How to handle last minute Halloween costume changes

“I hate my Halloween costume!” Chances are you’ve been there but if you haven’t experienced the phrase yelled by a frustrated youngster then you’ve gotten off lucky.

I remember it vividly, my four year old daughter Ashleigh was all prepped to be a ballerina for Halloween. We had her halloween costume all planned out – the borrowed tutu, the real ballet slippers – the works! For weeks she had talked of little else than her debut as a ballerina when for some reason, out of the blue, she changed her mind. After weeks of planning, reality had suddenly clashed with the build up of it all.

The tears started to gush, the Halloween costume was yanked off piece-by-piece and within moments she was having a full-fledged meltdown. As a first time parent, I tried not to panic. Easier said than done. After all, I had stayed up until 2 a.m. to stitch on those extra sequins she just had to have as a finishing touch.

I soon realized chances were greater it was probably the stress of the big night rather than the child Halloween costume itself that was creating so much alarm. So I decided to play it cool. I got out the dress up box and let her take the lead. Within moments she had calmed down and was looking at her clown self in the mirror. And although a little small, her clown outfit from last year still fit. She even had the “clown” tears and rosy cheeks to boot but she was happy. A simple red foam nose and we were good to go.

What I learned from the experience was to remain calm, understanding and stay in the Halloween spirit. We went out and had a great time and I soon forgot about the ballerina costume that languished on the couch.

The moral of the story is let your child take the lead as to which kid Halloween costume or combination of costumes takes top marks in her book. (Even if she happens to change her mind at the last minute.) Does it really matter if your child sports the head of a dog and the body of a ladybug? The important thing is she’s happy.

And, if your child seems susceptible to costume anxiety avoid planning elaborate Halloween costumes and leave dressing up as a last-minute activity.

Also, keep a wide variety of dress-up clothes, face paints, and props on hand to inspire creative flow.