Halloween

Halloween can be loads of fun for kids, but truly scary for others. Consider this:

Never force your child to wear a costume.
Let your child help select a costume, within reason, and depending on age. While you may love the idea of a bumblebee suit with wings and bobbing antennae, a silly shirt or a handheld prop such as a magic wand or light saber may be all that he can handle.
Wearing a mask may be intolerable. Let him wear a costume and hold the mask with him hands or skip it all together.
If costumed, make sure it’s something she can partially or fully remove on the sidewalk or at a party so she doesn’t have to go home if she becomes uncomfortable.
Now is a great time to experiment with face make-up as tactile exploration. However, bring baby wipes to remove it just in case.
Avoid sugar overload. Yes, this may be the one time of year you allow your child to fill up on candy, but don’t overdo it!
If attending a Halloween party, follow the party tips we outline in our book, Raising a Sensory Smart Child, including:
- Explain in advance what to expect at the party.
- Identify a “safe spot” to take breaks if needed to avoid sensory overload.
- Bring a comfort object or a hand fidget to get needed calming input.