunted school. Area recreation centers may have similar parties available. If you are near a zoo, you might have access to some unique Trick or Treating with the animals. Hundreds of carved Jack-o-lanterns light the path for children to follow.
Then there are the usual haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes where families can go for a safe yet fun evening. Everyone can enjoy a cup of apple cider afterwards creating one of those lasting family memories.
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