Scare Free Halloween for Toddlers
Safe Fall Traditions with Young Children
Halloween can be a lot of fun for a toddler. Toddlers enjoy dressing up and participating in festive Halloween activities. Halloween can also be scary for toddlers who may not understand some of the scary costumes and decorations that they see. Things that are obviously fake to an adult may appear real to a toddler and be the start of nightmares and new phobias.
Go Trick-Or-Treating Early
Trick-or-Treating can be started just before dusk when there is still enough light out for toddlers to feel comfortable being outside. Neighborhoods with young children are more likely to be prepared for early trick-or-treaters, and going out with your toddler early will stop you from crossing paths with many of the older kids who are more likely to have scary costumes.
Only visit homes that are well lit and have toddler-friendly Halloween decorations. Dark entryways that are heavily decorated and have scary music playing should be avoided, especially if they have an adult sitting on the porch posing as part of the decorations. If you encounter a scary costume that frightens your toddler, explain that it is only pretend. Ask the person wearing the costume to take off the mask if possible and show your toddler her face.
Trunk-or-Treat When Possible
Many schools, churches, and neighborhoods host an annual trunk-or-treat event for younger children. Trunk-or-Treating is similar to Trick-or-Treating but it takes place in a limited area and usually involves going from to stores, parked cars in a parking lot with people in the neighborhood, or door to door in a public place. Trunk-or-treat is a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating for toddlers and involves less walking which also makes it more manageable for toddlers. Ask your city, local school, mall, or other community locations if they are sponsoring a trunk-or-treat event.
Avoid Masks
Masks can be frightening to toddlers, even when they are worn by someone they know. Wear a Halloween costume that will not be scary to your toddler so you can enjoy a fun night together and create wonderful fall memories.
Read About Halloween
There are many great books for toddlers that celebrate Halloween in a fun way that is not frightening to toddlers. Books are a great way to celebrate Halloween and make it a fun and exciting holiday for a toddler instead of something scary.
Some great scare-free books for toddlers are:
Focus on Fun Fall Family Activities
There are many great local events for families to celebrate Halloween that are fun and not too scary for toddlers. Visit a corn maze with your toddler during the day. After dark many corn mazes are “haunted” and in the dark they can be frightening for toddlers. Visit a local farm or petting zoo. Often times, petting zoos will have a Halloween party with fun games and crafts that are perfect for toddlers.
Halloween can be an exciting holiday for toddlers. Avoiding scary costumes and decorations can help make Halloween a memorable holiday filled with great family memories for your toddler.
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