Ah, Halloween – the time of year when ghosts, goblins, and superheroes roam the streets, eagerly collecting treats and showing off their creative costumes. As co-parents, navigating holidays like Halloween can sometimes raise questions about how to ensure your child has a spooktacular time while maintaining a smooth co-parenting experience. Fear not! We've brewed up a cauldron of tips to help you co-parent like a pair of friendly witches or wizards this Halloween. With a pinch of communication, a dash of flexibility, and a sprinkle of teamwork, you'll create enchanting memories for your little one.

1. Spell Out the Plan in Advance

Start the broomstick rolling by discussing your Halloween plans early. Have a conversation with your co-parent sooner rather than later, especially if you are requesting an adjustment to your normal visitation schedule. Share your ideas about costumes, trick-or-treating routes, and any special events in the neighborhood. The sooner you start planning for Halloween, the easier it will be for both of you to modify your plans and work through any scheduling conflicts. It will also give your co-parent time to mull over your suggestions and voice any questions or concerns. Clear communication will help both co-parents be on the same page and avoid any last-minute conflicts. 

2. Avoid Forcing Your Child to Choose Between Parents

It's important to refrain from putting your child in a situation where they have to pick one parent over the other. This kind of decision-making can lead to emotional distress, causing unnecessary disappointment and anxiety. Remember, your child loves both you and your co-parent. Instead, have a conversation with your co-parent to establish a plan for when your child will be with each of you, whether it's about time, specific years, or certain days. If this process feels challenging, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance for guidance.

Slumberkins Glow in the Dark Frank Kin + Mr. Bones board book is here to add a little excitement to your Halloween festivities! Inspired by a family-owned and operated pumpkin patch in Culver City, California, “Mr. Bones” is back for his annual scavenger hunt soirée, this year accompanied by Frank kin. Frank will keep the surprises coming when the lights go out with his glow-in-the-dark feature. This kin is perfect for children to bring with them for support in times of anxiety. During times of stress or heightened anxiety, many children find comfort in articulating, naming, and sharing their feelings and fears. Frank will be right there next to them, with a reassuring squeeze to remind them that they are safe, loved, and never alone.

Slumberkins Glow in the Dark Frank Kin + Mr. Bones board book

3. Brew Up a Costume Strategy

Collaborate on your child's costume to ensure there are no duplicates or mix-ups. You don't want a little vampire showing up with two sets of fangs! Consider sharing pictures of potential costumes to avoid any duplication and to make sure your child gets to shine in a unique outfit at both households. Alternatively, you can also agree to split the cost of a single costume up to a certain dollar amount.

4. Double, Double, Toil and Trouble: Trick or Treat

Decide how trick-or-treating will work between households. Will you alternate years, split the time on Halloween night, or coordinate separate nights? Consider splitting up activities over the day or the weekend, such as one parent does costume shopping and contests, while the other does the trick-or-treating. Some co-parents decide to make it a family event and go together (only if it is safe to do so and only if you can be friendly and civil). You can even create new traditions that allow everyone to participate, such as the parent with custody on Halloween does trick-or-treating while the other has a set activity, like pumpkin carving, on their day or evening. Keep your child's schedule and comfort in mind. Flexibility is key, so be open to adjustments that make this spooky night enjoyable for everyone.

5. Candy Cauldron Diplomacy

Talk about your approach to candy consumption and establish consistent rules with your co-parent. Whether you’re team "all the candy in one night" or "rationed over a week," having a shared candy plan will prevent a sugar-induced meltdown.

This Slumberkins Glow in the Dark Boo Basket is perfect for filling with Halloween tricks or treats. Intentionally designed without detachable plastic pieces to give caretakers peace of mind.

Slumberkins Glow in the Dark Boo Basket

6. Capture the Memories

Ensure your child has a camera-ready Halloween experience by coordinating photos. Sharing pictures with each other can make both parents feel included and allow everyone to relive the magical moments.

7. Embrace and Expand Your Traditions

If you and your co-parent have different Halloween traditions, consider how you can incorporate both into your child's experience. Even if you won’t be with your child on Halloween itself, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your Halloween traditions or create new ones. You can still do things like carving pumpkins and decorating your home together. Halloween crafting or baking projects or a Halloween movie marathon in the week leading up to the big day can also make the holiday feel special. Expanding and blending traditions can create a rich and diverse holiday for your child.

8. Avoid a Ghostly Competition

Steer clear of trying to outdo each other in decorations, candy hauls, or elaborate costumes. Remember, it's about your child's enjoyment, not a rivalry between co-parents.

9. Plan for Safety

Agree on safety measures, like curfew and adult supervision during trick-or-treating. Being on the same page about safety will help alleviate any concerns and ensure your child's well-being.

The Takeaway on Co-Parenting and Halloween

Halloween might be a holiday of tricks and treats, but co-parenting doesn't have to be tricky. By working together, communicating openly, and keeping your child's happiness at the center, you can create a Halloween experience that’s a real treat for everyone involved. Remember, the magic lies in your ability to collaborate and make your child's Halloween a spooktacular memory to cherish for years to come. Happy co-parenting, and may your Halloween be filled with more treats than tricks!