Making This the Halloween the Best Ever!

This column, produced in partnership with the Mommy & Me organization, provides parents and young children with fun and simple ways to make the most of their time together. Use the activities, tips and resources featured here to help you connect with your young ones.

Halloween is loads of fun for the whole family. What child can resist the magic of being transformed into something or someone else? And what parent can resist seeing how adorable the little one looks in his or her costume?

For children 5 and younger, consider a Halloween party as an alternative to trick-or-treating. A party allows you to keep the festivities age-appropriate so no one melts down from fatigue, fright or too much sugar. You can start preparing for the party at the beginning of October and carry the arrangements right through to Halloween so that the whole month is filled with spooky surprises. You and your child can make the party invitations, decorations, party favors and snacks together. By the time the party rolls around, your child will feel as much the host as you do.