Trick or Treat Dilemma
Calling all expert parents! Halloween is looking to cause me some serious grief this year. The neighborhood we live in is not good for trick or treating because we are all on large lots (making the houses very far apart) and we are the only house on the street with kids. In years past we have gone to friends’ neighborhoods and tagged along in their fun and one year we went to the mall.
This year my youngest (Miss N), who is 5, has made it very well known that she wants to dress up for Halloween, but does not want to go trick or treating because it is dark and scary. Then my 9 year old (Miss M) gets all bent out of shape because she wants to go trick or treating and wants to be scared. Luckily my 11 year old is pretty much resigned himself to doing whatever – all he cares about it getting some candy – he doesn’t care how he gets it.
So, what do I do? One of the girls is going to be very disappointed. I just have to decide which level of disappointment I can handle. I am leaning towards us going to the mall, though. I’d rather have a disappointed 9 year old rather than a traumatized 5 year old. Plus, I am sure Miss M has some gift card left from her birthday that she could spend at the mall…
Last year, we had a 10 yr old, two 8 yr olds, a 6 yr old and a 4 yr old. The 4 yr old didn’t even want to put a costume on, let alone go trick or treating. We wound up driving and parking at each block, and letting the other kids go together while the youngest got to stay with us in the car and pick out a prize. We set up a few different bags, so he had to choose one of them and we’d thrown in some junk prizes like bubba teeth and skunky scratch-n-sniff stickers.
It’s just an idea. The older kids might have a ton of fun going out together, but I know every area isn’t safe for kids on their own. Good luck.
Hit the mall, definitely. I also live in an area that’s not conducive to Trick or Treating house to house. I’ve found the mall to be a safe and very festive alternative. And as for Miss N, well, you know 9-year old girls. That pissy little attitude will melt away after a few stores. Plus, she’s not just getting candy, she’ll probably end up with a few cute new items in the process. What could be better than trick or treating AND shopping in one fell swoop?
And if she still wants to be scared, gather a few of her friends and pop in a scary (age-appropriate) movie after hitting the mall.