Our subject for October is costumes! We have several costumes here at the clinic, did you know that? Our kids love to dress up in costumes.
But the important thing to remember about costumes, or about any sort of holiday, is that many of our kids have tactile issues. Here are some things to remember when shopping for costumes for Halloween:
1. Be careful with textures.
Things like crinoline can be itchy and uncomfortable, and bulky. Sometimes our clients don’t want a costume that will be tight fitting, or they don’t want certain textures. So make sure you involve your kiddo in the costume selection! Otherwise, what you pick out and what they may wear might be two totally different things. Also, make sure to engage the child to pick out a character or costume that they really want to participate in.
When you shop for costumes have them feel the fabric, and try it on if possible. If you find that you’re stuck in a situation where you don’t have those options, think about putting a garment underneath the costume, like a t-shirt or a long-sleeved shirt, or something underneath the costume against their skin that’s a little softer. Usually cotton textures are a lot more tolerable and breathable. That way you can put that kind of uncomfortable part of it on the outside, so it’s not touching their skin.
2. Don’t expect masks to stay on.
Masks are another issue. Masks can be really difficult to wear. Be patient with that. They may not want to wear their masks for very long. Masks feel a little suffocating, and the kids feel like they can’t breathe as well or see as well. Be sensitive to that type of thing.
3. Wear comfortable shoes.
Also, if your kids will be walking a lot on Halloween, think about their shoes. You want to make sure they wear comfortable shoes that they’re able to tolerate, so that when they’re walking up to ring the doorbell to trick-or-treat they’re not crying because they’re miserable in their outfit!
We want this to be a fun night, and a night that won’t agitate them. and that they’ll have a great time. So think about textures, if you can’t try a costume on in advance put something on underneath so that what’s against their skin is comfortable, remember that the mask may not stay on for very long, and make sure the shoes are comfortable!
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
