Boo!

It’s a shift in seasons, in energy. 

And the ratio of light to darkness is becoming more clear. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about the history of Halloween, and some of our traditions in the US: dressing up in costume, going “trick-or-treating,” spending time with loved ones, eating too much candy, watching scary movies, and beyond. The roots of these behaviors and rituals go back thousands of years, and there’s a lot to learn about the ways some of our ancestors responded to the change of seasons, and the connection between the spirit of the living and the souls of the dead.

But for the purposes of today, I just have a couple things to share. 

I love Halloween for its opportunity to dress and disguise and be whoever I want to be.  It’s also a fabulous opportunity for us, as adults, to shake-it-up and engage in the playful experience of dressing up and pretending alongside our children. Engaging in the creative process of imagination with your child during this season is a fabulous way to be with your child, on their level. 

I want to invite you, as the daylight becomes shorter and the nights become longer, to use *play* as a means of communication and connection with your family. This article by Skye Munro at Hand In Hand Parenting has a fabulous list of ways to engage in play with your children without feeling like you are losing yourself.

And in fact, research shows that play and laughter significantly decrease stress, even in adults! YES!

Who isn’t stressed right now? 

Let’s Play! 

If you celebrate this halloween tradition of “trick-or-treat,” I support you in enjoying the act of sneaking a piece of your child’s candy after bedtime! 

And KNOW that you are fabulous for showing up everyday! 

A few things to remember about Halloween activities:

• If your child is sensitive to lots of sensory stimuli, such as visual, auditory, or just being around a lot of people at once:

  • Be aware of this and infuse some “sensory breaks” in your adventures this weekend.

• Do what you can to limit the intake of sugar.

• If your child is watching movies with suspense and thrill, here is a gentle reminder to be sure to be alongside them,

  • You can pause and discuss the scary things together.

  • You can talk about what your child would do differently than the characters.

  • You can assure your child that they are safe and loved.