Halloween is a magical time when kids get to step out of their lives and become anyone they wish. The prelude to Halloween is just as fun as the night itself, and kids who want to be scary, creepy creatures should be encouraged to do so. After all, research shows that kids who pretend to be the ultimate in Halloween fright are less likely to be afraid of make pretend demons they encounter throughout the year. The perfect kids Halloween costume can set the night off with a bang.

Let's face it; life could get a bit hairy if Jr. or little Suzy was allowed to dress themselves every day. It takes practice to understand that "pants ARE important," or "one-armed monsters are not allowed at the dinner table." But on Halloween . . . a kid can truly be a kid. This does not mean that a kids Halloween costumes need to be obscene. There are many children's Halloween costumes that are "just scary enough." Just the option of choosing their very own costume will be exciting to Johnny or Suzy.

Children love make-believe and dress-up. What better time to enjoy this than at Halloween? Even though some have misgivings about the holiday, celebrate it for what it is; a time to pretend. If your child's Halloween costume choice is Count Dracula don't worry. Ignoring the notion of monsters or ghosts does not do your child any favors. Teach them that it's ok to face a monster. That monster could be either a kids Halloween costume or a personal fear. Addressing a fear is one thing, and celebrating it is another. It's widely debated whether participating with Halloween costumes is considered "celebrating." That decision is up to you. Regardless of your position, you have to admit that dress up is fun for children and that is exactly the purpose of a childs Halloween costume.

I saw a ghoulish princess last year, all dapper and primped in her little dress and her tiara. From the back she looked like just another princess in the sea of little girl dreams. When she turned around, her hallowed out eyes and the fake blood that ran from her lips was quite convincing. The stuffed animal she carried with her had its guts sewn to the outside, to make it look like the little princess had a snack before her treats. Creepy? Yes. Imaginative? Absolutely. Harmful? Not a chance.

Many towns no longer participate in trick-or-treat for their children, in large part because of safety concerns, what with child abductions and the like making news every day. In these cases, festivities have often simply moved indoors, where costumes can still be outrageous and you can have fun, even if you can't go door-to-door.

Of course you can decide to stay at home this Halloween. What ever you decide is entirely up to you. But, on the other hand, you can use this day to nurture and grow your child's creativity. Designing a child's Halloween costume is a fun thing for parents and children to do together. Of course you don't want to forget to carve the pumpkin!

After you and Johnny and little Suzy decide on a theme, search online together for child's costume ideas. Just go for it! The crazier the better! The kids will zigzag back and forth between costume ideas, but gently keep them headed in a direction. Allow plenty of time to create the kids Halloween costumes and this will be an activity everyone will always remember.