In Your Ghost Face!

There are so many things in life that bring out different parenting styles. Halloween is one of them. Growing up I wasn't really allowed to participate in Halloween. I remember handing out candy one year, and going to the church fall festival another year, but that's about it. Aside from being born and raised in another culture, I was also blessed with a mom that was (and still is) a very devote Southern Baptist. As an adult, I have decided not to take the very strict religious views of my upbringing, and that's where I find myself torn at times. Not in my decision but in how to navigate my parenting situations at times!

I am learning that my son is growing up far too quickly for my liking! We say it all the time, "Time flies". But there are defining moments in his childhood that remind me of just how quickly time does go by, and how unprepared I can be for the twists and turns that come with growing up. My son turned 7 this month and we did the usual run to the local stores for a Halloween costume. I'll have to look back at pictures to see what characters he has been in past years. At the moment, I can say with certainty that he has always gravitated towards super heroes!

To my unsuspecting shock, he knew exactly which costume he wanted. As soon as he saw it, he was unwavering in his choice! I asked him again, "Are you sure? You don't want to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle instead?"

I looked at the ghastly thing he picked out and hesitantly put it in the shopping cart. I think I tried to talk him out of it a few times before getting to the check out counter! But to no avail. Tonight, he will make his big boy debut as a bloody Ghost Face! The costume is rigged with a fake heart, which he is supposed to hold in his sweet little hand, and when he squeezes it, red ink comes flowing from his ghost mask!

Where did my baby boy go?

The irony is that as a parent you want your kids to be happy. I never want my doubts or insecurities to rub off on him. So I went with it. And now, when I tell other parents about his decision, I get the widest array of reactions. Some parents shrug it off as a phase. Other parents look away disapprovingly. Some even flat out go into a rant about how kids are desensitized, uncaring, and selfish.

Either way, I choose to take the path that allows my child freedom to explore. I also applaud parents that actively choose to instill their own beliefs into their kids; it is everyone's right to raise their child as they see fit (with the exception of brooding hatred, abuse or neglect of course!)

So to all parents, I say, have a Happy Day! Whether you celebrate Halloween or not, celebrate the joy and blessing of shaping a young child into a positive contributor to our world! Never take a second for granted!!!