By Jeni Weisiger
Let’s talk a bit about how to get your toddler through the festivities of Halloween. Setting up clear expectations for your toddler, siblings and yourself can help. Having a conversation and explaining about scary costumes or decorations and traditions before heading out should prove worthwhile. Last, but not least, preparing with the correct equipment will make for an enjoyable night!
Expectations: I want to start here because having realistic expectations can make for a fun and festive Halloween! My thought is with a toddler go out early on your trick-or-treating expedition, and if at all possible, take just your toddler. Along with an adult who stays home you can give older children a chance to answer the door while they wait for their turn. Think also about how long you want to be out with your toddler. Are they expected to walk or do they have a ride in a wagon or stroller? If you are taking all your children and expect to be out for a while (for a toddler awhile is any time beyond 20-30 minutes), a stroller or wagon is essential.
We must set up expectations for all our children during Halloween and discussing these expectations before hand is a must! Toddlers especially need many reminders. I suggest starting to discuss expectations two to three days in advance and reviewing these same expectations daily and once again before you leave. Explaining your expectations will set you and your toddler up for a positive Halloween experience.
What do you expect from your toddler regarding safety? Holding hands while crossing the street? Only going to houses with an adult? Eating candy? You decide what is best for you and your toddler.
An explanation for Halloween festivities will be helpful for young children, rationalizing the scary costumes and decorations, along with traditions. With preparation and some creativity the challenge of explaining Halloween could be amusing. Taking walks around your neighborhood to look at Halloween decorations during daylight will open the door toward a conversation about “just pretend.” At the age of 1½ to 2½, children should be starting to experiment with pretend play, so the concept of “just pretend” should make sense. Also a trip through a Halloween store to look at scary costumes might aid in your conversation; let your child ask the questions and lead the chat. Remember also to be prepared to answer questions during Halloween night.
The traditions of Halloween could also prove to be an entertaining activity. Remember, practice makes perfect! Let your toddler practice ringing your doorbell and saying those magic words, “TRICK-OR-TREAT”! Hand your child pretend candy; you could use blocks or Legos to represent the candy. This is also a good time to practice “thank you.” Encourage your toddler to practice as much of the routine as possible at home: ringing the doorbell or knocking, saying for themselves trick-or-treat and holding up their bag. Toddlers may be shy with strangers, but the more comfortable they feel the more likely they are to participate on the actual day.
My final bit of advice is to be prepared with equipment! If your family rule is no candy until Mom or Dad checks it, be prepared with sweet snacks from home. Your toddler will likely want the delicious reward of all their hard work and having something to offer them will save you a meltdown! Even if Halloween night is forecasted to be warm, bring blankets. It will give a comforting feel for your toddler to have something from home if they are feeling scared or tired. A flashlight or glow stick could also help your toddler feel some control while out trick-or-treating. Just that little bit of light could go a long way.
Have fun this Halloween with your little ghouls and ghosts. Just remember to keep realistic expectations, provide explanations and be prepared with equipment!
Jeni Weisiger is a Developmental Specialist in the Early Intervention Program and teaches infant massage classes to parents and caregivers. She is new to the area and looking for ways to be involved with early childhood in Champaign County.