Halloween is lurking just around the corner, and Clarvida has some tricks and treats for you! No, we’re not talking about lollipops, taffy, and chocolate bars. You’ll get plenty of that stuff on the 31st. Instead, we’re offering up some helpful tips (treats) and advice (tricks) to make the holiday a little sweeter for the foster kids in your life, including fun alternatives to trick-or-treating, costume ideas for foster families, and how to handle all that candy!

Foster Family Costume Inspiration

Play is essential for child development, and playing dress-up, in particular, offers a number of benefits. According to Healthline, “dressing up is a form of imaginative play — and imaginative play boosts problem-solving and self-regulation skills.” It also encourages creative thinking and social skills. And best of all, foster parents can get in on the fun! Planning a family costume can help to create a sense of inclusion and belonging for children and teens in foster care. It can also transform the holiday from something dreadful into a memorable bonding experience. You’ll find tons of clever ideas online, including this long list of ingenious Halloween costumes from Good Housekeeping that will “please your whole Boo Crew!” Cute suggestions include a retro-futuristic space family, favorite movie and storybook characters, and even a pack of colorful crayons!

Heading Off Anxiety and Sensory Overload

Holidays may be difficult for foster children impacted by trauma, especially Halloween. Frightening images, loud noises, and other sensory stimuli can increase anxiety and trigger a fight or flight response, so understanding how to make Halloween less overwhelming for foster kids is very important.

And if trick-or-treating is out of the question, there are other low-stress ways to celebrate Halloween. As a foster parent, you could plan a fun Halloween scavenger hunt in the backyard, a pumpkin decorating contest, or a family-friendly Halloween movie night with cozy pajamas that double as costumes, freshly popped corn, and lots of candy, of course.

Candy, Candy, and More Candy

Candy is a huge and highly-anticipated part of the Halloween festivities. Before hitting the store and stocking up for the big day, it’s important to be aware of any food allergies or sensitivities your child may have. When necessary, look into purchasing dye-free and allergy-friendly alternatives, based on their needs.

Dealing with the inevitable Halloween sugar rush can also be a nightmare, so it’s smart to have a plan in place. Start by kicking off the evening with a healthy dinner and deciding how much candy is too much to eat before bed.

Happy Halloween from Clarvida!