How To Create An Inclusive Halloween

Connecting for Kids: Your house is all decked out for Halloween, the lights are on, the front door is open and you are all ready to meet the many costumed kids that will visit during Trick-or-Treating. But, how can you create a more inclusive Halloween at your home this year and be truly welcoming to all who will stop by?

Experts from Connecting for Kids and Colors+ Youth Center offer the following tips:

• Be accepting of all children who arrive at your home, even if that child is wearing a gender nonconforming costume such as the dance loving boy dressed up as a ballet dancer or the girl who is dressed up as her basketball hero LeBron James.

• Provide an alternative to candy – such as toys, bubbles, etc. for the estimated 1 in 13 children that have been diagnosed with food allergies.

• Remove items that may cause anxiety (an estimated 1 in 8 children suffer from anxiety). This could include automatically-triggered mechanical decorations, jumping out when the child arrives at your door or wearing a scary mask. Also, keep pets inside and away from the door.

• Be mindful that some children may be nonverbal and not able to say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you.” Do not push for verbal responses and be sensitive to children who do not give expected social feedback.

• Limit triggers for those who have sensory issues (estimated to be seen in as many as 1 in 6 kids). This would include no strobe lights, fog machines or loud music.

• If it is your own child who favors a gender nonconforming costume:

o Warmly receiving your child’s decision

o Role play how to handle questions from peers

o Develop an age-appropriate safety plan in case of bullying