| Many parents are concerned about taking their | | | | pumpkin decorating with puffy stickers and |
| toddlers trick-or treating. This tradition is | | | | permanent markers. You can even plan on |
| fun and exciting, but in dimly lit side | | | | making spiders out of big pom poms, black |
| streets, it can be very dangerous for such | | | | pipe cleaners and googley eyes. |
| small kids. There are many alternatives that | | | | |
| are available to toddlers during this holiday | | | | Spread cheer this Halloween instead of |
| that you should look for, especially if | | | | trick-or-treating.a. Organize a visit to a |
| trick-or-treating is not on your schedule. | | | | children's hospital where your child and |
| | | | other children can pass out treats to sick |
| Look for local Halloween/Fall festivals.a. | | | | kids instead of receiving all the goodies.b. |
| Believe it or not, you can find many of these | | | | Organize a visit to a nursing home or |
| at your local supermarket! Where I live, 2 of | | | | assisted living facility. Even a retirement |
| the 3 major supermarkets have Halloween | | | | community. Your kids will be exposed to a new |
| activities, which include giving out candy, | | | | generation and you will be spreading joy to |
| bounce houses, pumpkin decorating and much | | | | the older adults. |
| more!b. Check around at local churches. Where | | | | |
| I live, a church nearby offers something | | | | Only "trick-or-treat" at family and close |
| called "trunk-or-treat". Several parishioners | | | | friends. This may require more driving, but |
| park their cars in the parking lot and have | | | | will be safe and a fun event for your |
| their trunks decorated in Halloween themes. | | | | toddler. |
| They give out candy, have games set up for | | | | |
| the kids to play, and even do face painting. | | | | These are only a few ways your can celebrate |
| They also offer food like popcorn, caramel | | | | Halloween with your toddler this year. Find |
| apples and hot dogs! What a great way to | | | | out what your child enjoys and turn that into |
| celebrate Halloween with your youngest | | | | a yearly tradition until they are old enough |
| children! They are safe in an enclosed area | | | | to trick-or-treat. |
| with many friendly faces all around. | | | | |
| | | | Nicola always enjoys celebrating Halloween |
| Plan your own Halloween party.a. Create a | | | | with her young family. Visit her Halloween |
| large area of games. Bobbing for apples, pin | | | | site for tips and information about Childrens |
| the tail on the black cat, and "Skeleton | | | | Halloween Costumes at |
| Says" (instead of Simon Says) are just a few | | | | |
| ideas you could use.b. Create a large area of | | | | This article may be reprinted in full so long |
| crafts. Making a ghost out of tissues, a | | | | as the resource box and the live links are |
| sucker, a small piece of yarn and permanent | | | | included intact. All rights reserved. |
| markers are always a hit. You can also do | | | | Copyright Best-Halloween. |