Thursday, October 25

Halloween

I've been a lot more aware of dark restaurants, crowded situations, our traditions that include evenings, etc. One of these are coming up & that is Halloween. Normally for Halloween here's how it goes - we go in the afternoon after school to our town square where they where their costumes and go from store to store gathering candy, get face painted, bounce houses, etc. Then we go to our church which some is inside and bright & other parts are outside and dark- we make an appearance there, play some games - get more candy. Then about 8pm, we walk around our neighborhood doing trick or treating before we come home and go to bed around 9pm.

This was what we did last year and I'm sure what Jasmine is expecting this year. Our church is not having the Fall Fun Fest this year, so I know that will be removed. Which would leave more time to trick or treat around the neighborhood after going to the town square. Except that Rebecca is going to be with us this year. Should we just take flashlights & go trick or treating or should I make a big deal out of her helping with the candy? Should I just ask her what she wants to do? The home that she is coming from has a fall fun fest at their church and just spends the evening there with her. So, this will be totally different for her.

What are your traditions with Halloween? Am I over-reacting (sometimes I do that too)?

6 comments:

Beth Koenig said...

It's important to include your child with US in everything. The biggest issue with US is the vision loss and night blindness. Learning to use a long white cane can help a lot, as can learning tactile sign language. You can develop a positive attitude towards these alternative techniques and even make a family game of learning them together. What fun it is to "talk" in the dark! And pass messages under the table in sign! The cane is fun too! Get one for each member of the family and learn how to use them. Later your new daughter will be able to "see" in the dark and when the lights go out she will be the one leading her friends around!
After she learns with the rigid cane you can get her a slim folding cane to carry everywhere for when she needs it.
Flashlights only work for so long, cane skills last a life time. The best gift you can give her is to never be scared of the dark. The darkness is our friend, there is no reason to fear it. And there is certainly no reason to let it stop anyone from doing what they want, when they want.

Beth Koenig
Director of Deaf Blind Services
Orange County Deaf Advocacy Center

Michelle D said...

Kids at younger age has better vision than older age.
You can take your kids out for trick n treating.
You can ask your kids if they can see ok at nighttime. If not then bring flashlight and let them have fun with trick n treating!
Let them have lot of fun activities and have good childhood. Treat them just like normal - as long as you make sure they are comfortable with where they are - can see, know where they are, etc.
You are awesome.. Really!!

Shari said...

I think it's so wonderful that you are always thinking of her. I would just ask her if she wanted to go trick or treating. If the flashlight works for her at this time, why not use it. Ask her if it works.

For us, trick or treating hours are at 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Now with daylight savings being put off another week, it's still light enough out and I can go along with them.

Your new daughter is sooo blessed to have a mother like you. You give her so much support and consideration. :)

Michelle D said...

Hey..
I talked to my husband which has US about this. He told me about his memories as young kid.. His mother would take her 3 boys out for trick n treating. She'd carry a flashlight. When my hubby goes up to the door for treat then turn around, he'd feel like lost.. Thinking to himself.. where's mom? His mother'd flash the flashlight at him (not face - chest area) and he'd know where his mother's at.
That's good tip he'd like me to share with you.

Karen Putz said...

Definitely include her in everything, even when it's dark and difficult to navigate. Those are skills that will last her a lifetime. If you can get some orientation and mobility skills training set up, those skills will be a great help for your family.

Sue said...

Hi,

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I am mom to Alex, Matthew, and Katie. Alex and matthew both have vision loss and hearing loss. We believe it to be a hereditary form of Ushers. Matthew recently got his CI. His hearing loss was severe and I wanted him to have a tool in the event he loses more vision. Alex is hard of hearing and has mild vision loss. I can understand your post about dark areas, my oldest has difficulty in dark places. I am deaf myself, we use total communication. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!