Kids all over the country are picking out their costumes. They are dreaming about what awaits them this Halloween when they come home from trick-or-treating to dump out their pail and discover all the treats!
Unfortunately, many kids out there empty their candy bags to find only things they cannot eat. Sometimes kids who start to go out trick-or-treating must return home early for various reasons. Other kids can't go out at all.
So what are some ways to make sure more children feel included? Here are our top 10 tips to make your home welcoming to more kids.
1. Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
By placing a teal pumpkin by your doorstep, you signal to families that you are offering alternatives to candy, helping the 1 in 13 children with food allergies or other intolerances and conditions enjoy Halloween.
You don't have to ditch the candy altogether, but offering a separate bowl of non-food items for kids can make all the difference. Need some ideas? Try bubbles, rings, make-and-take crafts, pencils, bracelets, glow sticks, or stickers!
Learn more about how to join the Teal Pumpkin Project!
 EvgeniiAnd via Canva |
2. Set Up a "Just in Case" Station.
You don't have to prepare for every emergency that may happen while others are trick or treating, but if you have extra bandages, diapers, wipes, water bottles, or even extra bags for collecting candy, you may prevent a family from having to go home early and miss out on trick or treating.
3. Be Understanding if a Child is Not Wearing a Costume.
There are numerous reasons why a child might not be in costume, from sensory issues to their family not being able to afford one or simply not having the time to go pick one out.
Avoid bringing attention to a child's lack of costume and possibly making them feel bad by allowing them to participate however they can.
4. Don't Expect a "Thank You" or a "Trick or Treat."
It's not always easy to tell what a child's capabilities are from looking at them. Forcing a child to say these things might make children with anxiety or those who are non-verbal feel uncomfortable or stressed.
 AnnaStills via Canva |
5. Provide a Clear Path to Where You are Handing Out Candy.
As a former mail carrier, I tend to be over-vigilant when looking for slip, trip, and fall hazards. However, excited kids most likely won't think twice. You don't want your house to be the reason a kid gets hurt or has to go home early.
On the other side of this, keep in mind that some kids might require the use of a wagon, stroller, or wheelchair. Try to find a place to pass out candy or leave a candy bowl that doesn't require kids to go upstairs.
6. Let Kids Be Kids, As Long As They Can Be!
Kids only get to be kids for so long. If a child looks "too old" to be trick or treating, remember that we know very little about them from a short interaction such as trick-or-treating.
Allowing a child to participate — whatever their age — causes no actual harm. However, we never know the hurt we might cause by not including someone.
7. Keep Your Pets Inside.
As pet owners, we want to show off our adorable furry family members as much as possible! Unfortunately, you never know how your pet may respond in every situation or how a child may respond to seeing a pet.
A stress response from a child or a pet may end in catastrophe. Keeping your pets in a safe location during trick-or-treating hours is the best way to avoid unexpected situations.
 Damedeeso via Canva |
8. Avoid Strobe Lights, Fog Machines, Motion Sensor Decorations, and Loud Music.
Studies show that, on average, 1 in 6 children have sensory issues and could find these items overstimulating. Additionally, children with asthma might react to the particles in the air from a fog machine.
What might seem harmless to some might cause a child to become overstimulated or have a meltdown or other reaction, leading to a not-so-fun early night.
9. Participate in Reverse Trick-or-Treating.
Have extra candy left over? Did your own children come home with too much candy? Drop off candy to other kids who may not have had the opportunity to go Trick-or-Treating! (Be sure to ask if the child has dietary restrictions!)
10. Be Patient and Understanding.
We know very little about the children at the receiving end of trick-or-treating. Being inclusive starts with understanding, even in situations we don't readily understand. The most important part is ensuring every child goes home safe and feels included.
It's nearly impossible to be inclusive to every child every time, but implementing one or two of the items from this list might make one child's whole Halloween just a little bit more special!
