FIRST WORD
No Tricks, Just Treats
PJ Feinstein
Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com
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info@thefamilymagazine.com When Halloween rolled around last year, seven
months into the pandemic, there was a lot of confusion
about whether it was safe to trick-or-treat. Out of
an abundance of caution, many parents kept their
kids home for a spooktacular evening of family fun,
including candy scavenger hunts around the house and
popcorn-filled movie nights to watch spooky flicks like
“Hocus Pocus.”
As of right now, it looks like trick-or-treating is back
on the agenda for October 31. While many children
can’t wait to slip into their costumes and fill up their
buckets with treats from generous neighbors, not
all kids are looking forward to Halloween festivities.

Many young children — especially preschoolers, who
can’t always tell the difference between reality and
make-believe — are frightened of mask-wearing trick-
or-treaters and creepy-crawly decorations.

In our October issue, we explore the reasons why
Halloween can be anxiety-provoking for some kids and
share expert advice on how you can help ease their fears.

One suggestion comes from Dr. Ami Patel, a pediatrician
at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital: read
Halloween-themed books together. We also have a
list of children’s books to help young ones feel more
comfortable with costumes and other disguises.

Speaking of books, a new title we’re loving is
“Kalamata’s Kitchen” about the magical food
adventures of a young girl and her imaginary alligator
sidekick. The illustrator, Jo Kosmides Edwards, is a
mom from Arlington, and she’s this month’s Parent
You Should Know. Turn to page 22 to learn about
her artistic journey and how she nurtures her own
creativity while raising two boys.

Also in this issue: family-friendly pizza places around
the DMV, books about bullying from the DC Public
Library and the benefits of prescription medication for
children with ADHD.

Enjoy the cooler weather, and happy Halloween! n
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