My position was that since they are so young, an earlier time would be better for them. One of them is afraid of the dark and the other I believe would be at least uncomfortable in the dark. So, this passed year, we took the girls out at 5 o'clock by my suggestion for an early trick or treat. (In order to get a clear idea, this is still during daylight savings time and sunset was at 6:01pm that night.) My vision of going early was to be heading back home once it got dark. Also, the younger girl gets tired easily and would be asking for me to carry her all the way home, if we didn't go out early.
My wife's position was that this was much too early to go out. She felt that we should at least wait until the sun goes down. She pointed to the facts that 1. there were NO other kids trick or treating at this time and 2. her own experience growing up proved this to be too early. Not only did she view it as too early, but in addition she expressed that such an early trick or treat time was rude to our neighbors. Many of whom weren't even home, and most of those we did see had to shuffle to get ready, stating "You're here early!"
Please comment and add your two cents to this issue. I'm sure there are parents our there with kids our age that can speak on this topic who have come to a solution. Even if you don't have kids, I'd like to hear from you too.
Here's a picture of my girls the "princess fairy" and cheerleader with a neighborhood friend. It also better reveals the time of day.
If you're wondering, Superbaby (Mikey) slept through most of the evening, probably from a busy day saving everyone:
Umm...the wife is always right? Love, The Wife
ReplyDeleteYeah...I think 5 is way to early. It's fun for the kids to see all the other kids out there too. Have your girls bring extra flashlights or glow sticks if they are not too fond of the dark. I say wait till at least sunset.... Good luck next year!
ReplyDeleteOh, and little Mikey is adorable....ahhh that look...I think he was busy breakin hearts that day!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI think you should really have a talk with the "guy" who ran the event... he really shouldn't be making couples get in passionate debates! ;)
ReplyDeleteToo early. I have to agree with the wife! We go after dark. We have a group of parents/kids in the neighborhood that go together. This year my son (6) is all about being afraid of the dark, the closet etc... He chose to stay back and hand out candy with the Dads. He really enjoyed doing man stuff this year. In the past he stayed on the sidewalk with Mommy instead of heading up to any "scary" house. My daughter (8) was ready to fill the whole pillowcase this year and wanted to go, go, go. Ahhhh...missing the days when one block was enough!
ReplyDeletePS. Love the pictures!
my baby girl is just like your superman (that look he is making, is the same look you make on the b-ball court..LOL!), a little too young to be trick or treating this year..but if she was old enough, and we went out that early, i would probably take her to the mall..at least they would most likely have their treats ready..when we were kids, you HAD to wait 'til it was dark, before you went out..but i have heard of kids going out before dusk a lot more lately..sign of the times?..and your wifey is right..the wife is always right!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you placed your kids' concerns at the top of the list gets my vote. The whole point of the holiday is them. If they are uncomfortable with some aspect of the plan, the memory becomes a painful one. When they are ready for the dark they will be ready. Eventually (unfortunately) they will even wonder why you are even coming with them. Savor these moments. The fact that you wife will be 'right' anyway is something I (as a man and husband) can do nothing about but I'm in your corner (as useless as that may be given your tough adversary)
ReplyDeleteI agree with trishee...5pm is way too early! We started about 6:15pm...it was nice and dark...ended about 8:30pm...the girls walked the entire time...and we lived dangerously and let them eat alot of candy that night...alot!!! Love you Mike!!!!
ReplyDeleteTranscribed from Liliana's Facebook comments.
5PM = too early!! people are still trying to get dinner, get dressed, and get out! Part of the fun is seeing the spooky lights, and candles in pumpkins. But let's face it, I'm sure everyone had fun no matter what time it was! Your babies are so cute!!!! Did Mommy and Daddy dress up? Where are those photos!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I appreciate that you were looking out for your kids, I gotta agree with Tricia on this one. Halloween is a nighttime holiday. When I was a kid I never went trick or treating during the day. It's supposed to be a little scary and I think that Helen and Jamie could handle trick or treating at night, especially when they see that all the other kids are doing the same thing. So I'd say that it's not much of a debate, it's just plain wrong to be trick or treating during the day. It'd be like hunting for apples instead of eggs on Easter or putting up tights instead of a stocking on Christmas! But I gotta add that Mikey looks great as Superman (or Superbaby), I can certainly get behind that costume choice!
ReplyDeletedid you ask your girls when they wanted to go out?
ReplyDeleteWives of America...unite! I totally agree that 5 pm is WAY too early. I think the other parents need time to get home, eat dinner, unwind,change into costumes, etc...and do not anticipate or expect trick-or-treaters until it gets dark. I think the word "rude" is a bit too harsh, but it certainly is an inconvenience to the other families in the neighborhood. I agree with people above who say that Halloween is a nighttime thing, but appreciate that you are looking out for your kids. It usually works out that the younger kids go early in the evening so all parents are generally looking out for one another and making sure everyone is being safe.
ReplyDeleteSorry gotta side with the wife, 5pm is way to early!!
ReplyDelete