Halloween tips for toddlers

Toddlers for Halloween

Toddlers, ages two and three, are usually experiencing Halloween for the very first time. Although it is a whimsical holiday, it can also provoke a range of emotions including fear, insecurity and confusion. Dr .Vicki Folds, an expert in early childhood development, advises parents to consider several ideas to make their child’s first Halloween a magical and positive experience:

A Day to Pretend

Parents should show their child that Halloween is a day to pretend.  Make sure the holiday is treated as a day to play dress up and have a party, which is important for a child’s imagination development. Do not emphasize the scary elements of skeletons, witches and goblins. Toddlers are too young to understand these images.

Emphasize the festive appeal of the holiday. Decorate the house jn Halloween colors such as orange and black, not necessarily with frightening images of witches and monsters. Have snacks in the house that are orange and black. Keep in mind that the snack does not have to be sugar-filled, it can be healthy. Offer oranges and raisins.

Organize a neighborhood parade or party. Toddlers should celebrate Halloween during daylight hours, not in the evening or night when older children are roaming the neighborhood in scary costumes. Instead of nighttime trick-or-treat parents can make the day fun by organizing a parade for the youngest children in the neighborhood, or hosting a Halloween party at a neighbor’s house.

Age Appropriate Costumes

Invent costumes out of clothing children wear regularly. For example, make an outfit out of a pair of Pocahontas pajamas that the child will be familiar with and feel comfortable wearing. A few days before Halloween, have a ‘mock’ holiday. Dress up the toddlers and yourself. By putting on a costume in front of the child, and talking about what you are doing, the toddler will understand the holiday better and confront fears ahead of time.

Listen to your child. Many parents are excited about the holiday and the chance to dress up their child, but be sure to pay attention to whether or not your child is ready to wear a costume. If the child is upset by the idea, don’t do it. All children develop at different paces and this should be respected.

Never cover a toddler’s face. Parents may want to slip a mask on their child, but at this age it is not a good idea. Invent a costume that keeps the child’s face uncovered. Hats with bunny ears or horns are a good option, or add decorations to their pajamas.