Don’t banish your old Halloween costumes to the back of the closet this year. Use those old Halloween costumes to encourage education and creative role playing year round.

Below is a list of ideas to help your children transform into their career roles.

Firefighter:  Recruit your children to help wash your car and pretend it’s on “fire!” Have your child get out the flames by controlling the hose and putting out the bubbles!

Server: It’s dinner time. Have your kids set the table, take everyone’s’ orders and serve. Make sure to leave a tip! Paper and pen is a must so you don’t forget the order!

Soldier: Top secret missions make this play like hide and seek! Rake up the leaves to create a hide-a-way, patrol the grounds, and chase enemies away. Old cell phones work great as pretend walkie talkies!

Police officer: Set up a traffic course outside using sidewalk chalk and monitor bikes, roller blades, and pedestrians! Issue tickets to speedy riders and people who break the rules!

Nurse/Doctor: Band-Aids anyone? Teddy bear has a boo boo! Don’t forget the sticker and sucker for a check-up well done

Teacher: Lead stuff animals and friends in a round of ABC’s or simple math drills. Don’t forget to raise your hand if you know the answer!

Artist: Set up easels to create an instant art show of your child’s art work! Don’t forget name tags and be sure to serve hors d’oeuvres!

Sanitation worker: It’s garbage night again! Why not dress the part and help clean up by collecting the trash around the house.