Tips to Terrific Trick or Treating this Halloween

Thinking of ghouls may make kids anxious, but for parents, it’s the thought of giving their children exciting memories of Halloween that makes them fretful. How do you deal? Here are some tips and insights on safety, events, and other learning experiences during Halloween.

3 ways to make Halloween a learning time

1. Use it as an opportunity to teach your child good manners. Preschool teacher and mom Larissa Lazaro sees trick-or-treating as ”a chance to integrate what kids learn in school—particularly, good manners and polite words. Even if they didn’t like what they got, ask them to say ‘Thank you’ and not to ask for more.” Mitch Tiongson, mom to Cayleigh, 4, advises you to have your child greet your neighbors with a hearty “Trick-or-treat.” They can even compliment ‘em on the pretty decor.

2. See it as a chance to unleash your creativity. Halloween is a great occasion to get crafty. You can come up with your own Spooksville party complete with thrilling activities, unique costumes, and decor. Lacking inspiration? Get ideas from the Web, films, comic books, a favorite cartoon, or a pop icon. The bolder you go, the more memorable it will be for your kids. 

3. Ask them plenty of questions! “How many houses have you been to? What animals did you see? Who’s that character? What was your favorite costume?” Lazaro suggests asking these as a way of engaging their curiosity.

 

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Traumatized in the past?

“Simply talk to your child and ask why he’s scared,” Lazaro recommends. “Then explain what’s real from make-believe.” You can say, for example, “He’s just wearing a costume, but if he removes it, it’s just another boy or girl.” Another tip is to show him a scary costume (without anyone wearing it). That way, he’ll see that it’s just a piece of clothing.

1. Halloween’s medieval origins. When did Halloween start? In case your curious kid asks, Halloween is said to have originated from the Celtic festival Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in”) meaning “summer’s end.” In Europe, summer ends in September; by October, people already start stocktaking for winter.

2. The almost-death of Hallowtide. Sixteenth century England’s version of All Souls’ Day was called Hallowtide or Hallowmass (which is likely where “Halloween” came from.) In 1546, archbishop Thomas Cranmer attempted to abolish Hallowtide’s rituals, believing that prayers couldn’t influence the fate of the dead. King Henry VIII refused to approve it, but during his daughter Elizabeth I’s reign, the services commemorating the dead were dropped altogether. Lucky for us, some customs survived.

3. Souling. One practice that survived was souling, in which peasants went from door-to-door asking for food in exchange for saying a prayer for the dead.

4 alternative events to trick-or-treating

1. Office events. Want an alternative for those not keen on going trick-or-treating? In the past, mom Ruthie Vistro has taken her daughter Andrea to fun events at her office. “Once, we turned the boardroom into a daycare.” In the afternoon, we had a fashion show and some parlor games for the kids.”

2. Events in subdivisions. Many subdivisions also plan their own Halloween events for residents and friends. Where Mitch lives, they tailor each game according to the age group. Though it can get warm and you have to pre-register, some villages showcase performances for kids to enjoy.

3. School events. Some preschools hold their own Halloween celebrations, and in case they don’t, why not suggest it? Lazaro once taught in a school where they had coloring activities, and trick-or-treating was done from classroom to classroom. Here, kids don’t have to be wary of cars or bigger kids, since the environment is more contained.

4. Your own house parties. By planning your own party, you also have the freedom to be creative and to do what Lazaro calls “more learner-centered activities,” such as group puzzles, made-up games, baking, and crafts. 

 

How can you keep his energy level up?Mom Mitch suggests bringing a pushcart in case your toddler gets tired from all that walking. Pack a tiny bag with a bottle of water, baby wipes, and a few healthy snacks. Wear comfortable shoes—especially when you’re going trick-or-treating in large subdivisions.

Photo by Verde Canyon Railroad via flickr creative commons