Halloween Rules

It is once again the time of year when I start preparing Espen for Halloween.  I'd love to say we can just put on a costume and go door to door and reap the rewards of that exciting activity!  But not so much.  So 30 days before the big night I have started the prepping.  Here are our 6 rules (in no particular order) we have memorized them and often practice...

#1.... Only knock or ring bell ONE time then step back 3 steps.   Espen likes to keep on knocking or ringing until the home owner shows up.  He has been known to stand so close to the door that they can not open it.  It is bad manners to keep announcing oneself at the door but he is so excited to see them and collect and show what he has.  Each house is a brand new person to dazzle.  We remind him before each house so that he can remember. 

#2.... DO NOT GO IN THE HOUSE WHEN THE DOOR OPENS.  Indeed this is perhaps the most important rule we have at this time of year (and every day).  He has no boundaries and when the door opens, he darts inside and is "lost" to my voice until he has satisfied his need to know.  Violating this rule ends trick or treating immediately.  It is a matter of safety and we can not continue to have fun if we stop listening to mommy.

#3.... Do not eat it unless mom or dad has looked at it.... Last year he was given some non-edible items (erasers, small puzzles, stickers) and some of them look like candy.  We have to be sure what he eats is actually food.  He won't typically eat much candy and after the big excitement of the night we trade candy for cash so he can go shopping.  But he can not just open and eat anything. 

#4.... Just say THANK YOU... no matter what they give you.  No matter what.  My child is verbal and just says it.  So constant reminder to just be thankful for what he is given and not debate, complain, ask for or comment about disliking it is necessary. 

#5.... Stay on the sidewalks.  There is no reason to run in the street and no reason to run over peoples flower beds to get to the door.  Stay on the sidewalk.  Even with all the excitement he can do this.   

#6.... Stay with mom and dad.  It is so exciting and so out of normal routines to go out and knock on doors and get stuff.  It is THRILLING.  He is a runner.  He has to stay with us.  He is not allowed to run off.  Violating this also results in termination of the fun.  We have lost him once while trick or treating and we will not do it again. 

So we practice and we talk about the rules and we warn some of our neighbors that we are practicing. 

The importance of participating in an activity like trick or treating is huge!  Even if we have to talk about it at length for the next 30 days, the skills are important.  The ability to participate in normal societal activities is important.  We will continue to work on our rules and if we come by your house, please be patient with us!