The Developmental Side of Halloween

Back in the 1900s (actually 1970s and 80s), when I was a kid in Ohio, late October meant frigid breezes, sleet, snow, and sometimes all three at once.  I didn’t go door to door until I had my own child, but we had terrific indoor parties. The plastic masks with the string around the back and thin, easy-to-tear plastic pull-on outfits didn’t make it any less fun to devour all of the treats we made, often at school.  We made candied apples and buckeyes, a peanut butter and sugar treat dipped in chocolate that resembles buckeye tree seeds.  We ate square pizza and drank so many sugary drinks and candies that I’m shocked that I still have teeth.

Trunk or Treat at Oak Tree 40th Street

This time of year is fun for children and parents because it offers a time to really engage and create together.  Children love making decorations, special treats, and costumes. These all give parents the chance to relive their childhoods and to take a break from some of the responsibilities of adulthood.  In fact, Halloween offers a chance to:

1. Save money!  Everyone has old clothes and other household items waiting to be upcycled into a new and snazzy Halloween costume.  Because you only get to wear these get-ups on October 31st and at a party or two, you needn’t spend money to help your children create a great look.  Go throw closets together and find the perfect costume instead.  A policeman takes a matching top and bottom, a hat that is made of construction paper (check out this graduation hat video and simply modify it!), and a badge made of construction paper. A fairy is an old sundress, shredded at the bottom, and cheap wings.  

2. Use this as a time to help children grow their imaginations. Here's a story about imagination:   My son used to wear dresses that swirled around him because in his mind, all that motion was the super energy that transformed him into Iron Man or Spiderman.  It was hilarious to see the dress come off to reveal the all-red “Iron Man” or Spiderman outfit.  He now works in finance, but because he was allowed to explore his imagination, he also draws and creates music on the side and last year, he and his girlfriend dressed as a very creative pun (This is what happens when you have a former English teacher for a mother)! The stories children dream up to explain their choices are often surprising, and their explanations make for great videos to remember later!

   
   

3. Nod to people they admire.  Children really look up to sports, film, TV, and movie celebrities, and allowing them to pay homage is an honor to their idols.  Be sure to look at signature aesthetics like clothes, tools, iconic outfits, and hairstyles.  They don’t need to look exactly like the person, so things that change skin tones aren’t needed.  Wigs, glasses, and hats work perfectly and can be used again for imaginative play when it’s not Halloween.  I’m Oprah with straight hair, an all white outfit, and a microphone.

Trunk or Treat at Oak Tree D Street

If you loved these ideas, I also talked with Zabrielle Little on my podcast about creative and budget-friendly ways to make costumes at home. She shared some fun tips for thrifting, reusing pieces, and getting the whole family involved in the process.🎧 You can listen to our full conversation here: https://youtu.be/DceDQ85krmM

And if you’re feeling inspired, you might also enjoy this short video on how to make a graduation cap perfect for your next celebration!🎥 https://youtu.be/aSh-z5MEQQw

Oak Tree 40th Street Students

One word of caution:  emulating cultures is risky.  Culture has an outward appearance, but often the meaning of what we see can be sacred and significant. Costumes that take on the appearance of cultures need a deeper understanding before assuming that dressing like a religious figure or icon is just for fun.  

Okay, two words of caution:  Halloween can be a bit scary for little ones.  Trick or Treating before sunset blunts the ghostly appearance of decorations. Try taking younger children out right before sunset to get all the tricking and treating in before it’s dark…and later than bedtime.

Have fun on Halloween and be on the lookout for all the creative ideas you see as you are out and about!