Halloween is nearly upon us! And Halloween, so unless you’ve really got a magic wand, it’s time to get some outfits sorted for the kids.
Before you dust off last year’s Batman and princess costumes, have a think about the options you’re presenting to your child. It’s easy to get carried away by gender bias when the kids get exposed to limited themes at nursery, school and a birthday party every other weekend. But how will they ever break the cycle unless you give them a little nudge?
One woman from Surrey is blessed with a little boy who loves playing dress up with his sister all year round. So we’re sad to report that Issac Armitage, 4, had his playtime spoiled by a thoughtless delivery driver who didn’t appreciate his fairy costume.
When Issac answered the door in a black and purple fairy dress, the deliver man told him: "Someone needs to take you to one side and have a word with you, you can't be a fairy, you should be a superhero."
Wendy Armitage, 36, was obviously unimpressed with the ignorant buffoon’s comments and complained to the supermarket responsible.
She said: "I just couldn't believe it when I heard it. If he had said it's unusual to be a fairy, we wouldn't have have thought too much of it but saying someone should take Isaac to one side implies he was doing something wrong.
"I feel disappointed that there are still people in this world that ask questions like that and think it is their right to tell other people what they can and cannot wear."
Hear, hear, Wendy. We salute you for making it clear that experimentation is a natural part of every child’s development.
Clinical psychologist and author of "The Happy Child", Linda Blair, says: "To explore what it means to be both genders is totally normal. But the problem is we have suppressed it for so many generations, that people are still uncomfortable with it."
Linda notes that society seems more accepting of 'tomboys' who want to dress up as pirates and vampires, but less so of boys who want to play princess. Given the phenomenal success of Disney’s Frozen, it’s surprising that more boys aren’t getting in on the Elsa action. She’s every bit the hero as Batman and Superman.
Bear in mind the debate over gender stereotypes doesn’t mean you need to quash you kid’s dreams! If your little girl is obsessed with Disney princesses, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t indulge her fairytale fantasises. But if you’re shopping for new costumes this year, ask the kids if they want to try something new, their choices might surprise you.
Here’s a list of costumes to explore, from what’s thrilling audiences on the big screen and TV, to classics that have a longer shelf life than Halloween.
Game of Thrones: direwolf
According to the GOT wikia site, "an adult direwolf is as large as a small horse, and can rip a man's arm from its socket." Nice. What kid wouldn't want to join House Stark for an evening of stalking and snarling?
Suicide Squad: Harley Quinn
Just try and stop your teenage girl from playing Harley this Halloween. The psychotic psychiatrist may be experiencing an identity crisis of her own, but this gal kicks serious ass and kids all over the world ADORE her.
Star Wars The Force Awakens: Rey
If Harley is a little too nuts for you, swap the baseball bat for a lightsaber with scavenger turned Jedi, Rey. She's the most exciting female character in Star Wars since, well, ever.
Orange Is The New Black
We're pretty sure this little lad isn't a product of Litchfield penitentiary, but we'd like to think his oufit was inspired by the hit Netflix comedy.
Star Wars: droids and Chewwy
For kids of all ages, the droids from Star Wars and everyone's favourite rebel, Chewbacca, are a fanastastic choice if you want this year's Halloween costume to live on.
Ghostbusters
Be it the original or the all-female reboot, who you gonna call? Yep, you guessed it, go Ghostbusters with your very own proton pack.
DC Comics
Ok, so batman vs. Superman was the biggest movie flop of all time, but kids LOVE painting on the big S and it comes in so many variations, there's an outfit for every alien amongst us. As for Wonder Woman, she'll be the first female superhero to take top billing in years.
Pirates
Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow brought a whole new gender fluidity to Disney's hit franchise. There are loads of cool costumes for girls and boys of all ages - a classic you can reinvent for other parties.
If you're in need of more inspiration, check out halloweencostumes.co.uk and raid your local charity shop for accessories like belts, hat and scarves. They're an absolute treasure trove and it's a great opportunity for the kids to put together their own wacky outfit.
What will your family be wearing this hallowed eve? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).
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