Preschool safe Halloween pumpkin decorating ideas

Your preschooler wants to carve their own Halloween pumpkin. Just the thought of that little carving tool in their hands makes you cringe. What can you do? You could gently place your hand over theirs to guide them. Of course, that negates the whole do-it-myself concept. There is a better way. Why not have your preschooler do it themselves with a safer method?

How about a Mr. Potato Head pumpkin?

Those safe detachable parts work pretty well for pumpkin decorating. Your preschooler can come up with all kinds of silly pumpkin faces. Best of all, they can do it completely on their own. Have them "practice" their pumpkin face on Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head. Once they find the silly face they like, they can push those parts right into their pumpkin. You can help by drawing magic marker dots where ears, eyes, nose and mouth go.

Bonus: Your preschooler probably already has the supplies.

Doll parts are fantastic for decorating pumpkins safely.

They can be found in most craft stores. Your preschooler can go with you to pick them out. This pumpkin decorating idea will give your child's jack-o-lantern a highly unique look. Ever seen a Halloween pumpkin with a wig? How about one with arms and legs? Let your preschooler decorate their pumpkin as crazy as they wish.

Bonus: Plenty of grins and giggles.

Your preschooler can make a crafty pumpkin with assorted supplies.

Give them an variety of wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, pom poms and other items from the craft store to work with. Some items are self stick. Others can be poked into the pumpkin. Still others can be attached with craft glue. Add some non-toxic craft paint for even more variety. Just spread all the supplies out. Let them have at it.

Bonus: This decorating tip builds creativity.

Get out your Halloween decorating and costume box.

We all have Halloween decorations we never use. The same goes for Halloween costume accessories. Your preschooler can make a scary dracula jack-o-lantern. How about a pretty princess Halloween pumpkin for girls? Picture a monster pumpkin with a crow perched on top.

Bonus: Dressing up the pumpkin is fast and easy.

Stickers are a fun way for preschoolers to decorate Halloween pumpkins.

Have you been to the craft store lately? Stickers for scrap-booking take up several aisles. There you will find everything from simple kid stickers to 3D embellishments. Some even feature your kids favorite movie and cartoon characters. Halloween pumpkin decorating doesn't get much easier.

Bonus: Most are self stick. No extra supplies (glue, scissors etc.) required.

Note: Did you notice all these preschool Halloween pumpkin decorating ideas have another bonus in common?

No sharp objects are required!