By Nadine Briggs

Halloween should be a social holiday but what to do if your child doesn’t have anyone to trick or treat with? 

Pre Halloween parties have been a tradition in my neighborhood for decades. It’s a great way to set a fun tone for the night and provide a group for your child to trick or treat with once the party ends. 

Inviting:

You can create a flyer for everyone with the party details and hand deliver them or invite them via text/email. Given that Halloween is in a few days, you’ll want to use the quickest method. Be sure to give an easy way for friends to RSVP with a deadline, especially if you are providing the food and drink.

Weather:

We have hosted the party in our garage (cleaned, of course) if there was a threat of rain. A driveway or yard party is fine if you have clear skies. 

Timing: 

The party can occur two hours before trick or treating begins. This gives enough time to grab some food, let the kids run around and play (most will be amped up so running helps to burn off some of the excitement), and take group photos. 

Food and Drinks:

You can ask people to bring a dish to share or provide pizza and let everyone else bring desserts and munchies. 

Set the Mood:

It can be fun to decorate and create a spooky mood with creepy music. If you decide to have a fire pit, keep a hose nearby and designate someone to keep watch so the kids don’t get too close. 

Glow Sticks:

Most dollar stores carry glow sticks that the kids can use to keep track of each other if they are running around in a dark yard.

Games:

Halloween tag, Murder in the Dark, and Death ball, are all fun games that kids enjoy. Here are links for how to play each:

Halloween Tag: https://www.greatgroupgames.com/halloween-tag

Murder in the Dark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhBmThX-w5s

Death Ball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X58X5d4BCl0

Trick or Treating:

As the party wraps up and the trick or treating begins, as host you can announce “remember kids, no one gets left behind tonight. If you see someone alone, ask them to join you or if they are not able to keep up with the group, wait for them so everyone can have a great time.” Not only is this a reminder for the kids but will also remind the parents to keep an eye out for a lone trick or treater.

If your child/teen/young adult needs coaching to help them make friends, contact us to schedule a trial https://calendly.com/simplysocialkids/30min or find out more about our weekly programs or Just for Fun clubs or learn more by contacting us at https://simplysocialkids.com/.