Handling Halloween as a Resource Parent

Halloween may just be the perfect bonding opportunity for you and your foster child. Fun movies, fun costumes, fun fall activities and fun candy are all exciting for kids of any age, and they’ll have a blast when you get involved too. When tackling Halloween, be extra precautious and diligent regarding any allergies and dietary restrictions that your child may have, and keep in mind that extravagant Halloween celebrations may be completely new to them. Here’s some helpful tips on how to make this Halloween the best one yet for you and your child.

Homemade Costumes 

If your child is dead set on being their favorite princess for Halloween, go ahead and take that trip to your local costume store. However, if your kid is open to fun, or even punny costume ideas, get them excited about coming up with something different and making costumes together! Some fun and more popular ideas are: elderly people (complete with tiny walkers), favorite foods (like bunches of grapes or Starbucks Frappuchinos), or their favorite movie characters.

Don’t Set Any Expectations 

While you are all set for a fun holiday with your family and a new edition, your foster child may be having a completely different experience. It’s okay to want to have fun, but by not setting any expectations for the night, you are giving your foster child room to feel and experience their emotions. Here are some things your child may be experiencing:

• Your foster child isn’t with their biological parents
• They’re trying to learn all sorts of new house rules
• They might have a new school to get used to during the day
• Your family may celebrate differently than they are used to
• >Your foster child might be having fun at your home and feel like they are betraying their biological parents
• They are missing biological siblings or other family members during this holiday

Stay Safe

Take every possible precaution to ensure your child remains safe during trick-or-treating or any other activity you choose to do! Some huge ways to do this are:

1. Choosing fire-resistant materials
2. Avoiding dangerous props and accessories
3. Choosing non-toxic face paint & makeup
4. Investing in reflective tape—you’ll spot your kid from a mile away

No matter what your plans are this Halloween, keep your foster child’s best interest at heart and it will turn out to be the best Halloween they could have. Stay safe and have fun!