If you’re like most Freemasons—or Americans, for that matter—you probably have very warm memories of Halloween. Fun and funny costumes. Trick-or-treating with friends. Community parties attended by pretend-ghosts, Spider Man, or Barbie.
But for some children, Halloween can be a challenge, as they struggle with shyness around others or fear of scary costumes. So how can Freemasons be especially kind and considerate to all children this Halloween? Here are some proven tips.
For Those Giving Out Treats:
First and foremost, be kind, warm, and welcoming to all children who ring your doorbell on Halloween. To make children feel as comfortable as possible, greet each trick-or-treater with a smile, offer a friendly comment or two about their costume, and pass out candy without demanding a “trick” or performance. To make sure children with allergies feel welcome and accommodated, consider alternatives to candy, such as non-candy treats, small toys, stickers, or coloring books.
If you and your family members enjoy wearing costumes as you pass out candy or other treats, make sure your costumes aren’t too scary for young children. And as you interact with children, be patient, warm, and kind with them, especially if they appear to be shy, nonverbal, or overwhelmed.
Also be mindful of your house, porch, and lawn decorations, and how they may affect young children. Avoid overly frightening decorations or loud props that may overwhelm younger children or those with sensory or other sensitivities.
For Parents Trick-or-Treating with Children:
Remember that the Freemason value of Brotherly Love can even pertain to other peoples’ children at Halloween. Therefore, teach children to be patient in lines, especially around younger or smaller children who may be frightened by a crowd of trick-or-treaters gathered near a doorway or at a Halloween party.
Also remember that certain costumes may frighten young children, even if those costumes don’t seem at all scary to you. Be aware of each child’s feelings, and help them understand that—while some costumes might be scary—they are not real. Validate their feelings of fear by listening and offering support.
General Tips for a Kind, Safe Halloween:
In addition to the tips we’ve mentioned above, there are other specific ways to ensure a positive Halloween experience for all children this year. For example, be mindful of the “safety factor” of costumes your children (or you) select for trick-or-treating or attending parties. Make sure they are non-flammable and won’t lend themselves to tripping. And if you or a child is using face paint or masks, make sure you select those that won’t obscure vision, particularly at night.
Finally … Remember to have a kind, caring attitude toward children and their tendency to “overdue it” regarding that sack-full of free candy. Make sure kids have a healthy, nutritious meal before trick-or-treating, to manage candy intake and avoid excessive snacking.
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