Every October I practice trick-or-treating with my patients. For the week before Halloween, we end our regular appointment early and I have the kids go out into the hall, knock on my door, then say, “Trick or treat!” and I give them a piece of parent-approved candy (I get a pack of Yum Earth’s Halloween candy since some of my kids have allergies). We usually do 2 or 3 trials and I change between different hats/masks between. Over the years I’ve been amazed to see which kids have trouble with the steps, which try to take my whole bucket of candy, and which have trouble saying the words. My patients’ parents have expressed gratitude that they get a glimpse at how the evening of the 31st will go for them and I can give them tips and tricks to help the evening go smoothly.
