http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art4394.asp
October Newsletter:

Happy Autumn!
Halloween:
Just a few reminders about Halloween.
• Make sure you son’s costume can be seen at night. Use some reflective tape on his costume and again on his shoes. If it is a scary costume, you can always break open one the glow sticks and splash a little on the outfit an it makes a great effect as well as light him up as he goes from house to house.
• Dragging or hanging parts of a costume can be dangerous. Make sure that all parts that dangle around his feet are cut to above the heel so he does not trip or fall.
• Consider painting his face instead of wearing a mask. This allows for better eyesight and breathing.
• Accept no candy that is not individually wrapped. Throw it out when you get home. Before your son eats the candy, unwrap it and check for tampering.
• Check with your local hospital as many will offer to xray your son’s candy for free.
• Check with local clubs and churches as they have Halloween parties for the young ones that will be safe.
• Check with local clubs and churches for dances for the teens. This keeps them out of trouble and not traveling with people that can possibly be a bad influence.
• Remind your son about his manners, always Please and thank you.
• Try using a flashlight in your Jack-o-Lantern so the flames are not a temptation to your son or cause accidents with the trick or treaters.
• When carving a pumpkin, this is not the time for your son to try out his new Cub Scout knife! Always supervise and if he is going to do the cutting, they have safer cutting tools available in the seasonal isle at your store.
• Let your son try out his art skills by painting the pumpkin instead of carving it.

Thanksgiving:
I am sure that some of you are already planning your Thanksgiving Feast!
• This year, try looking for a recipe that your son can help you make.
• Togetherness in the kitchen is a great way to talk over things that he might want to discuss with you. This is great for any age.
• Imagine your son’s pride when he places what he made on the Thanksgiving dining room table in front of family and friends.
• There is always time to start a new Thanksgiving tradition. Is it getting out the holiday decorations during the weekend? Is there something he can do to help get ready? Could it be Thanksgiving breakfast? What about watching the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade together?

Holiday Time:
Things will be getting crazy the next couple of months and it will be here and gone before you know it. Take some time to enjoy it!
• Plan ahead. We always say we are going to do it, this year let’s do it!
• Make some time for your son. To have family at the holidays is such a blessing. Spend some quality time, if not quantity, with your family.
• Find something special for just you and your son to do. The bond between a mother and son is so strong, this would be a great time to be involved with him, one on one.
• Don’t forget to give yourself time to make his holiday show costume. Yes, I have sent my sons on stage with hot glue, tape, and staples. If we make some time in the evening each night just to get a little done, he will look spectacular on opening night!

Sons will have a feature article about when your son is having Thanksgiving or Christmas in someone else’s home. Does your heart break? Do you feel upset? Are you angry or hurt? Some tips on how to handle this situation.
Sounds and Smells of the Season:
Fresh Apple Cider
Warm homemade apple pie
Trees changing color ( yes, some do in the south too!)
Crisp, cool weather
Flannel shirts and sweaters
Curling up with a blanket on the couch for cozy Sunday afternoon movies.
Have a wonderful memory filled Fall season! Go play in the leaves with your son. Take a hike picking up leaves and pressing them between wax paper. Pick up acorns and make a wreath with your son using a cool glue gun. Fall is a great family friendly season. Enjoy!


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