Secrets to a Stress-Free Halloween Trick-or-Treating Experience With Kids
Halloween can be a real zoo, can’t it? Yes, rare is the child who doesn’t get a bit over stimulated from all the excitement about costumes, pumpkin carving, decorating, and other holiday stuff. Add into the mix Trick-or-Treating and the effects of all that candy on even the most docile child and many parents are bound to feel slightly overwhelmed.
The good news is it doesn’t have to be so stressful. That is, if you apply some easy strategies that can minimize your stress and maximize the family fun.
Be Certain You Are Stocked Up With Candy to Give Out in Advance
Don’t wait to buy your treats until the day before Halloween. If you get it as far ahead as possible, you’ll not only have a much better choice to pick from, you’ll also not have to fight the crowd of harried shoppers that will be at the store last-minute.
Have Your Kid’s Costume Completely Assembled Several Days Ahead
Whether your child will be wearing a store-bought or a DIY costume, you’ll both be a lot calmer if you get everything together for their getup 2-3 days before the big day. Then, on the morning of Halloween Eve, set out the bag or container they’ll be using to trick-or-treat along with the main costume and everything that’s needed to complete their look: face makeup, accessories, shoes, props, etc.
Set Trick-or-Treating Boundaries
Trying to negotiate with a 5 year-old who’s heading out the door about how many houses he can visit or what his bedtime will be is almost certain to stir up tempers for you both, right? So, why not instead try explaining the rules early in the day, before your child is in costume starry-eyed with visions of candy. That way your child will know well in advance exactly what you expect from him.
Get Some Well-Deserved Pre-Halloween Rest
Everyone will have so much more fun if you are not overtired and cranky. So, depending on the age and energy level of your child, encourage her to take a nap or just kick back for several hours of quiet time in the afternoon prior to going out to trick-or-treat. As a matter of fact, whether or not you’ll be handing out candy at home and/or accompanying your child as she goes door-to-door, you might want to consider banking some sleep for yourself while they’re resting, too.
Enjoy an Early Leisurely Family Dinner Prior to Sundown
A few hours before your child gets dressed up to go out, serve a light, simple, and healthy meal such as their favorite hot soup and some warm rolls. If you and your child are well nourished and relaxed at this point, you’ll both have the fuel to savor all the evening’s excitement.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised about how much happier and relaxed these simple ideas make you and your child feel. After your youngster has returned home from her neighborhood adventures and is safely tucked in her bed with visions of candy corn, chocolate bars, and caramel candies dancing in her head, you’ll both be able to look back on the holiday with a sense of satisfaction and joy.
More by Janis at Mommy Blog Expert or follow her at @MommyBlogExpert
