Halloween is a perfect time to build connections in your community! Let’s make Halloween an asset-building experience for children by helping them feel more connected to their community. The Search Institute does it again in helping to frame this fun holiday as a way to support children! It’s easy and just these few ideas will make BIG difference for our kids!
11 Halloween Tips for Building Neighborhood Connections
- If you don’t know the kids who come to your door, ask their names and grades in school.
- Compliment (or get scared by) their costumes.
- Ask the child a question or talk to them briefly before you give a treat.
- Turn on a light so children will be safe.
- Intervene if trick-or-treaters become disrespectful or damage property.
- Invite kids with parents you know to come in for a short visit. (Don’t invite kids you don’t know inside.)
- Offer to take a busy parent’s child or children out along with yours.
- Share treats that reflect your culture or values.
- Get together with neighbors to decorate together. (Make it more fun for kids and get to know neighbors at the same time.)
- Remember to greet kids the next day–when they don’t have costumes on!
- Consider making a special treat bag (with extra treats or extra surprises) for the children who live nearest to you. When these children arrive, make a fuss about them coming and say you have something extra special for them.
Want to share this with your neighbors and friends? Here is a handout: 11 Halloween Tips for Building Neighborhood Connections
Do you have other ideas for creating a safe, welcoming, community-building experience for kids? Please share!