My son LOVES Halloween. He loves everything about Halloween…the pumpkins, the decorations, the hayrides, the farms (oh, the farms!), the costumes, the candy that he can’t eat, the lights…everything.

He has been talking about Halloween since August when he saw the first pumpkin in the store. I’m certainly not looking forward to the Christmas decorations because we all know how he reacted last year to the holiday decorations and the activity.

He obviously loves carving pumpkins but his favorite thing to do is actually making a gingerbread halloween house and he has talked about making one since last halloween. It’s not the candy that he likes…he just loves the project. Luckily, since AJ loves Halloween we don’t have any trouble with the build-up and the costume…but we have tons of trouble with the trick-or-treating because of his sensory overload problems and his issues with strange people.

I wrote much of this post several years ago but it was such a hit I thought I should bring it back out…

Some Helpful Halloween Tips:

1. Be Sensory Smart about costumes
Choose a costume that you know your little one will love. AJ loves soft and fuzzy textures and thrives on deep pressure. So, what does he want? Fuzzy Elmo, a Big Yellow Duck, and this year…A Fluffy Pumpkin (albeit…nothing with hats). They are all so soft he can pet them when he gets anxious. If your child hates tight clothing avoid it and go for the sweatshirt, the tail, the bunny/mouse/dog ears, and a touch of face paint (if allowed).

2. Be Sensory Smart when Trick-or-Treating
Start early, avoid the dark, dress warm (or cool), and stay away from crowds.

3. Be Mommy Smart
Eat before you go, hit the bathroom, head to houses you know and your child knows, don’t push it when things get overwhelming, have a buddy for you and him/her, do a practice run at the neighbors or grandma’s house, and know when to call it a night.

4. Be Smart
Avoid the scary night.

5. Be fun
Have your child open the door for trick or treaters, especially if they did not do well getting the candy…AJ loved giving the candy more than getting it last year. He was much more comfortable at home than he was at other’s houses. He did not know what to expect out “there” but LOVED opening the door.

6. Be crafty
AJ loves to do crafts at home and at school. Last week we carved our pumpkin (which has already molded), made a Gingerbread Halloween House, and colored a ghost. Yeah, I’m not very creative but I am sure you can be more innovative. Try Parenting our Children for some better Halloween Crafts and Family Fun Magazine.