Holidays and especially Halloween is supposed to be a fun time to dress up and indulge in make-believe. It is also a day for parents to be sure their learning disabled kids are comfortable in their costumes.

Some kids might not want to wear a full costume and that is okay. How about special makeup, instead? A cat face can be drawn on with grease paint and with the addition of a sweat suit, there you have it. It doesn't even have to be the traditional black cat.

Another way some of my kids participated in Halloween was to stay home and give out the treats when the doorbell rang. They enjoyed this time as it made them feel important to be distributing the candy.

If you've decided to go trick or treating I recommend you accompany your kids. Depending on their ages and abilities you can wait at the street edge of the sidewalk for the independent ones. For the younger kids and those needing guidance you can walk up to the front door, ring the bell and then stand behind the kids while they say "trick or treat;" you could even say it for them.

While you're walking down the sidewalk for "trick of treat" point out to the kids that the houses with their front door light on are the ones giving out treats. And, that if the house is dark, to move on to the next one.

Be sure you know the neighborhood you're walking with the kids. You don't want to get into trouble with unfriendly gangs or adult activities going on. I recommend you go in your own neighborhood or pair up with a friend or relative and walk the kids together.

Going with younger kids? Maybe it would be a good idea to pull a wagon so a tyke or 2 could rest and relax while the older kids are still energetic.

Each kid that is going up to houses should also carry a flashlight so they don't stumble. And parents, even if there are streetlights it is a good idea to use your flashlight to scope out the house ahead to see if it looks like a good candidate for your kids' trick or treating.

Keeping kids safe while walking in costumes may require taking off masks while walking along; it's more important to be able to see properly than hide your identity completely.

And when finally home insist your kids dump all their treats on the table to be inspected for safety. There is sure to be plenty of safe treats to satisfy every sweet tooth!

Article by Susan Kramer

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