With costumes, trick-or-treating, and jack-o-lanterns, Halloween can be a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. But some things about the holiday are less uplifting. Even young children spend October surrounded by images of ghosts, vampires, and werewolves. These things can be terrifying at worst and confusing at best. But parents can take advantage of these moments. Here are five concepts and Gospel principles that are perfect for parents to teach their children when Halloween comes around.
- Death and the Resurrection
The idea of loved ones dying is hard for people of any age, but children need to learn that death doesn’t have to be creepy. Make sure your kids understand that the spirits of our deceased ancestors aren’t like the scary ghosts in movies. And zombies? No such thing. Our bodies and spirits will be reunited at the resurrection, but we’ll be perfected versions of our current selves, not brain-eating monsters.
- Stranger Danger
Kids need to understand that going to random houses and accepting candy from strangers shouldn’t happen every day. Go trick-or-treating with your children. Teach them that they should never take food or gifts from people without your permission or go anywhere with someone they don’t know. You might even consider creating a safety plan with your family so your kids know what to do in dangerous situations.
- The Holy Ghost and the Media
Many popular Halloween movies and TV episodes are a little spooky but innocent enough. Others, however, are more than a little disturbing. Help your children with their media choices. Ask them how the things they watch make them feel, and teach them how to recognize whether the Holy Ghost is present. Encourage them to turn off any show that makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Healthy Eating
Eating several pounds of candy in one sitting may sound like heaven to your child, but neither one of you really wants to spend the rest of the night in the bathroom. Remind your children that sweets are okay in moderation but that our bodies need a balanced diet to feel good and function well. Set a good example with your own eating habits.
- Magic vs. the Priesthood
Watching TV characters use supernatural powers may leave kids wondering about the priesthood. This is a great chance to teach children that there is nothing scary about the priesthood. Explain that it is simply the authority to do God’s work on the earth. Older children may even ask about things like Ouija boards and voodoo. Tell your kids that these things chase away the Holy Ghost and should be avoided.
Children will be exposed to scary things throughout their lives. The “trick” is to “treat” them to some timely lessons when questions arise. So bring on the parties, and have a fun and safe Halloween this year!
