Hallowe'en is often one of the favourite times of year for families, children and parents alike. It is an excuse to get dressed up, have fun, and eat candy. If you are going to be around young children (younger than eight) or if you are a parent to a young child, should you be choosing a scary costume?



Tradition

The Hallowe'en tradition is to dress up as ghosts and goblins. This was to frighten the souls that were walking the earth on All Hallows Eve.

American Hallowe'en is now a far cry from that. While there are still some aspects of the old traditions, including pumpkin carving and costume wearing, there is now much less of an emphasis on scariness and much more of an emphasis on candy!

Internationally

Hallowe'en is not celebrated globally. What Hallowe'en is now in America—an excuse to have masquerade parties and get together—would be called a “fancy dress” party in Australia or New Zealand.

England is where the traditions surrounding All Hallow's Eve began, but they still do not celebrate with the same door-to-door trick-or-treating that North Americans associate with trick-or-treating.

When giving out candy

Children enjoy being scared a little bit, but don't ever make them feel truly unsafe. It is fine to decorate your house, put on a costume, and even play scary music…but know that if a child is really getting fearful, you need to perhaps take off your mask or turn on a light to help the child be less scared.

When dressing up your child

If your children are too young, they might not want to dress up in scary clothes or be scared. Consider other alternatives for these kids such as ballerinas and princess or cowboys and superheroes. (And remember if your child wants to have a gender bending costume, that is perfectly normal for children and you should support their decision).

Older children might want to dress up in scary costumes. They will also probably want to hear the scary traditions from around the world, or about historical moments (such as witch-burning) that seem particularly gruesome. However, if they want to have a lighter costume, it is also up to them.

When taking your child out trick-or-treating

Never stay too far behind your children, and always let them know that you will be there at all points. Of course, you shouldn't let your children eat any candy until after you have inspected it (but that's no reason not to inspect some of the candy while you're making the rounds!)

Have a fun and safe Hallowe'en, and good luck choosing your costumes!