Written by Darren Fink for Transfiguring Adoption on October 23rd, 2017
Why Something Fun Like Halloween Can be Overwhelming for Foster Kids
- Your foster kiddo isn’t with their biological parent(s)
- They are trying to learn all sorts of new house rules
- They might have a new school to get used to during the day
- Your family probably eats different foods than they are used to
- This kiddo might be having fun at your home and feel like they are betraying their biological parent(s)
- The same chemicals in the body given off during a stressful situation are given off during a fun and exciting situation; probably the same chemicals that were given off when they experiences trauma in the past
- Trick-or-Treating = Super Fun = Chemicals Release = Remember Past Trauma = Meltdown
3 Tips for Enjoying Your Trick-Or-Treating Adventure
- Tell them what to expect, which helps with anxiousness caused by the unknown
- Do you expect everyone to stick together?
- Are you going to houses or a Trunk or Treat?
- Will there be a lot of people? A lot of noise? Will they get bumped a lot?
(Children with sensory issues especially need to know this) - What do they need to say at the door? Do you expect them to say, “Thank You?”
- Expectations after Trick-Or-Treating are as important as during
- Do you check the candy before letting kids into the bags?
- Do you let the kids eat as much as they want on Halloween night?
- Do you expect your kids to keep their same bedtime?
- Better to call it quits early
I know you probably remember Trick-or-Treating in seven different neighborhoods for four hours when you were a kid. However, as we discussed above, our kids get overwhelmed and tired easily. Set the bar low for the night. Maybe half the Trunk or Treat event or 10 houses. Avoid the meltdown and make it a memorable night. The candy can always be purchased from the store.
CASA for Children 