Do you give out candy on Halloween? Many people struggle with this nowadays, but most agree that the once-a-year candy rush is well worth the joy the playful extravaganza brings to their children, teens included. But there is another aspect to Halloween many families embrace more and more every year and that is creating homemade goodies from scratch with the children.
Research has shown that cooking with children is one of the most effective ways to teach cooperation and to build confidence, not that we needed research to confirm that. The results are obvious to any mom and dad whose had the pleasure of playing with food with the kids. Sure, cooking a wholesome recipe from scratch also teaches good nutrition habits. However, making fun food, occasionally, has the added benefit of creating an environment where kids are reminded that a good balance of creative license and childlike goofiness is a valued part of a healthy life also.
But if we’re going to consider research, it is worth noting that cooking and baking increases children’s problem solving, reading, math, sharing and motor skills. In fact, it also improves their overall learning skills. That, right there, is certainly worth a fun, sweet reward once in a while, especially if it is one they’ve created themselves. By the way, if you cook and bake with the kids, also expect to leave them with a good measure of pride and accomplishment. Sweet indeed.
We looked up creative Halloween cookie recipes to inspire you and your lovely monsters. Narrowing it down to just five (you’ll no doubt find tons more once you follow the links) was a stretch, even for the adult mind. It instantly awakened the playful spirit within, and that’s just what it’s supposed to do. Enjoy.
Dracula Dentures Cookies, from Delish
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Candy Corn Swirl Cookies, from The Simple Sweet Life
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Mummy Pumpkin Cookies, from OMG Chocolate Desserts
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Chocolate PB Spider Cookies, from A Spicy Perspective
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Oreo Funfetti Cookies, from Deliciously Sprinkled
This brings to mind an event that took place many, many moons and Halloweens ago, way back when this writer was in first grade. There were no school counselors back then (at least not in the school in question) and probably three bullies and as any “difficult” kids in each classroom. The teachers handled sudden eruptions as best they could, and did very well, considering. Every classroom activity was a ripe environment for rivalry, fights and blow-ups, and kids proved this to be true every time the opportunity presented itself, except… One activity stands out and remains a vivid memory.
It was Halloween. A mom was invited in to make Halloween treats with the entire class. Something shifted. The bullies turned into the sweetest, most engaged, collaborative and funny kids that day. There was not a single incident and even the shyest among us changed. In spite of being just kids, we understood why: we felt we were on equal grounds that day, and that we accomplished something together.
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