Resource: Cafe Mom

CafeMom is a meeting place for moms: an online community where thousands of moms come together every day to connect with each other. The site is free to join and all moms are welcome.



Get information, advice and support from other moms on everything from Pregnancy and Health to Recipes and Relationships.


If you haven't joined yet, it just takes a few minutes!

What to Do with Costumes on November 1

Image via CrunchBase

So much time and effort into finding the best costumes- but once the trick-or-treating and parties are over what do you do with them?  69% of moms buy their kid’s Halloween costume, which can create a lot of post-Halloween waste.  Here are a few ideas from CafeMom(www.cafemom.com ) on what to do with costumes after Halloween has come and gone.

·         Donate them to the school’s drama department to be used for future shows. Even if they don’t use the entire costume they can use the materials or mix and match for what they need! (Demonstrate how the props form one costume can be used for something else i.e. a pirate’s sword can be used for Peter Pan)
·         Add them to the “Halloween Box.” When looking for new costumes you would be surprised at the things you can pull together by mixing old costumes! You can also use the box to swap with other kids. (Show a sample box filled with previous costumes)
·         Sell them in a yard sale that following summer- other moms are likely on the lookout for costume deals!
·         Save them for dress up- maybe next year’s birthday party can be a costume party! (Show images of kids at costume party)
·         If you don’t have the space the local thrift shop or good will would love to have them!

Source: CafeMom

Help Avoid Halloween Candy Overload!

74% of moms say their kids are going trick-or-treating this year, which could result in candy overload!  Here are some tips from CafeMom(www.CafeMom.com ) on how to keep the kids from eating too much candy without a battle.

Top 5 CafeMom Tips:

1.       After Halloween night store the candy away someplace the kids can’t reach it and dole it out in portions moving forward- maybe for good behavior or an after dinner treat. Some of our moms even recommend freezing some of the candy – show examples of yummy frozen treats to share later.
2.       Let the kids pick out their favorite pieces and take the rest to the office to share.
3.       Separate the candy into small zip lock baggies and give out the baggies throughout the year. Show the baggies in a lunchbox.
4.       Keep an eye on their bags when you are trick-or-treating and when you feel they have had enough let them know it’s time to head home! – You can avoid the battle- by getting excited with them and mentioning how you can’t wait to get home and see all the good stuff they have!
5.       Give the kids smaller bags to trick or treat with. We can demonstrate the size difference and how less candy looks like more in a smaller bag versus the pillow cases some kids are using.

Source: MomCafe

Trick-or-Treating Trends

As costume fads change, safety concerns remain. Kids are still trick-or-treating but with 70% of Moms saying they would never allow their child to go trick-or-treating alone, safer alternatives are becoming the norm!  

To avoid the worries of tainted candy and erratic drivers lots of parents are opting for the alternative Halloween plans. Community events and malls are becoming more and more popular as locations to trick-or-treat.  Some ideas from CafeMom include:

·         Mall trick-or-treating – malls across the country open their stores to trick-or-treaters.  Associated Content reported earlier this year that The Mall of America hosts “The World’s Largest Trick or Treat.” Kids are provided bags and can stop by all the stores for treats. There is also a costume competition and lots of Halloween entertainment!
·         Kids Night on Broadway- kids ages 6-18 can see shows for free! An adult, whose ticket is not free, must accompany the child but that ticket also gets you entry to Madame Tussauds Halloween party as well as restaurant and parking discounts.  Many cities have similar events, so check your local theater listings.
·         Theme parks go all out for Halloween. From 6 Flags Fright Fest to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream there are tons of activities and haunted houses to attend.
·         How about a haunted hay ride? Gather up some families in the neighborhood and pile in. Almost every town offers one of these! You will get many thanks for being the organizer!

Keep a look out for flyers at your church, school and local shopping malls. If you gather a few moms of your kid’s friends it could be something they really look forward to!

Source: CafeMom