Spooky Nights and Women’s Rights | Why Now is the Perfect Time to Teach My Girls About Power and Confidence

This year, spooky season has felt extra special, not just because the leaves are turning or because the air is filled with that deliciously crisp, eerie vibe. It’s because I’ve had the joy of sharing it with my two tween girls, and let me tell you, it’s been nothing short of magical.

There’s something inherently powerful about this time of year—the energy is different, more charged. It’s as though the world itself is shedding its layers, revealing a deeper, more mysterious side, and I’m loving every moment of teaching my daughters how to tap into that power. Watching them grow into these strong, mysterious, and independent young women has ignited something within me—maybe it’s the witchy ancestor in me, or maybe it’s the urgency of this moment in history, especially with women’s rights hanging in the balance in the upcoming election. Who knows? But one thing is clear: this season feels like an awakening, and I’m here for it.

A Witchy Bond

When I look at my girls, Henley and Sadie, I don’t just see kids excited about Halloween costumes and candy (although let’s be real, that’s part of it). I see two powerful beings learning how to wield their inner strength, confidence, and creativity—qualities that feel deeply tied to the energy of this spooky season. There’s something about the enchantment of October that has always made me feel more in tune with my own power, and this year, I’ve been deliberate about passing that on to my daughters.

Maybe it’s because we’re descendants of witches. Okay, so I don’t actually have any documented proof of witchcraft in our lineage, but can you really be 100% sure? The way we’ve been embracing our power, our mystery, and our ability to navigate the world with quiet strength definitely makes me feel like there’s a bit of magic in our blood. I want Henley and Sadie to feel that too—not just now but as they continue to grow. There’s power in knowing who you are and owning it, in understanding that your strength comes not just from what you do but from who you are. And this season, surrounded by all things spooky, mysterious, and magical, feels like the perfect time to teach them that lesson.

Teaching Them to Be Powerful

One of the things I love about spooky season is that it offers a perfect backdrop for talking about power—not the kind that comes from physical strength or even authority, but the kind that lives deep inside of us. As women, we often grow up hearing messages that tell us to be small, to dim our light, to not take up too much space. But this season? It’s a reminder that we can be as big, as bold, and as powerful as we want to be.

With Henley and Sadie, I’ve tried to weave this into everything we do—from choosing their costumes, Taylor Swift and Barbie (which are both strong, fearless females) to our chats about the origins of Halloween, witches, and why women have historically been viewed as dangerous when they step into their power. It’s been fascinating to see how they soak it all up. They’re beginning to understand that being strong doesn’t always mean being loud; sometimes, the most powerful women are the ones who can quietly stand their ground, own their space, and know their worth without needing to prove it to anyone.

This is what I want them to carry with them—not just during spooky season but always. I want them to know that they are fierce, powerful, and capable, no matter what the world throws at them.

A Political Season of Power

Speaking of the world throwing things at us, I’d be lying if I said this season didn’t feel especially poignant in light of the upcoming presidential election. Women’s rights, our autonomy, and our place in society are all on the line, and it’s hard not to feel that weight. As I teach my daughters about their power and strength, I’m also deeply aware that the world may not always want to let them fully embrace those things. But guess what? That’s exactly why they need to.

I don’t want them to grow up in a world where they feel powerless or limited because of their gender. I want them to understand that their voices matter, that they have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, and that no one has the right to take that away. There’s a fight ahead, and it’s a reminder that the power we’re embracing this season isn’t just about witches or Halloween—it’s about real-world strength, resilience, and the ability to stand up for what we believe in – women’s rights!

Owning Our Mystery

Aside from the power aspect, there’s another element of spooky season that I’ve been particularly drawn to this year: mystery. There’s something so captivating about the unknown, the unseen, and the idea that not everything needs to be explained. As a mom, I’ve always tried to foster curiosity in my girls, encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers. But there’s also value in teaching them that some things are meant to be mysterious.

Whether it’s the allure of the moon, the quiet strength of a black cat (like our very own Salem), or the enigmatic nature of witches, there’s power in embracing the unknown. It’s okay not to have all the answers, and it’s okay to be a little bit of a mystery yourself. In fact, I think that’s part of what makes women so powerful—we’re not always easy to pin down, and that’s a strength, not a weakness.

Henley and Sadie are at an age where they’re beginning to ask big questions about who they are and who they want to be, and part of my job as their mom is to help them understand that they don’t have to figure it all out right now. They can be mysterious, they can change, and they can grow. They don’t owe anyone an explanation for who they are or who they’re becoming. This spooky season, I’ve loved showing them that it’s okay to embrace that side of themselves—the side that is curious, ever-evolving, and sometimes a little mysterious.

A Season to Remember

This year has been one for the books. Spooky season has always been a favorite of mine, but sharing it with my girls has made it even more meaningful. Together, we’ve embraced our inner power, celebrated the mystery of the unknown, and prepared ourselves for the challenges ahead—both the fun ones like choosing Halloween costumes and the serious ones like navigating a world where women’s rights are constantly under threat.

Whatever the reason for this season feeling so powerful, one thing is for sure: my girls and I are stepping into it fully, unapologetically, and ready to embrace all the magic and strength we possess. Here’s to many more spooky seasons spent together, where we continue to learn, grow, and unleash the witchy, powerful women we’re meant to be.