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Let Teens Enjoy Trick-or-Treating Without the Hassle
by Emily Turner
Updated: Sep. 28, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 26, 2017
Last Halloween, as my 12-year-old daughter and I were finalizing her costume, my 14-year-old son observed quietly from the sidelines. Now that he was in high school, he had declared that he’d opted out of dressing up, preferring instead to distribute candy at our door. He had insisted for weeks that he had outgrown the tradition of transforming into his favorite childhood characters.
But as I watched him, I could see a hint of disappointment in his demeanor. I asked him once more if he wanted to reconsider. “No,” he replied, “I’m skipping it this year.”
Yet, as is often the case with teenagers, he changed his mind just two days before Halloween. Naturally.
With no time to take him shopping myself, I sent my husband off to the Halloween store to grab a last-minute costume that hadn’t already been picked over.
“Good luck!” I called as my husband ushered my son out the door.
When they returned, I could hear their laughter echoing through the house. They were having a ball, and when I found them in the kitchen, my son’s face was glowing with excitement.
“Mom, you won’t believe what Dad let me buy!” he exclaimed. He made me promise to wait in the kitchen while he dashed off to try on his new outfit. As I exchanged glances with my husband, I could see he was just as thrilled as our son. I waited eagerly for my son to emerge from the bathroom.
When he finally stepped out, I couldn’t contain my laughter. They had picked out a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume, complete with an air compressor to inflate it.
My towering son, with his lengthy limbs, stomped around the house, cackling and teasing his sister. He was genuinely ecstatic about going trick-or-treating after all. Watching him embrace the childlike joy of Halloween filled my heart with warmth. Despite his growth and changing voice, he still craved the fun of a holiday made for kids to express their creativity.
Because of this delight, you won’t see me complaining about teenagers who show up at my door on Halloween night. Teens deserve to revel in Halloween just like everyone else, and I’m tired of the negativity directed toward kids who wish to cling to their youth a little longer.
I’ve heard all the common complaints: “No costume, no candy,” and “Teens are so disrespectful,” and “Halloween is for little kids.” Please spare me those notions. We swiftly judge teenagers and expect them to mature far more rapidly than previous generations did. People criticize teens for their choices regarding drinking and partying. Parents lament about speeding tickets and missed curfews, and sweeping generalizations are often made about teens being rude or unable to engage in conversation due to texting.
As a mother of a teenager, I’ve discovered that teens are actually a vibrant and resourceful group who enjoy wholesome fun. That’s why we should allow them to trick-or-treat without the judgment from naysayers.
Why discourage them from participating in an activity that not only offers a chance to bond with friends but also encourages creativity? Personally, I think it’s fantastic when my teen spends time designing a costume or coordinating a group ensemble with friends.
Teens face immense pressure today. They’re criticized for making poor decisions or shamed for wanting to take part in a tradition they’ve loved since childhood. I’m an adult who enjoys costume parties, so why do we quickly dismiss teens from indulging in Halloween festivities?
And yes, I know some teens forego costumes, which seems to annoy many. Really? You’d rather have those teens loitering in basements testing boundaries with alcohol than handing them a few candy bars? We need to ease up on teenagers and allow them to explore enjoyable, safe ways to have fun. We can start by refraining from judging the group of teens who arrive at your door, laughing and enjoying themselves.
Teens who engage in positive, good-natured fun are always welcome at my home. As long as my kids wish to dress up and join in the festivities, I’ll ensure they can savor that little piece of their childhood for as long as possible. And I’ll make sure they ask every house for extra Almond Joys. After all, if they’re going to go trick-or-treating, they might as well support their mother’s sweet tooth.
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In summary, let’s celebrate our teens and allow them to participate in the joys of Halloween, ensuring they have the freedom to enjoy this special day without judgment or restrictions.