Trick or treat - weak social skills

[MaroonyBalloony]

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!

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.

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

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!

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) 😁

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

Don’t overthink it!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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?

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

No need to be nasty.

Surely happy Halloween or commenting on the costume is a pretty obvious one?

Genuinely didn't intend to be nasty, it's hardly a job interview, though, is it? I mean - what do you do when you buy something in a shop? Smile, exchange pleasantry etc. Weird thing to ask.

"Oh wow who are you", "you look scary" " " oh no it's a skeleton, witch, zombie etc" followed by " Have some sweets" is pretty much all u need and a "they look great", " hope they're/ you're having a great night" to any parents who r accompanying them! Enjoy

"Where are your fucking manners" is what I would love to say as hordes of kids grab, take handfuls and fail to say please or thank you

That was last year anyway

Aha i think you're the poster who this am was impressed with how authentic and real they were when in fact they were rude... Sorry

Gosh, I'm afraid you're wrong. Sorry about that. Very best of luck to you next time.

I just offer sweets or if they're very young I pretend they've scared me and say I like the costume. It doesn't really matter, all they want is the sweets.

In answer to your question, OP, yes YABU to be overthinking this so much.

Just leave the sweets on the doorstep and close your curtains if it's disturbing you to this extent.

@MaroonyBalloony sounds great to me - you've got it. Other than that kids appreciate a few decorations if you enjoy that.

If you have a high tolerance for naff Halloween jokes, you could ask if they have a Halloween joke as some kids love a chance to tell a bad joke.

It’s when you don’t wear a mask and some kid says” nice mask!”

I ask them if they have any jokes. That's the deal here, joke=sweets!