From Jennifer Wolf,
Your Guide to Single Parents.
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Halloween can be a great opportunity to connect with your kids and have a lot of fun. However, some parts of it can also be unexpectedly time-consuming, like finding "the right" costume or baking treats for the school party. That's why it's important to pick and choose which aspects of the holiday are most important to you and to be intentional about where you choose to devote your time and energy.

Halloween Costumes
When you're helping your kids select Halloween costumes, keep in mind that the purpose of this holiday is to have fun! Don't allow it to become more stressful than necessary by promising to make costumes when you really don't have the time, or by spending more money than you can afford. Also, consider participating in a costume exchange, shopping on eBay, or visiting a local consignment shop for inexpensive alternatives.

More Halloween Costume Ideas:

• Halloween Costume Photo Gallery
• Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Kids
• Top 10 Costumes for Newborns, Infants, and Toddlers

Halloween Parties
Helping out at your child's classroom Halloween party is a great way to be involved, get to know your child's friends, and have some fun. Most likely, you'll also have a chance to get to know some of the other parents, which is always a plus. If your work schedule will permit you to be present, seize the opportunity and attend your child's Halloween party!

More on Halloween Parties:

• Kids' Halloween Party Themes and Ideas
• Kids' Halloween Party Games
• Kids' Halloween Crafts

Halloween Treats
Don't forget to buy candy, and buy it early. Look through your local paper to see which stores have the best sales on candy this week, and check this task off your "To Do" list. Personally, I always try to pick something I don't like, so that I'm not destined to consume all the leftovers myself!

More on Halloween Treats:

• Nut-Free Candy and Other Sweet Treats For Halloween
• Printable Halloween Treat Bags
• Recipe For Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats

Halloween Decorations
Making decorations together can be a lot of fun, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Best of all, the time you spend doing something creative together will be a lasting memory you'll all cherish.

More on Halloween Decorations

• Ghastly Ghosts
• Building Tombstones
• Decorating Your Home For Halloween

Pumpkin Carving
This was always one of my favorite activities as a kid. Now, pumpkin carving is even easier with the great tools and templates available to you. Consider inviting a few friends or neighbors over for an informal pumpkin carving event.

More on Pumpkin Carving:

• Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns
• Kim's Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns
• How To Keep a Halloween Pumpkin Fresh

Halloween Safety
Absolutely nothing is more important than your child's safety. Take the time before Halloween night to discuss your expectations and safety rules. In addition, plan to go trick-or-treating with your kids. It's always nice to have an adult on hand who can carry the flashlight and make sure the group stays together. Don't worry about handing out candy at your house; being with your kids is much more important.

More on Halloween Safety:

• Safety on Halloween
• How To Have a Fun and Safe Halloween
• Halloween Safety Quiz