Resources for Helping Our Children Have Fun for Halloween

There are so many great things about this time of year. It can also be a difficult time as well. For me, October, November and December seem to go so quickly that I often think now that it's October, 2022 is over and 2023 is already here. And it can seem like that. We put out decorations for one, and before we know it, we are taking those decorations down and we're setting things back up for another holiday or even skipping thanksgiving and going straight for Christmas. We blink and months go by. I know we can each have intentions to celebrate in fun, small ways with kids but if we aren't careful, time will escape us and we realize we're out of time to do any celebrating.

For those parents that have a child with a diagnosis where sensory processing challenges occur, difficulties in celebrating many holiday's may be your reality. To help support parents and children of all abilities to prepare for, play and have fun during this time of year, whilst continuing to develop gross motor and fine motor skills, there are two resources that I hope you can use:

1. The Halloween Bucket List! A great resource for doing something fun each day to celebrate the holiday - (opens a new window)

2. Halloween Tips for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges

General Information 

• Halloween can be very overwhelming for children with sensory processing challenges. With special planning for your child’s needs and preferences, Halloween can be enjoyable.
• Remember to encourage your child to use previously established self regulating strategies. Adults can remind the child to use deep breathing, deep pressure, and similar strategies to remain optimally regulated.
• Use books and social stories to prepare your child for many of the Halloween sights, sounds, and routines.

Costumes

• For several weeks before Halloween, provide opportunities for your child to practice.
• wearing a variety of potential costumes. The child should develop a preference and be more pre- pared for the “real event”.
• Do not compel your child to wear a mask or other uncomfortable clothing.
• Offer your child a costume that is comfortable. Perhaps a soft cotton sweat suit with a seasonal design on the front of the shirt. Add a tail to soft sweatpants or attach bunny ears to the hood of a sweatshirt.
• If your child opts to wear a costume, bring along a comfortable Halloween themed alternative if he/she can no longer tolerate the costume.

Going House to House

• Some children are just not ready to go from house to house. Perhaps the child could be the person that passes out the treats at his own house.
• Some children may be ready to walk to a few houses, but may become overwhelmed by face to face encounters with strangers. Perhaps the child’s sibling or friend could collect the treat. 
• Your child may benefit from starting early to avoid the dark.
• Some children may benefit from “trick or treating” at one or two homes. Select places your child is familiar and comfortable with, such as grandparents and other close relatives/friends.
• For several weeks before Halloween, provide opportunities for your child to practice “trick or treating” while in their home. He/she may approach family members to role play the “trick or treat” experience.

Halloween Parties

• Your child may need to be one of the first to arrive when the crowd is small. At the beginning of the party there should be less noise (auditory) and things to look at (visual input).
• Your child may need to be one of the first to depart, before the experience becomes too intense.
• Look for a place to take your child if a retreat is needed. Even a brief time in the car may suffice.

The above tips were provided by toolstogrowOT.com.

The greatest joy I have as a parent is watching each of my children and see the joy and happiness through their eyes. I hope you see that this coming holiday. Be safe and enjoy the celebrations. I hope you are able to make great and lasting memories! Happy Halloween.