My Role During Halloween

Halloween. The one time of year where you can dress up and be anyone in the universe you want to be. What better excuse do you need to get excited about this remarkable day? Growing up I was always taught this. I was told it was a magical night where monsters ran wild, ninjas kicked butt, and vampires were scary and did not glitter.

When I first became a father I was leery about my role during Halloween. My friends and I all used to set up our own “yard of horrors” when we were younger. I soon realized once I saw the horror on my young daughters face in being frightened by daddy scaring people and acting so “not-daddy” to her. I soon hung up my mask and creepy demon fingers and traded them in for a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a little one’s hand. My role as a dad during Halloween has changed significantly in the past seven years. Now that I have three little ones that are so ready each year to go tromping through the neighborhood, I really see how important my role during this night has matured.

Here are some things that I have put into action over the years.

  • Encourage you child to use their imagination to the fullest.  If they want to fly down the street during trick or treating, talk with an accent all day, or even moan like the undead…let them.
  • When it comes to selecting costumes for Halloween let them be whatever they want.  As long as it is in good taste and holds still to your family values.  My four year old has been Batman for the last three years and he loves it every year.
  • Halloween candy is for Halloween.  I let them indulge on some candy but after a few days it all goes bye bye. It is a night filled with candy and they shouldn’t have the desire to stock up.  Keep it special.
  • You already paid a ridiculous amount for those costumes.  After the night is over just let them wear the costume whenever they want.  Our kid’s costumes go in the dress up drawer and they come out and get put on frequently.

After all that I have experienced over the years I really feel it is important that my kids know that I want them to have fun on Halloween. I will be there when they need me to walk them up that sidewalk when it looks too dark and give them Pepto when they eat too much. I have always thought that it’s not just the act of walking from house to house that defines the night..it’s the walk and the time spent in between.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Dad Central Consulting and they sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

October 20, 2010 | Filed Under Family 

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