Halloween’s Best When The Kids Have The Most Fun

Kids will be knocking on my door this evening in hopes of finding that perfect treat while I do my best to avoid the dreaded trick. Halloween is here again and I hope the kids have fun. I remember the good and sometimes mischievous times I had on All Hallows Eve. It was all about kids having fun.

But, I guess I missed the memo, because somewhere along the line it seems Halloween turned out to be more about adults having fun more than the kids. I don't begrudge anyone having fun and a good time, and if there is some of that for us on Halloween, that's terrific, unless we adults diminish the fun the kids should have on this night.

For a young person, Halloween can be a fun but also rewarding experience, and I'm not just talking about the haul of candy.

Halloween fosters creativity and imagination. It allows children to unleash their creativity by designing unique costumes, transforming into characters from their favorite stories or movies. This imaginative process helps in their cognitive development, enhancing problem-solving skills and encouraging self-expression. Additionally, the thrill of dressing up instills confidence, enabling children to step into the shoes of their chosen characters and explore the world from a different perspective.

Halloween also promotes social interaction and community bonding. Trick-or-treating not only encourages children to engage with neighbors but also teaches valuable lessons in politeness and gratitude. It creates a sense of belonging within a community, fostering friendships and camaraderie among neighbors, young and old alike. These interactions help in building social skills and instilling a sense of unity, teaching children the importance of sharing and caring for others.

Halloween teaches important life skills such as decision-making and resource management. Children learn to strategize their routes, making decisions about which houses to visit and managing their time effectively. They also learn the art of negotiation and compromise when trading candies with siblings or friends, honing their negotiation skills from an early age.

Plus, there is that candy.

Sadly, Halloween seems to be fading away from the hearts of children. In today's fast-paced world, where screens often replace costumes and online games overshadow trick-or-treating, one can't help but yearn for the days when the streets were filled with laughter, spooky costumes, and the joyous cries of "trick or treat!" I strongly believe that Halloween should continue to be celebrated as a cherished holiday for kids.

And as long as it is, it's all right for the rest of us to have some fun, too.