Trick or Treat and Life is Sweet: Lessons in Parenting During Halloween

by Heather Tayner 

As we get older, we often find that life has a way of evolving. The wonder and excitement we felt around the holidays as children often fades behind the responsibilities of adulthood. Our focus shifts and changes to more practical matters. 

Last night while snuggled up on the couch with my daughter, I realized that Halloween is tomorrow! How the heck did that creep up on us so fast? Of course I’ve seen all the yard decorations popping up all over the place. But to be honest, October has come and gone quicker than I imagined. 

This year, our young daughter is actually into the Halloween spirit, and this will be our first experience Trick-or-Treating. Every day she asks to see more “Halloween Monsters” on our way home as we drive by decorated yards. I’m so excited to see her face light up and to share this experience with her! 

I began planning the details of our Halloween night in my head…

Leave work by 3:30pm. Pick up my daughter by 4pm. Get across town and eat dinner by 4:45pm. Costume change by 5:15. Begin Halloweening by 6pm. Wrap up & go home by 8pm. In bed by 8:30/9pm. Mic drop on a successful Halloween.

Parenthood is a very diligent teacher; we learn to become chaos coordinators and orchestrators of miracles for our families. But what brought me back to basics in this moment of fervent planning was the realization that I was missing out on all the details that would bring joy to her: ringing the doorbell at that first house, seeing other kids’ costumes as we stroll through the neighborhood, the compliments on her costume from friendly neighbors. I want to remember to be present in those simple moments too. 

Bask in their joy about the candies and goodies that they receive Trick-or-Treating tonight, cackle like a witch in front of their friends, and please don’t be afraid to jump scare the older kids who say they aren’t spooked easily. 

As we all head into tonight and the upcoming holiday season, let’s make sure to leave time to just exist with our children. When we are in those joyful moments, focusing more on the experience than on getting from Point A to Point B; that’s where the magic is for your child.