Hey there, Axel here, and welcome to the afternoon ride home with Duke Tyner podcast show. You knowwhat time of year it is? Halloween is right around the corner, and if you'vegot kids, you know what that means - costume decisions, candy debates, pumpkincarving chaos, and the mad dash to get everything ready.
But here's the thing: Halloween isn't really about perfect costumes orthe most candy or Instagram-worthy decorations. It's about magic. It's aboutthose memories your kids will carry forever. And as you're driving home rightnow, you've got an opportunity to make this Halloween something special.
So let's talk about getting ready for Halloween with your kids in a waythat's actually fun for everyone - including you.
Part One: The Costume Conversation
Let's start with the big one - costumes. Because if you haven't alreadyhad the costume conversation seventeen times, it's coming.
Here's what I've learned: let them lead. I know you've got ideas. I knowyou saw that adorable costume on Pinterest. I know you're thinking"wouldn't it be cute if they were a little pumpkin" or whatever. Buthere's the reality - they're going to wear this costume for maybe three hourstotal. Their excitement about it matters way more than how it looks in photos.
So when your kid says they want to be something random - a ninja turtle,a dinosaur, whatever the current obsession is - roll with it. Even if it's thesame thing they were last year. Even if it's not particularly original. Theirenthusiasm is what makes the night magical.
Now, practical talk: you don't need to spend a fortune. Some of the bestcostumes I've ever seen were cobbled together from stuff around the house. Acardboard box becomes a robot. Old clothes become a scarecrow. Face paint andcreativity beat expensive store-bought costumes every time.
And here's a dad tip: involve them in making it. Hit the dollar storetogether this weekend. Let them pick out the pieces. Help them put it together.That process? That's where memories happen. Not in buying something pre-madeoff a shelf.
One more thing: have a backup plan for weather. Because nothing crushes akid's spirit faster than having to cover up their awesome costume with a wintercoat. Maybe the costume works over layers. Maybe you've got a Plan B. Justthink it through.
Part Two: The Pumpkin CarvingExperience
Alright, let's talk pumpkins. Because somewhere between now and Halloweennight, you're probably going to end up at a kitchen table covered in pumpkinguts.
First decision: where do you get the pumpkins? Sure, you can grab them atthe grocery store. But if you can swing it, take them to an actual pumpkinpatch. Let them walk through the field. Let them pick their own pumpkin - evenif it's lumpy or weird-shaped. Especially if it's lumpy or weird-shaped. That'stheir pumpkin, and they'll love it because they chose it.
Now, the carving. Here's the thing about pumpkin carving with kids: it'smessy. It's going to take longer than you think. The design they want isprobably too complicated. And that's all okay.
Let them scoop out the insides. Yes, it's gross. That's half the fun forthem. They'll complain and giggle and stick their whole arm in there. Let ithappen. Put down newspaper, wear old clothes, embrace the chaos.
For the actual carving, obviously you're doing the knife work if they'reyoung. But let them draw the design. Let them tell you where to cut. They'rethe creative director, you're just the tool operator.
And don't stress about making it perfect. Some of the bestjack-o'-lanterns I've ever seen were totally wonky. That's character. That'scharm. That's proof a kid was involved.
Here's a move: save those pumpkin seeds. Roast them with your kids.Cinnamon sugar, salt and pepper, whatever. It's a bonus activity and a snack.Kids love that they're eating something that came from their pumpkin.
