The Truly Scary Part of Halloween

Since mid June I have been hearing my preschoolers plan for Halloween.

"I am going to be Spiderman."
"I'm going to be a fairy princess,"
"Well, I am going to be Batman!"

And so it has gone from weekly conversations, to daily conversations and now hourly conversations.

It's not the sugar high that scares me.
It is not November 1st after a late night and too much excitement that makes me quake.

No, Halloween is not scary until you realize it ushers in 55 days or more of pure holiday overload. After the holiday overload you are dumped into what feels like endless winter days, especially if it is a particularly cold and harsh, Minnesota winter that traps you indoors for days on end.

So, how do you make the most of what is to come?

1. Acknowledge it is coming, there is nothing you can do but embrace their excitement.  Stop and feel the joy and anticipation they are feeling.

2. Keep to your schedule. Your daily routine might be the only thing in their little lives that is consistent for the next few weeks.

3. Discuss emotions. Help identify feelings and teach ways to express those emotions. Add books to your reading area on feelings. Keep your feelings under examination and identify how you are feeling and why. I do this with my class if you are not that type of person at least admit it to yourself.

4. Move it, move it, move it! Plan LOTS of activity in and through your day. Dance, play games, make up silly reasons to get up and roam around. Take unexpected walks, even if just through the building.

5. Provide lots of sensory experiences. Provide small bowls of

warm soapy water to play in. Make play dough and add seasonal scents. Play in shaving cream. Listen to soft music. Light your room in Christmas lights and turn off over head lights.

6. Make the most of it. It only comes once a year and it really is not that long. Embrace the season and magical moments. Look for those instead of looking for the crisis waiting to arise.

You are in control of the environment set up for the kids around you. Make it the best for them and it will give you peace and delight too.

Some helpful links:
https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/playdough/play-doh-recipes
https://www.yourtherapysource.com/blog1/2009/06/
https://www.verywell.com/holiday-stress-and-anxiety-in-children-620516

Have a great idea? Email me at Fromfingerprintstomasterpieces@gmail.com and I will include it on my facebook page.