Halloween Party, am I being ridiculous?

[yaboreme]

My DS is just 2.

He's starting to be more emotionally aware, ie he's worried about certain things and is now asking for a light on at bed time.

I have been asked to attend a Halloween party this coming weekend and am concerned that it might be a bit too much for him. It's not a children's party so to speak and there will be adults there who will all be dressing up. Most of who he doesn't know.

AIBU to think it may be a-bit overwhelming for him? He's unsure of all the Halloween masks we see out and about and I don't want to scare him?

Any thoughts? 🎃

Usually I would say don't be silly, but as a Covid baby I would see your point a little more.

I probably wouldnt take mine to an adults haloween party.

Id take him to a kids one though.

Yeah I'd avoid that. Also who wants a two year old at an adults party? It'd be no fun for you trying to keep him happy.

I think it could be potentially very frightening for him. Can you get a sitter or decline. I don’t think it’s sounds suitable for a toddler.

Sorry I didn't explain properly.

It will be a mix, there will be a few children there. But all but 3 he won't know, the rest are aged between 9 - 15 and the person hosting the party will have of their family there who my DS doesn't know.

I just feel like I don't want to let anyone down and be a party pooper, but also don't want my son to see people dressed up scary and be terrified.

So far I think people understand my reasoning so that helps! Thanks

I would get someone to look after DS and go yourself. Young kids need Halloween events aimed at young kids to sort of ease them in. I dont think your DS would enjoy it and it might me a bit frightening for him. My kids still don't like people in masks etc and they are older.

I have 3 very sensitive kids (my 6 year old hasn’t watched frozen yet because she can’t get through the opening song where they’re cutting ice!!). I would 100% avoid taking my 2 year old to this for all your reasons.

Get a babysitter. It doesn't sound like he will like it and you won't enjoy it worrying.

Do you defo know people will be very scarily dressed up?

Oh I see! Yeah I still wouldnt take mine to this. Agree with PP, halloween needs to be age appropriate - id want the scariest thing to be a cupcake with a spider on it and someone in skeleton pj's!

I don't think you're ridiculous at all OP. He is just a baby, so why take him somewhere where you know there is a good chance he will be frightened. He isn't old enough to undestand just yet.

I am sure that plenty people will come along and disagree with me. But I had similar with my ds, and for many years he had terrible night terrors. They are awful to witness so I wasn't going to take him somewhere that would be triggering. In fact the biggest trigger was Scooby Doo, but you never know what can upset them. But it was clowns too, so I was quite often called 'that helicopter mum'. I didn't care though. It wasn't them who sat up at night trying to console a incredible distressed child.
Just do what feels right for you.
If you want to go, perhaps arrange a babysitter for a few hours.

I wouldn’t take a 2 year old to an adults Halloween party

Yes definitely scary. I saw some of the outfits and he wasn't too keen.

Thanks everyone appreciate your replies, it's made me feel a little better.

Think I'll just have the conversation and explain that it may be a bit much for him, best to be honest as don't want to upset anyone.

I think that’s a good plan.

All sorted.

Explained the situation and friend has offered to bring her kids to mine the next day with some pumpkins, decorations and spooky treats from the party so DS doesn't miss out!!!

Honesty really is the best policy!

Excellent - hope all the dc enjoy it.