Ghosts, pumpkins, skeletons, and bats seem to be in every yard, front door, and store this time of year. While Halloween time can be such fun for kids to dress up, it can also be very stressful for parents. Juggling classroom parties, trick-or-treating, and all the expenses that come with those can be a huge headache. Read on for a few tips to help make this Halloween fun for both the kids and the parents.
Keep It Affordable
Do not feel obligated to give out treats to trick-or-treaters. This can be a huge unnecessary expense if you are already trying to stay within a budget. If you have kids, join in the fun and walk around with them. This will add some extra physical activity to your day, which can benefit your physical and mental health. If you do not have kids, spend the evening doing something else—you can still walk around and be a part of the excitement as kids are running around the neighborhood.
Many schools host classroom Halloween parties, which can be an extra burden on families’ budgets. If you find yourself in this situation, ask if you can contribute in another way. If you have the time, volunteer to help at the party, make decorations with supplies you or the classroom already have, or simply ask if your family can be excused from contributing this time of year.
Keep It Healthy
1. Alternative Candy Ideas
Halloween candy will not be going away—it is a fun treat and a huge part of the community activity. However, there are ways you can keep you and your family well-nourished even amidst the flood of candy. If you have the resources to contribute snacks for a classroom Halloween party, try giving out mandarin orange “pumpkins” or banana “ghosts.” Simply draw little faces on the peel of the fruit with a food-safe marker and your fruit is instantly festive.
2. Feed a Nourishing Meal
Perhaps the most important thing you can do as a parent is making sure your trick-or-treaters have a full meal before they head out. Between the excitement of the night and all the walking or running that kids will be doing outside, they need to be well-nourished. Dinner should include a protein, whole grain, and fiber. This means something like beans or chicken, whole grain rice or pasta, and a fruit or vegetable. Try these English Muffin Veggie Pizzas and add some chopped chicken for extra protein. Soup like this Hearty Three-Bean Soup is also an excellent option to keep everyone full and satisfied for the busy night. Trick-or-treating on a full stomach will help kids regulate their candy intake better both during and after they collect all their treats. Less sugar means lower chance of cavities, decreased risk of some diseases, and low likelihood of an upset belly.
3. Keep Allergies in Mind
Many kids have food allergies, which can make Halloween an even scarier time of year for them. If you do choose to give away treats, try to have allergy-free options, such as non-food options. For classroom sharing, do the same thing. Festive fruit that is mentioned above is a great alternative in this case.
Most of All, Keep It Fun
Halloween should be a fun time for everyone involved. Only do what makes sense and is most comfortable for you and your family. When budgets are tight, be creative or do not participate. Remember that walking around with trick-or-treaters counts as great physical activity and is a wonderful way to engage with your neighbors or your community.
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