How do I help my young child have a happy, healthy Halloween?
Ages 3-10
Elaborate costumes. Spooky decorations. Sugar highs (and the inevitable crashes). Seasonal festivities can be a lot for young children to handle. Add in late bedtimes and overstimulation, and it’s no wonder some parents feel overwhelmed. So how can families make fall celebrations feel more wholesome than hectic?
YMCA of Orange County offers some “tricks” to help young families experience Halloween as a real “treat.”
Read ahead. Stores have been filled with seasonal decorations since August, so your child has likely already seen witches, ghosts and other playful characters for weeks. How did they respond? What kinds of questions did they ask? Use their reactions as a guide to understand how they’re processing the experience. Answer their questions and help them see costumes and decorations as part of imaginative play. And while you’re reading their cues, don’t forget to read them books! Picture books about dressing up and trick-or-treating can be a great way to introduce them to this fun and unfamiliar tradition.
Dress for success. Your child’s experience will be more enjoyable if they’re comfortable in their costume. That starts with giving them a say in choosing who or what they want to dress up as, and making sure their outfit is made from soft, breathable fabrics that are easy to move in and suitable for the weather. Avoid rigid plastic masks that can block vision — especially important when kids are excited and moving quickly. Non-toxic face paint or makeup is a safer alternative.
Also, check the fit: Pants that are too long can cause trips, and tight clothing may restrict movement or become uncomfortable over time. One more tip — anything your child carries (like swords, wands or props) often ends up in your hands. Bring an extra bag for accessories. You’ll be glad you did.
Teach them their P’s and Q’s. Seasonal festivities offer a unique opportunity for young children to interact with adults in ways that are both new and meaningful. Knocking politely on doors, making eye contact and saying “please” and “thank you” are all part of the etiquette that comes with these traditions. It’s a great time for parents to help children practice respect and gratitude as they engage with neighbors and community members.
Avoid the sugar shock. Before heading out for evening festivities, make sure your child has a balanced, nutritious meal. Foods rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep them feeling satisfied. Treats can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle when enjoyed in moderation, so consider setting some ground rules ahead of time — like how much candy they can eat or bring home. Involving your child in setting these limits helps them build awareness around what they eat, when and how much.
Turn candy into a learning opportunity. Sorting treats by color, shape or type can be a fun visual math activity for younger children. As they grow older, encourage them to read labels and compare ingredients — this helps build awareness around moderation and mindful eating. If their sweet tooth lingers well into November, consider creating a calendar or chart to track their treat consumption. It’s a simple way to teach pacing and self-regulation while keeping things fun and engaging.
Make space for kids with special needs. You know your child best. If you are trick-or-treating with a child who has special needs, consider routine and comfortability: Choose the location, costume, time of day and route that will work best for them. Consider processing needs and plan time for your child to practice wearing their costume, going door to door and talking through what they can expect. Plan for sensory essentials such as headphones, sensory toys and comfort items that can help your child feel secure. Allow for downtime at the end of the evening so that your child has ample time to decompress. Let your child be your guide, follow their lead and don’t be shy: Ask a neighbor to pause their strobe lights or to turn their porch light on for your child. Your simple request is a building block toward greater inclusivity for all.
Hunt for new haunts. If your family is not quite up for neighborhood trick-or-treating yet, seek out family-friendly Halloween gatherings. Many are popping up all over the county, all throughout the month. Local libraries, recreation centers and schools host Halloween fairs. And the YMCA’s Trunk-or-Treat events bring families together for candy, games and more at several locations throughout the county. Registration is open now for participants, volunteers or cars. (Use your imagination: Prizes will be awarded for best costume and most creatively decorated trunk!)
Kaycee Martin is director of Operations, Child & Youth Development at the YMCA of Orange County.
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