Alexis Patterson

If you’re a Pinterest-perfect mom who has been planning her children’s Halloween costumes for weeks if not months, we seriously applaud you. For the rest of us, some last-minute help might be in order. We compiled some ideas that you can DIY for not much money and with pieces you may already have around the house. Need more inspiration? Visit our Halloween Pinterest board.

DFWChild reader Kevin, of Joshua, Texas, shared his dilemma: “I just took a one-year contract job that took me out of state and I fly back every six to eight weeks, but ever since I left, my oldest and youngest daughters don’t talk to me. My middle child does, but the other two won’t reply to my texts, calls or even emails.

DFWChild ABOUT A local, award-winning free monthly parenting magazine that addresses the concerns and needs of families, with a special focus on children from prenatal through adolescence. The magazine offers a well-informed, local and relevant perspective on issues affecting families and serves as both a strong voice in the community and a staunch advocate for children.