Usually, it was simply made of things we had around the house. It wasn’t any sort of statement, it was just a costume, and, probably more cost effective than the really cool “store bought” costumes that I discovered later.

So, some years, I had a “homemade” costume, while other years, I had a generic “cover-all” style costume, and, whatever uncomfortable mask came in the shiny box with the cellophane window.

I could be wrong, but, back then a costume was just a costume, and, it didn’t feel like the measure of parenting devotion that it does today.

Somewhere along the line, though, at times, it seems like the Halloween costume issue has become yet more fuel added to the “Mommy Wars” fire.

In some circles, “store bought” costumes are looked upon with disdain as the domain of working mothers who don’t/can’t take time to lovingly create a costume for their little ones. While “homemade” costumes are created by mothers who don’t work outside the home, and, have the time to provide “only the best” for their children.

While those particular depictions are certainly exaggerated stereotypes, there can be some subtle element of truth to the sentiments from both perspectives. We’ve all seen it, or something like it. I hate it that it can crop up over something as innocent as a Halloween costume, though.

I work full time, and, my kids have always had the costumes they wanted, and, it so happens they’ve been store bought costumes. I really don’t think much about it, but, the fact is that other people might, I don’t know.

Work or not, I have no idea if I could make a costume to their specifications, but, I would certainly try if they wanted me to make one. But, I doubt they would, when there’s so much excitement to be purchased in the Target Halloween aisle starting in August or something insane like that.

Anyway, I’m too busy working on my own costume to deeply ponder other peoples’ Halloween costumes.

If you can keep a secret, I’m going to carry a backpack full of oatmeal. I’m going as “Haulin’ Oats”.

Get it? Hall and Oates?

Yes, I’m old. I know.

But, so are my friends.

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That’s right! Today’s yet another Blogtoberfest Day here at Career and Kids, and, there’s a prize lurking behind this very entry.

Just leave a comment for your chance to win! Pretty easy, huh?

Really, all you have to do is leave a comment, and, that is your entry to win! Winner will be announced within a week, so check back often to see who won.

Be sure to look around the other b5media Family and Relationships Channel blogs for other chances to win, now, through October 19th, 2007.

Don’t forget, I’m also at GenBetween, watch for prizes over there, too, during Blogtoberfest!

Update: Winner announced here.

Post from: Blisstree

Halloween costumes and the “Mommy Wars”