Is Your Teen’s Costume Age-Appropriate?
We want our teens to enjoy Halloween–whether it’s the candy, costumes, or spooky themes. However, Halloween has become an increasingly adult-focused holiday, and costumes seem to be getting shorter, more revealing, and less appropriate. A lot of parents have concerns about the types of costumes their teens ask for––which are becoming increasingly sexualized and more violent––as the years go by. While you don’t want to dampen your teen’s Halloween experience, it’s important that you set clear boundaries and expectations for what your teen can or cannot wear this Halloween.
Costumes Don’t Have to be Sexy
People are very creative with their Halloween costumes. You can find anything from a Sexy Spongebob Squarepants to a Sexy Minecraft Creeper––seriously do not put it past them! While these costumes can be funny and even appropriate for adults, pre-teens and teenagers should not be wearing costumes with sexual undertones or innuendos.
Even if your child had other costume ideas in mind, they might feel pressured by other peers to dress more proactively. This could be anything from a lower neckline, shorter skirt or dress, or anything that reveals a little too much. Remind your teen that they don’t have to dress sexy for Halloween and should instead, pick out something they like that isn’t age-inappropriate.
Avoid Violent or Gory Options
Many teens these days are spoon fed violence and gore through the internet, video games, and media. While there is nothing wrong with scary movies, it’s important that your pre-teens and teens tone down graphic undertones until they are of mature age.
Talk About Costume Ideas
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is be honest and communicate with your teen. If you don’t like their costume idea, consider making suggestions to help them choose a better costume idea, or even modify their current costume. Your teen likely wants you to be involved, but only on their terms. Essentially, try to have a conversation with them without inserting too much of your own opinion. Affirm their costume ideas, and add in your own suggestions only when necessary. For instance, don’t immediately shoot down their idea, but instead, offer up an alternative, or something less revealing. This will allow your teen to hear your opinions while also giving them room to communicate their own ideas and feelings.
Remind Them to Have Fun
Halloween is not a serious holiday by any means, and your teen should enjoy themselves! Remind them that their costume doesn’t have to be extravagant to still be cool, and they don’t have to reveal too much of themselves for others to accept them. Remember, it’s Halloween! It’s time to dress up and go have fun!
