Trick-or-treating is a time-honored way to spend Halloween, giving kids the treasured opportunities to be creative, have fun and of course fill up on candy! But deciding when it’s time to leave childhood behind can be a bit tricky and parents are often left wondering when to leave this cherished tradition behind. Here are several ways to determine whether your child is on the brink of outgrowing trick-or-treating:
Your neighborhood culture
Look around at the other children trick-or-treating in your neighborhood. Is your child among the oldest? The youngest? Right in between? This can help you decide if your child fits into their neighborhood culture. Angela Marvel, mom of two, says, “My now 15-year-old plans to go out this year and dress up with his girlfriend in a couple costume. My 17-year-old isn’t sure. If he has a group he will go out, if not he will stay home. Around our area the teens tend to choose to stop when their friend groups decide not to anymore.”
Lack of enthusiasm
Your child may be letting you know that they are feeling too old to trick-or-treat if they don’t seem as excited by it as they used to. In this case, follow their lead and it may phase out by itself.
Birth order
An older sibling may trick-or-treat a little longer than they normally would so they could accompany their younger sibling. Shaun Thompson, mom of four, said her older children would take her younger ones out trick-or-treating and sneak in some candy for themselves. Because of that, she says, “I think it’s difficult to pinpoint an age when they would stop.”
They’re never too old!
Many parents would prefer their children do something as innocent as trick-or-treating for as long as possible rather than pursue more grown-up interests. If this is you, let them trick-or-treat for as long as they are willing! Barb Danielsen, mom of three, says, “I encouraged my kids to trick or treat for as long as they were willing to dress up and have fun with it. One stopped around 13 I think, the other daughter around 15 or maybe more, my ’97 baby didn’t stop until 15. I’m always happy to give out treats to teenagers who are dressed up in the spirit of the night.”
High school teacher Jeb Barry agrees, saying, “I never had much of a problem with my high school students coming to my house trick-or-treating since they could have been doing a lot worse things instead … but if they didn’t wear a costume, I would tell them they are simply begging for candy.”
What to do instead of trick-or-treating
Just because your child may have outgrown trick-or-treating doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of fun activities to do on Halloween. Try making memories with one or more of these:
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Costume parties
Even adults enjoy costume parties and kids may willingly trade a night of trick-or-treating for a fun party!
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Haunted houses
Another Halloween activity that appeals to the older crowd is a spooky haunted house.
Cuddling up with a spooky movie and answering the door to trick-or-treaters is another tradition sure to entertain.
Ultimately the decision to stop trick-or-treating will involve communication between parents and children because there is no one size fits all solution. Discussing children’s feelings openly can ensure a smooth transition. Every child is different, and some children may want to quit younger than others. Embracing new ways to celebrate can help create traditions that will grow with your child, ensuring that Halloween remains a joyful time no matter their age.
Jill Morgenstern is a mother to four. She has over 20 years teaching experience in various settings and a master’s degree in teaching reading.
