It's that time of year

It’s October, and that means we’re really close to the time of year every parent steals from his or her children. Yes, of course, it’s Halloween! Kids don’t really need 15 pounds of candy, do they? They don’t even know that the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, no matter the size, is the best candy they’ll get. But there’s more than candy … there’s adorable kids costumes!

There are parents who cater to their child’s every want and whim when it comes to Halloween. There’s also parents whose kids who are too young to form opinions and will wear what we decide because their older sibling wore it and outgrew it. I’m the latter.

Nolan has his own idea for a costume — it’s brilliant, and we can totally make it ourselves. Graham is going to wear a costume we got from friends. He screams when we’re putting it on him but likes it once it’s on. Then there’s Austin, the third and final of our children, who’ll definitely be wearing a costume one of his two brothers have worn. And you know what? He’s not even going to care. He’s not even 6 months old.

Eventually we might go the route of dressing them up so they form a trio – think the Three Musketeers (something they’re more likely to eat than realize they’re dressed up as), Rock Paper Scissors (I kind of like that one actually), Thing 1 Thing 2 Thing 3 (I know there are only two), or even Ninja Turtles – but for now, it’s DIY and hand-me-downs.

And they won’t care or remember what they were 10 or 15 years from now. Austin probably has a few years of repeat costumes left, one of the perks being the youngest of three. Nolan, he gets the pick of the litter as long as the litter isn’t expensive.

On a serious note, while you pilfer your kids Halloween candy on the sneak, check for any sketchy or opened candy. As a parent, it’s our job to protect and look out for our kids. Throw out the stuff that’s looks iffy, steal the stuff they won’t appreciate, and let them have at least half of their candy. Their teeth are gonna fall out anyway.

Equip yourselves with glow sticks, so cars and other groups of people can see you trick-or-treating. If you have multiple kids for the first time on Halloween, use a wagon. If you’ve got just a tiny infant, forget Halloween and sit home with some wine or pumpkin beer and watch your future come to the door every 90 seconds. As long as they don’t ring the doorbell and wake up the little ones.

Happy Halloween and be safe.