When my partner and I purchased our first home, we were thrilled to finally reside in a neighborhood where trick-or-treaters would come knocking on Halloween. After years of apartment living in the city, our encounters with adorable little monsters were few and far between, so we eagerly anticipated the festivities in our quiet suburban area.
On Halloween morning of our first year in the house, I enthusiastically prepared by stocking up on premium candy, brewing apple cider, and adorning our porch with festive decorations. We didn’t have children yet, but I was still excited to partake in the evening’s activities.
My partner, known for his playful sense of humor, decided it would be amusing to greet groups of older trick-or-treaters wearing an albino ape mask. As the night progressed, he started to run out the door, arms flailing, and yelling “Boo!”—which delighted the older kids.
However, in his excitement, he failed to notice a small 2-year-old dressed as Winnie the Pooh approaching with his “Hunny pot” basket. The sight of my partner’s antics caused the little Pooh to scream—not from joy, but sheer terror. Understandably, Winnie’s mother had some choice words for my partner about his inappropriate behavior. Since that night, the albino mask has not reappeared.
Now that I have children, I recognize how inconsiderate my partner’s Halloween humor was. After frightening little Winnie the Pooh, I’ve become increasingly aware of how we should treat kids who come to our door on Halloween.
1. Acknowledge That Halloween Can Be Scary for Young Ones
What may seem like amusing decorations to adults—like a gory scarecrow—can be terrifying to small children. Consider removing any overly graphic decorations before trick-or-treating begins, allowing the littlest visitors to feel safe approaching your door.
2. Refrain from Commenting on Children Who Don’t Say ‘Thank You’
Not every child is able to express their gratitude verbally for various reasons. Nonverbal children may struggle to articulate their thoughts, especially in an unfamiliar environment with intimidating decorations. Shy kids might feel too anxious to speak when not accompanied by their parents. Avoid making remarks about a child’s lack of thankfulness; unless a child is being outright rude, it’s best to keep such thoughts to yourself.
3. Avoid Teasing Kids About Their Costumes
Halloween gives children the opportunity to express their creativity freely. When a child arrives at your door, instead of making any offhand comments about their costume, ask them about it or compliment a particular element. Kids face enough challenges in feeling comfortable with themselves; they don’t need an adult mocking their creativity. Teach your own children to be kind and supportive of their peers’ efforts as well.
4. Be Mindful of Allergies
Regardless of your personal views on allergies, many children have them, and they deserve to enjoy Halloween safely. You can indicate that you provide non-food treats by placing a teal-painted pumpkin on your porch. Alternatively, offering non-food items to every little ghost and goblin that rings your bell can create a more inclusive environment. Parents of allergic children will appreciate your thoughtfulness, as it allows their kids to celebrate without worry.
5. Avoid Wearing Clown Costumes
Many people have an aversion to clowns, and recent societal events have heightened these feelings. Wearing a clown costume may provoke fear or even anger from parents, so it’s best to steer clear of the red nose and oversized shoes for everyone’s safety.
Halloween can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for children, and the focus of celebrations has increasingly leaned toward adult-oriented festivities. While I enjoy costume parties, I always strive to remember that Halloween primarily revolves around children having fun as they explore their imaginations. When I open my door on Halloween night, I do everything in my power to ensure that kids have a positive experience.
Being the adult who frightened little Winnie the Pooh is not something I wish to repeat.
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Summary
This article discusses how to create a more positive Halloween experience for young trick-or-treaters, highlighting the importance of being mindful of children’s fears, allergies, and creativity. It encourages adults to foster an environment that is welcoming and supportive, particularly for the littlest visitors.
Keyphrase: Avoid Scaring Trick-or-Treating Toddlers
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