by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

Halloween is just around the corner. Which means if you're a parent of young children ? and if your family gets into Halloween as much as mine does ?  you're probably getting pretty pumped about costumes, pumpkin carving and candy. Right now is the perfect time to gradually introduce these fun traditions. That way, you can help ensure a positive experience when the big day of trick-or-treating finally arrives.
I had the opportunity to speak with pediatrician Dr. Dina DiMaggio about ways parents can help ease their little ones into Halloween, and how to help ensure it's a fun, safe and smooth experience. Here are a few tips she offered:
1) Consider a daytime Halloween activity. Because young children are creatures of habit. "Trick or treating traditionally starts at night, which may interfere with dinner and bedtime routines," DiMaggio told BabyCenter. "There are always plenty of events focusing on younger kids that start earlier in the day and you can always start trick or treating with a group of similar-aged friends in the afternoon to avoid schedules being disrupted."

2) Try to stick to your routine as much as possible on the day of trick-or-treat. If you decide to try a traditional nighttime event, keeping as close to your regular routine as possible can be beneficial.
"Toddlers and young children love routines, and though Halloween can be a fun one, it can definitely become overwhelming to some and di...