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Original poster

Trick or treat - weak social skills

39 replies

MaroonyBalloony · 22/10/2024 16:25

I love seeing the Trick or Treaters, and while my own DC are too young to go out they will enjoy helping give out the sweets.

My issue is I never went as a child, and really don't know what to say to the children when they're at the door!

Does anybody have any stock phrases Previously I've just said "ooh scary costume" or "ooh lovely costume" (depending obviously haha) but I feel so awkward and stupid, especially when the parents are close.

My anxiety around it sucks the fun out a bit and I worry I make the children think I'm weird, any tips?

Thanks!

OP posts:
surreygirl1987 · 22/10/2024 19:06

idontknkowwhyibother · 22/10/2024 19:02

You go something like "oh WOW!" at the costume. throw sweets in a bucket. Smile at the adult if an adult is accompanying them. Say 'you're welcome' back if they say thank you.

Have you never had a social interaction before?

No need to be nasty.

Autumnismyfavouritetimeofyear · 22/10/2024 19:06

Are you having a good evening? Whats your favourite sweets? You got a lot havent you?

idontknkowwhyibother · 22/10/2024 19:02

You go something like "oh WOW!" at the costume. throw sweets in a bucket. Smile at the adult if an adult is accompanying them. Say 'you're welcome' back if they say thank you.

Have you never had a social interaction before?

DinosaurMunch · 22/10/2024 18:55

Also, if your kids were are old enough to hand out sweets last year, they must be old enough to go trick or treating. My 2 and 4 year olds loved it last year. Literally the highlight of their year and haven't stopped talking about it. We just visited a handful of nearby homes with pumpkins, it took about half an hour with a good bit of walking in between

TheKeatingFive · 22/10/2024 18:54

Don't worry about it. They don't give a rats ass what you say, they're only interested in the sweets 😆

Investinmyself · 22/10/2024 18:53

Happy Halloween. I like your hat/mask/costume. Would you like a sweet.

TeamPlaying · 22/10/2024 18:52

Remember that each group only comes to your door once, so it doesn’t matter if you say exactly the same thing every time, they won’t know!

DinosaurMunch · 22/10/2024 18:51

MaroonyBalloony · 22/10/2024 16:25

I love seeing the Trick or Treaters, and while my own DC are too young to go out they will enjoy helping give out the sweets.

My issue is I never went as a child, and really don't know what to say to the children when they're at the door!

Does anybody have any stock phrases Previously I've just said "ooh scary costume" or "ooh lovely costume" (depending obviously haha) but I feel so awkward and stupid, especially when the parents are close.

My anxiety around it sucks the fun out a bit and I worry I make the children think I'm weird, any tips?

Thanks!

They don't want to chat, they just want sweets!

Pinkmoonshine · 22/10/2024 18:51

What you say sounds absolutely fine. They want the sweets! Just smile. Don’t worry! No one can see your nerves when presented with free sweets!

GlitteryUnicornSparkles · 22/10/2024 18:50

I just stick with “Happy Halloween” or if someone looks particularly good I’ll tell them “I love your costume”.

Don’t overthink it!

Didshejustsaythatoutloud · 22/10/2024 18:49

Ask them what they are going to do to "earn their treats" we had to have jokes at the ready in Scotland. (The guysers not you) 😁

Ablondiebutagoody · 22/10/2024 18:46

Wear a mask yourself. It might help you get into character a bit better and/or feel less awkward. Dress up the DC too for giving out the sweets. The trick or treaters will love it and do most of the talking!

SpookyStar · 22/10/2024 16:35

Everyone round here just says happy Halloween when they open the door no comments on costumes etc

samedifferent · 22/10/2024 16:32

Don't overthink this OP.
"You look great", "wow, look at you", "amazing, have a sweet " etc are all that is required.
If you wanted you can mention something specific about their costume, " great makeup, wings, cloak, broom etc"
You can always chat to parents "your kids look great, hope you guys don't get cold ", "I love seeing everyone's costumes "
Your dc can help give out sweets if they are old enough, you can dress them up either way.

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