How to plan a Halloween costume for little quick-change artists

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As someone who loves Halloween, talking about what costumes and activities we will be doing at school is very exciting. From scary movies to mystery writing, I find Halloween to be a time when children’s creativity and imagination take flight.

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Some kids are determined about what to wear, while others just can’t make up their minds. If you give them the chance, they could go out dressed as something or someone else for days. While this can be frustrating for adults, it is the only time of year when individuals can dress in a way that is unique, unusual and reflects their personality. I’m one of those people: not only do I like to sit and watch a good horror movie, but I can never decide on just one costume. I usually pick a different one for every event that comes my way.

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Now the big question: how do you stay cool when your kid just can’t decide on a costume?

Don’t leave it until the last minute. Some kids may be asking for costumes as early as September. The moment you notice it, don’t wipe it off. Listen to your children’s ideas and let them brainstorm. You may not be there yet, but look forward to the excitement.

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Be clear and remember that it’s okay to say no. Many parents listen to all the seemingly crazy ideas and reply, “We’ll see.” This answer, although short and sweet, leads to an abundance of hope. Your kid will go to school bragging about how they can dress up in whatever costume they choose. “We’ll see” leaves a lot of room for speculation, even if it means six different costumes.

Make a list of up to five different ideas. Some kids may know exactly what they want, while others spend days changing their minds. Writing it down is a good way to start narrowing down. Once these ideas are out there, discuss them with your child and pick two favorites. This way you can express your opinions and lead your children to realistic decisions, but you also avoid arguments – and we all know that children like to fight.

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To plan. When the time comes, you can either use the last two options (one for school and one for trick-or-treating) or let your child choose their favorite. The beauty of this process is that your child chooses. There will be no room for quarrels.

What if you don’t celebrate Halloween?

Some families do not celebrate Halloween for cultural, personal, or religious reasons, and may even disapprove of it. It can be hard to take if you’re someone looking forward to this time of year. Be aware that whatever your situation, your child will be exposed to the celebrations. In our society, it can be very difficult to hide things from our children. If they don’t hear about it from a friend, they might see it on TV or social media. Here are some ideas to consider if you and your kids aren’t celebrating Halloween.

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Teach your child about Halloween. Just because you’re not partying doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Like any culture or religion, we can be born into a belief or develop one as we grow. Find out where Halloween came from and why it’s celebrated. Education is the key to success, and I don’t mean academically. By being open to learning, we create a space for conversation and debate, and give children the space to understand why they might not be doing what everyone else is doing.

Talk about your feelings. Some children may feel left out even though they know their parents care deeply about the holidays. That is normal. Acknowledge that your child may be confused or sad. Let them know their feelings are valid.

I know it seems obvious, but children will challenge you until they know there is reason for belief. While they may not be happy or agree with you, teachings and conversations give them the information they need to absorb and understand your beliefs.

I would love to hear from you! Submit your stories of challenging Halloween experiences. What are your child’s top costume choices this year? How do you deal with Halloween when you’re not celebrating? [email protected]

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