Keeping Halloween fun! COVID edit.

With Halloween right around the corner, here are some tips for keeping your evening fun and low-stress!​

• Practice wearing costumes and masks: Practicing early allows children to get accustomed to their costume. If you notice there are certain aspects of the costume that are uncomfortable, you’ll have time to make alterations before Halloween. Altering the costume to make it easier to remove (if needed) and/or bringing a back-up outfit can provide alternate options to keep your Halloween low-stress. ​Because we're living in the time of COVID, preparing your child for the change in expectations with trick-or-treating, like social distancing, wearing a mask, using hand-sanitizer, etc. can be useful! 
• Decorate gradually: For those who are overwhelmed by sudden changes in the environment, consider keeping Halloween decor minimal or gradually decorating over a period of time.
• Use a visual schedule, stories, or videos to explain what happens during trick-or-treating!
  • Simple trick-or-treat visual
  • Trick-or-treat Visual
  • Super Simple Songs: Knock, Knock, Trick-or-Treat?
• Practice trick-or-treating at a familiar place: Let your neighbors know you’ll be practicing your trick-or-treating skills before Halloween. Some children may practice trick-or-treating in the hallways of their school.
• Offer other options: You and your child may decide that going trick-or-treating is not how you want to spend Halloween. Staying home to pass out candy, making Halloween crafts, and watching seasonal movies are some other great options! At the end of the day, though, you don't have to celebrate Halloween - it's okay to do whatever is most comfortable and positive for you and your family. 

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​Happy Halloween!