"Unmasking the Persistence of Childhood Disappointments During Holiday Breaks"

The author reflects on a childhood Halloween disappointment that left a lasting impact on her parenting style. As a child, she was forced to eat cooked carrots before being allowed to go trick-or-treating, resulting in a traumatic experience. This incident influenced her decision to never force her own children to eat foods they disliked. The author discusses the importance of allowing children to form their own preferences and the role of parents in guiding them. Despite the disappointment, the author fondly remembers the joy of Halloween and looks forward to creating new memories with her grandson.