TIP #1:
Think about Halloween last year and what worked and didn’t work. Think about proactive steps you can take to improve this year based on what you remember. Did you keep them out too long last year? Were they hungry and melting down halfway through? Notice those things and plan to stay for a shorter time or bring nourishing snacks with you.
TIP #2:
Plan your route and talk through it with your kids (depending on their ages), so they know what to expect. Let them know where you’re going to go, and about how long you’ll stay out, and something they can look forward to when they get home.
TIP #3:
Know your kids and plan accordingly. Are they easily overwhelmed by loud sounds and lots of stimulation? Consider bringing earplugs, or taking a break halfway through your time, or picking a street that’s less stimulating. Do they get more impulsive when they’re over-stimulated? Find streets that are less busy with traffic or go with buddies who will help stay connected with them during their time.
TIP #4:
Attend to their basic needs. Have a good, nourishing dinner before you go out and make sure they drink plenty of water through the night. Kids often meltdown because they’re dehydrated or hungry. And if they are well fed, they’ll be less likely to eat as much candy.
TIP #5:
Talk about the rules ahead of time. Do they need to stay with you or are they allowed to go ahead with friends? Do you need to check their candy before they eat it? Talk through the expectations.
TIP #6:
Have fun! Use the opportunity to play up their costume theme and fly like superheroes from house to house, or zoom like Lightning McQueen past houses you don’t want them to go to. Use their costume themes to redirect them away from behaviors you don’t want them to do and towards healthy and positive alternatives.
TIP #7:
End well: Make sure you give them a heads up a couple of houses before you’re wrapping up. And have something fun to look forward to when they get home. (E.g. Let them know they can eat some candy when they get home and you can look at the pictures of their costumes together.)
HALLOWEEN WEATHER REPORT
Use this with your kiddos when you get home from trick or treating as a sensory calming and connective activity. As you’re telling them the story, make motions on their backs or hands to mimic the story and help their bodies calm.
It was a dark and spooky night in the city of Baltimore
The stars slowly started to appear dotting the night sky
As lots of little children were dressed up and walking in lines
From house to house to find some treats
Then all of a sudden, bolts of lightning streaked across the sky
And the sounds of thunder clapped
Then it started to rain, slowly
And the rain kept coming and coming
But then it began to rain harder
And then something crazy happened…
The rain turned into snow
And all the children made snow angels
Which turned into snowball fights
And then the snow cleared up
There was darkness all around again
The stars shone brightly in the night sky
As the children marched in rows back to their homes
And the children said, “good night”