Making Halloween A Fun Holiday Instead Of Scary

Making Halloween A Fun Holiday Instead Of Scary

Most children look forward to the fun of Halloween all year long. Little ones love dressing up and going from door to door for piles and piles of candy. But more times than not, when Halloween actually arrives, many toddlers and preschoolers shriek in terror at the horrendous monsters and goblins walking the street. They cling to mom and dad, crying to go home. And when they do brave that one last door, a cackling witch or bouncy spider greets them to completely bring the night to an end.

Your young child's fears of the frightening decorations and costumes at Halloween time are normal. During the preschool years, children are still developing a sense of fantasy and reality and the difference in the two is still not quite clear. It may take time for your child to be completely at ease with the scary costumes and terrifying sounds, but there are a few things you can do to make him more comfortable.

First, be understanding of your child's fears and don't force her to look at things if she doesn't want. Let her know that it is okay to be scared of the creepy masks and that many other children are afraid of them too. Always reassure her that all those scary things are just pretend and that even though they look frightening, they can't really hurt her.

During these years, don't expect too much with costumes your child will wear. Choose something comfortable, avoiding stuffy masks, and something that isn't scary. A character your child likes may be a good selection. Allowing your little one to help decide on which costume to buy may make him feel more comfortable about putting it on. Fance painting is a fun activity all year round. Dressing up for fun with the Galt face painting kit is another way to help your little one be more willing when it comes time to put on those costumes.

Once you head out the door with your costume-clad preschooler, choose the houses you approach with care. Skip the heavily decorated homes and those with loud, spooky music. Also beware of monsters, witches, and vampires giving out candy. Your child will probably not want the candy from those ghoulish hands! Limit your time and the distance you travel to meet your little one's physical capabilities. Many preschoolers are exhausted after about half an hour and a couple blocks. If you decide to keep your little one home to hand out candy, be sure you look before allowing him to open the door.

Many toddler and preschool age children would enjoy a Halloween party more than trick or treating. The combination of the night's excitement, your little one's fears, and the amount of walking involved can tire out a child fast and may be frustrating and stressful as well. You may decide to invite over a few of your child's friends and celebrate with cookies, cupcakes, and cider. Play a few simple games, have a costume contest, and send everyone home with candy for a spectacular preschool Halloween.

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