How Parents Can Help Children Overcome Their Fear of Halloween
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From creepy masks to blood and gore, it's no wonder why many kids have a fear of Halloween. But how do you help your child overcome their spooky season-induced anxiety? Read on for expert insight and advice.
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While many kids consider Halloween their favorite holiday, thanks to the festivities and all that candy, others are terrified by it. Some children have a fear of Halloween. Of course, there is good reason for their anxiety. From blood and gore to ghost, goblins, and creepy masks, the season can be disconcerting. But if you have a child who is afraid of Halloween, fear not: there are things you can do to help your kiddo manage any worry they might have.What Are Some Common Fears Kids Face Around Halloween?Some children find it especially scary when they see others dressed up as ghosts, monsters, or other frightful characters, says Max Doshay, a licensed psychologist and CEO and co-founder of Monima Wellness, a women’s mental wellness center in Santa Monica, California. Young children in particular have a difficult time seperaring fiction from reality. Add to that the fact that many little ones are naturally afraid of the dark, loud noises, and jump scares, and you’ve certainly got a recipe for the bad kind of frights associated with this holiday. What Are Some Ways Parents Can Help Kids Feel Less Scared of Halloween?The good news, if you’re wondering how parents can help children overcome their fear of Halloween, is that there are plenty of things you can do to calm your child, starting well in advance of the holiday. According to Doshay, here are some things you can do to help your little one prepare for Halloween: Discuss what to expect. Being transparent with your child is the best way to build trust. Let them know there might be scary elements, but you will be right by their side. Let them know it’s just for fun. Explain that costumes and decorations are just pretend and meant to be fun, which can alleviate some of their anxiety. Involve them. Involving children in the planning and decorating process can help foster a sense of control and familiarity.Expose them a little at a time. Instead of heading to one of those huge Halloween pop-up stores—which are often more adult-centered and full of scary and/or gory items—take your little one Target, since it’s less likely to have scary decor and costumes and will help them get used to the idea slowly. What Should Parents Do If Little Ones Are Afraid to Go Trick-or-Treating But Older Siblings Want To?One approach is to "divide and conquer," says Doshay. “If feasible, have one parent or a trusted adult stay home with the younger child while the other takes the older siblings trick-or-treating. This way, each child's experience can be tailored to their comfort level and preferences,” he says. Another solution is to trick-or-treat while it's still light outside. Most communities have trick-or-treaters roaming around as early as 4:30 or 5pm, which allows the littlest crowd to experience the holiday in a less intimidating way. Finally, if your older siblings have friends who are heading out, consider synching up with the parents to see if your child could tag along. Most parents expect there will be groups of kids meeting up here and there all evening and might happily help out. What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has a Fear of Halloween Decorations? When you think about it, Halloween decorations play into some of our biggest and most innate fears: spiders, webs, creepy faces, and ghosts. These are things most of us fear on some level. And for very young or rather sensitive kids, it can quickly become overwhelming when scary Halloween decorations are combined with scary noises, the dark, or flashing lights. If you know your child will come across scary decorations (you’ve been invited to a party or other Halloween event), Doshay recommends gradually exposing them to these types of decorations in a non-threatening manner. “Start with less intimidating decorations and slowly introduce more elaborate ones over time. This gradual exposure helps children adjust to the sights and sounds of Halloween in a controlled way.” Offering reassurance every step of the way and pulling back if your child seems uncomfortable are great ways to build their trust and to let them see that you yourself are not anxious or scared of these decorations. Explain they’re just for fun and help your child draw parallels between scary Halloween decorations and festive Christmas decorations.Of course, you can always skip scary Halloween decorations altogether. Instead, use only kid-friendly Halloween decorations in your own home, or even hang your toddler’s Halloween crafts to use as decor. Just know you may encounter the former while trick-or-treating.What Should Parents Do If Their Child Is Afraid Of Halloween Costumes? One of the biggest things kids struggle with on Halloween are the costumes. But there are ways to help your child feel less frightened. When it comes to their own costume, allow them to choose what they might like to be. Shop for a costume in person rather than online so they can see and feel it before committing. Places like Target tend to have less frightening selections that can be tried on in well-lit dressing rooms, making these stores a good starting point for frightened kiddos. And, says Doshay, role playing is another useful tactic. “Have enjoyable dress-up parties at home and explore a variety of characters with your family. This lighthearted conversation can help your child feel more at ease with the concept of costumes and less intimidated by the act of donning them,” he says. What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has a Fear Of Halloween Movies? Just like you wouldn’t want to be forced to watch a movie you feel uncomfortable with, your child shouldn’t, either. Make sure that any Halloween-themed movie you put on for your child is age appropriate and suitable for their sensitivity level. Remember, there are tons of kid-friendly Halloween movies out there to choose from, which can ease your little one’s anxiety. Watching as a family can help, too, since this can provide your little one with a sense of safety and security. What About Special Lighting and Sound Effects?Like other potentially frightening elements of Halloween, scary music and sound effects should be introduced slowly and carefully. Preparing your child before exposing them to a special effect is a helpful method for allaying anxiety. For example, you could say things like, “when I press this button, the zombie’s eyes are going to light up. It doesn’t mean he’s real,” or, “this inflatable makes a screaming sound that might seem scary for you, but I’m right here with you.” “Play Halloween-themed music or sounds at a comfortable volume,” says Doshay. “Previewing the sounds during the day, when your child is less likely to be afraid, is another beneficial strategy. You can assist them in realizing that the noises are normal and just a part of the celebration by introducing them to these effects in a quiet and controlled setting.”A Note About Halloween for Kids with Sensory Processing DisordersHalloween can be especially difficult for children suffering from sensory processing disorders or conditions, like autism or ADHD. Doshay provides us with several key strategies that can help make the holiday more manageable. Opt for sensory-friendly costumes that are comfortable and non-restrictive.Avoid masks or accessories that may cause sensory overload. Prepare your child with clear communication, explaining what to expect during Halloween activities. You might consider using visual aids or social stories to demonstrate the sequence of events. Stick to familiar routines and incorporate Halloween activities into their regular schedule.Skip things that you know might trigger your child, such as a crowded Halloween party, a haunted house, or late-night trick-or-treating. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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