The “H” word in parenting-HALLOWEEN
There are many “H” words in parenting that is for sure. Happy, hug, heartfelt, healthy, and humorous are ones that are common in everyday parent living. But the big “H” word HALLOWEEN consumes us parents sometimes starting as early as August of every year.
Why is Halloween such an important staple in our lives? For the children it is probably the excitement of getting the biggest pile of candy they set their eyes on since last Halloween. We as Americans spend six billion dollars annually on candy for this holiday, so we know these piles of candy can be large. It also can be the fun of planning and having something to look forward to. Having plans as a holiday, a trip or a simple event is a great way to focus on the positive things in life. Also, planning helps introduce a lot of new language and words to young children.
The planning of the costume, the family theme and or the trunk theme can be a grueling process. Some families love doing the group theme. Movie themed, superhero themed and even game themed. When I was a child, I do not recall all this effort. We got a plastic costume with a mask that stayed on by a string. We were lucky if the costume lasted the one trick or treating experience. Now a day most children and families have multiple events annually. Which means costumes are way more intricate now a days.
These trick or treating events are a great family bonding process. There are group decisions to be made and a great way to show how everyone’s voice matters and how to work as a group. There is the decision of what costumes, when and which events we will attend.
Having children part of the process is a great way to teach children boundaries, timelines and even possibly the kind act of donations. As a child I always remember Halloween candy disappearing and not making out again until Thanksgiving where my mother hoped the large family gathering would mean the end to the big pile of candy.
Now a days there are a lot of ways organizations that will take donated candy. You can donate your treats to armed services through soldiers’ angels and operations stars and stripes which takes donations as treats for troops. Many dentist offices do a candy buy back for oral hygiene products. You can also add candy to donation bags to the homeless community.
With Halloween is right around the corner I wish everyone a Happy Healthy Humorous and Heartfelt HALLOWEEN.
