The campaign for Happy Jack ‘o Lanterns

For many Halloweens now I’ve had little ones around, and it can be a scary time for some of them. Not only do they get their first glimpse of night as they perhaps stay up late for the first time; but the night is populated with all kinds of weird things.

Over the last two years I’ve adopted a smiling lantern policy. Not only is a carving pumpkins one of those shared family activities that helps small children ‘own’ a part of Halloween. But by making it non-threatening it is almost as if it makes a household guardian that keeps away the night. Conversely a scary face that’s been made in the house brings the scaryness within the safe walls of home.

So carve a smiley face; use a drill to make nice round holes rather than scary triangular eyes. You can also print out my masks up sign to help the bigger kids think about the really little ones.

And let them enjoy.

tag... play, be helpful, out and about, philosophising, stay safe