My teenagers love Halloween. I think they love it as much now as they did when they were little trick-or-treaters. Of course, as a parent, I definitely stress and worry more about their Halloween activities now than I did when I could go along with them as a chaperone!
I know what you’re thinking—teenagers, Halloween and trouble. It is what I think every year since my kids became old enough and reasonably responsible enough to go to parties and hang out with friends on Halloween. Every year, I give them the lecture and every year I give them a “deadline” for letting me know their plans. This way I can check up and make sure everything is legitimate. Plus, I have a tendency to think that last-minute Halloween plans and teenagers are a recipe for disaster.
Of course, I accept that I only have so much authority here. With my kids being as old as they are, I am having to let go and rely on trust a bit but I’ll tell you—when it comes to Halloween festivities, that is not my first inclination!
So, we’ve got parties, and the huge corn maze, and school activities on one hand—and the less-sanctioned, “tricking” activities on the other hand. I warn them—and so far the threat of increased police patrol and more kooky and drinking adults out and about has swayed them from trying anything dangerous, destructive, or unsavory. I am hoping that I will be able to ward this off until they have all three reached an age where reason and their own internal self control take over. Still, as Halloween rolls around, the thoughts of a mother of teenagers turn to more than filling the candy dish and decorating the house—it makes those days of visiting neighbors and sorting candy for “potentially dangerous” stuff seem a cake walk!
Also: Planning Food for a Frugal Halloween Party
Record Your Halloween Memories
Halloween Decorating on a Budget