No Tricks, Just Treats: 5 Halloween Co-Parenting Tips
[Download our free Halloween Co-Parenting Planning Guide]
Halloween should be about candy, costumes, and fun — not conflict. But for divorced or separated co-parents, this festive night can bring up tricky questions. Who’s buying the costume? Who gets to take the kids trick-or-treating? And is it possible for both parents to be part of the celebration without things feeling awkward or tense?
The good news: it is possible. Whether you’re navigating your first Halloween as co-parents or you’ve been doing this for years and need a fresh approach, these simple co-parenting strategies can help keep the focus where it belongs — on making magical memories for your kids.
1. Talk Early, Plan Clearly
Halloween creeps up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute. At the start of October, sit down (or schedule a call) to talk through:
- Who has parenting time on Halloween this year
- What events the kids are attending (school parties, community events, trunk-or-treats)
- Any possible parenting time schedule adjustments you’d like to coordinate
- If you’re on amicable terms, which shared events can you attend together
Why it matters: Clarity reduces conflict. Planning ahead gives both parents a chance to be involved in making Halloween special, not stressful.
2. Costume Coordination: Who Buys What?
Dressing up for Halloween is a big deal for kids — and an extra cost for parents. In your planning, decide how you and your co-parent will share costs and determine who will take the lead in buying, finding, or making the costume your child wants most.
Tips to avoid conflict:
- Agree on a costume budget
- Decide who will take the child shopping or make the costume
- Set a deadline for when the costume should be ready, and share a photo of the final product. This helps avoid a common pitfall: both parents buying costumes and the child feeling stuck in the middle.
- If Halloween alternates year to year between co-parents, consider alternating costume duties as well
3. Trick-or-Treating: What’s the Plan?
There’s only one Halloween night, usually just a 2–3 hour window for trick-or-treating. For co-parents who want to share time with their children, splitting the evening isn’t always practical. Here are some options:
Plan A: One Parent Walks, One Stays Home
- One parent takes the kids around the neighborhood.
- The other stays home to hand out candy, which is also part of the fun.
- Depending on how close you live, this may require flexibility about having each other in your homes.
Plan B: Alternate Years
- Rotate Halloween night year to year so each parent gets full trick-or-treating fun every other year.
- Benefit: Predictable schedules help to reduce stress for both parents and children.
Plan C: Trick-or-Treat Together
- If your co-parenting relationship is generally peaceful, consider going out as a family.
- Trick-or-treating together can help your child feel secure and free to enjoy the holiday without divided loyalties.
4. Spread Out Spooky Season
Halloween celebrations and other festive fall events happen throughout October. Look for ways to extend the seasonal fun on days when you have parenting time:
- Visit a pumpkin patch and carve jack-o-lanterns together.
- Schedule an age-appropriate Halloween movie marathon.
- Costume photo shoot to capture memories before the big night.
- Before Halloween, attend a “trunk-or-treat” or haunted house together. Local libraries also love to get in on the fun with costume festivities for kids. (NJ Family Event Calendar is a great source for local listings)
This not only creates more fun for the kids but helps each parent feel included, without the pressure of splitting a single evening.
5. Don’t Forget the Class Party
If your child’s school hosts a Halloween parade, costume contest, or party, do your best to make room in your schedule to attend. For courtesy’s sake, let your co-parent know you will be there.
If only one parent can go:
- Share photos with the other parent.
- Encourage your child to tell stories about the day.
- Avoid criticizing the other parent in front of your child if they are unable to attend.
6. Put the Kids First, Always
Children will remember the feelings around their first Halloween after their parents’ split more than the logistics. If they feel supported, seen, and safe—whether with one parent or both—consider it a co-parenting win.
Halloween doesn’t need to be a battleground. With communication, flexibility, and creativity, you can build spooky, silly, and sweet traditions your kids will cherish, no matter how parenting time is split.
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FREE Download: Halloween Co-Parenting Planning Sheet
Make planning even easier with a Halloween Co-Parenting Planning Sheet to track:
- Parenting time on Halloween night
- Costume responsibilities
- Trick-or-treat times and locations
- School events and special activities
