As I think about Halloween, I keep coming back to what makes it so magical for our kids—not just costumes and candy, but being part of a group, laughing down sidewalks in the dark, belonging.

If your child has a classmate or friend with a disability, this season offers a simple, meaningful invitation. Ask your child what it might look like to make room for that friend on Halloween night. It could mean walking more slowly from house to house. It might mean some kids sprint ahead while you linger and keep pace with someone who moves differently.

But here’s the gift: this isn’t about earning gold stars for being kind. It’s about the joy that comes when we choose one another. It’s about friendship, mutual delight, and a vision of community where every child belongs and knows the joy of being together with other kids. It’s about leaning toward love.

I know it’s hard. It’s hard to be a kid. It’s hard to be a friend, and that’s true with or without disabilities. But these holidays can be particularly hard for kids with disabilities, and an invitation to run or roll around the neighborhood together can make all the difference.

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