BOO-tiful Communication Strategies!

Remember: Our loved ones might get spooked more easily these days, so let's keep Halloween fun and gentle!

Communication Strategies for a Stress-Free Halloween

Instead of "No, that's not a real ghost!"

Try: "Those decorations are pretty spooky!

I remember when Brenda dressed up as 

         a vampire for Halloween that year. She 

         was quite a sight.”

Instead of "Don't be scared!"

       Try: "Gently take their hands and remind

         them, "You’re safe. I’m here with you. 

         Let's turn on some lights and make this 

         place cozy together."

Instead of: "When the doorbell rings for

the 5th time - "You've asked that five 

         times already!"

       Try: "Sounds like the kids are here for

         candy. Let’s go hand out candy 

         together"

              BONUS: all the walking is great 

         exercise and gives them lots of body stimulation!

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Haunted History Hour...s

Reminiscing Activities

• Look at old family Halloween photos

• Share stories about homemade costumes - If you have any, pull them out. Costumes have lots of textures to explore.

• Talk about trick-or-treating with their children. 

Sweet Memories

• Sort candy by color or type.

  - For example, buy a cheap bag of mixed candy corn and candy pumpkins. 

  - Set out two bowls and start separating the candies by type. Ask you loved one help you so you can share them with the trick or treaters.

  - This is a great activity to repeat for several days. just throw it away when your done.

• Share stories about favorite treats. 

  - You can print out pictures of their favorite candies to give them something to hold and look at. 

• Try to find some of there favorite candies from their childhood. There are several stores that sell older types of candy. 

  - Pull out a couple pieces at a time and talk about old-time candy prices or old

  favorites from the 5 and dime. 

Kitchen Witch Activities

Get your loved one involved in the kitchen

Set up all of the supplies and lay them out in an easy-to-see way. 

There will be some parts of the tasks that are significantly safer for you to do, but that doesn’t mean your loved one can’t help. They can get food off of the cutting board, put things in bowls, wash off fruits, and much more. 

Just keep in mind that there is always a way!  Even if it’s only a tiny part. Just a little independence can go a long way. 

•  Slice apples for caramel dipping

•  Make popcorn balls

•  Sort Halloween cookies by shape

• Arrange candy corn patterns

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Caregiver Corner

-You're doing BOO-tiful work!-

Remember to take care of Yourself 

• Take small breaks

• Accept help when offered

• Share your successes

• Be gentle with yourself

• You're making magic happen!

  
  

  

  Evening Calm-Down Tips

When the sun sets and things get spooky:

      1. Turn on lights before dark

      2. Play gentle autumn music

      3. Offer warm apple cider

      4. Share "not-too-spooky" stories

      5. Look at fall decorations together

Behind every "difficult behavior" is an unmet need or emotion.

Sometimes they just need:

•    A gentle touch

•    A warm smile

•    A listening ear

•    A cozy blanket

•    Your patient presence

•    A nice stroll around the neighborhood or the living room.

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By using these thoughtful communication strategies and engaging activities, you can make Halloween a warm, enjoyable experience for everyone. 🎃✨