This time last year, my son was totally into Pink Panther. Thanks to Netflix, he was able to be introduced to this charming character along with Little Man also known as Big Nose, as well as, The Ant and the Aardvark. I didn't mind so much since I enjoyed Pink Panther and Inspector Clouseau as a kid. I loved having that connection with him. The problem arose when lil' man decided that he wanted to be Pink Panther for Halloween...Pink Panther for Halloween. There were no Pink Panther costumes, except in Japan. I must admit I have gone to some extreme lengths for my son, but I'll pass on ordering a costume from across the globe. So, we made one. I had no plan, pattern just a desire to make him happy. It didn't start off to be sensory friendly. I just made it to be comfy to him. I thought about what would work for him and made the costume to work. This is what went through my head...
He would not like a mask, but I needed to make a face.Ah-ha, I could put one on a hood.
It will be cool, but he will not want a bunch of layers. Use a matching sweat suit.
I let him choose a picture off the Internet a friendly face of Pink Panther. I used it as a guideline for his costume. This gave him control and ownership of his costume.
Why it worked and became sensory friendly!
- A hood works great because he can put it up to get away from some of the sights and sounds of all the happening of Halloween trick or tricking. It does help provide a barrier from the world. He could put it down if he was tired of wearing it and still be in costume. People could still see the face..kindof...from the back and looking over the top of him.
- The scratchy part of the costume was on the hood away from him. He was able to wear his own shoes.
- The sweat suit was warm enough, soft and comfy. It was what my son usually wears. It was material that would not bother him. I used one that did not have elastic at the bottom so he would not have anything tugging at him.
- He was happy and that makes me happy!
~Kim
