Stupid parent guilt?

[Halloweeenqueen21x]

I have a 3(nearly 4yo) nd 1 (nearly 2) year old.

Halloween day is a Friday so were off as im part time and this is one of my days. My plan was some halloween home activities. A nice walk. Then treat or treating and a 'party' when we come home (some party treats the house decorated and a halloween kids film before bed!)

I have weird guilt i havent booked a major halloween event in my city. I did price one up at a certain kids place and it was going to cost 60 quid!!!! For me and 2 toddlers i was a bit shocked ?

I did find a toddler Sensory halloween party the weekend before so I may book this

But am I stupid to feel guilt that I havent booked some big halloween event? There is one that says 'kids rave' but my eldest suffers with Sensory issues so I dont want to take him as it doesnt sound his cup of tea

Are we just in a society now where as parents we feel pressure to go OTT? Im already looking at Christmas stuff and worrying its not good enough what ill book

This is going to sound harsh but OP, you need to chill out.

For a start, what is the point of these activities for really small children? Pointless. They won't remember them anyway. If you enjoy it and want to do it, then sure, go ahead, but don't kid yourself it's hugely important to the children, it's not.

Save your powder for when they're older and are asking for fab halloween or other activities and can actually be involved in choosing and planning them.

Not harsh my husband has said similar lol.

Because they're in nursery a few days (theyre all year as I dont work term time) so theyre always busy we go out and do loads anyway. But I had to stop myself when it came to the event that would've cost 60 quid because I get a feeling It'd be for more older kids anyway. My eldest may have liked but wasted on my youngest

I just feel so much pressure with occasions when realistically im sure the kids like the most simple things

YOu should nip that in the bud now. Putting that sort of ridiculous pressure on yourelf is not helpful. Not just to yourself, but to your children.

I think there can be a temptation to think that you need to create all these memories etc, but childhood is quite long. YOu have plenty of time. And at this point, the vast bulk of what's happening they won't remember anyway.

They're so young, they won't know or care. You're doing plenty already. Mostly likely one of them will be unwell / tired / have a meltdown. It's all pressure from social media.

There's years and years ahead to do these things, I have kids a similar age and we've only done pumpkin picking so far!

I also don't fancy explaining ghosts, zombies, and vampires etc, it all just seems unnecessary to me.

We'll probably start to introduce a bit more when they go to primary school.

What you have planned sounds lovely. Mine are going to school and then trick or treating and then to bed. 😂

Children tend to find these sort of “big days out” stressful and overwhelming. Use that money to buy some crafts to do together or towards a season ticket to a local place you go regularly.

Sounds wonderful but maybe a little over filled with halloween activities for a child with sensory issues. I would be tempted to knock the party bit on the head.

Put the idea of paying for expensive, organised events out of your mind OP. Your children will be happiest doing simple things with you where everyone can feel relaxed and comfortable.
I would suggest you start a savings pot for when they're old enough to enjoy things like theatre visits or trips to places and can ask to do those kind of things. That way you'll have the money for merch , for example, to make the occasion extra special. You'll be the one paying for a long time!

What is a major Halloween event for toddlers?! What fresh hell!

Honestly DS who is 4 doesn't like noise or crowds so we never bother with that kind of thing! We might carve a pumpkin and go to a few neighbours for some sweets.

I don't want to be that person but Halloween is just a big money spinning thing now!