Costumes, candy, and meltdowns are hallmarks of Halloween. It can be such a fun time of year for your child and the whole family. However, one thing I hear from many parents during this time is increased fears and worries. Many parents notice their children experiencing more nightmares around this time, meltdowns while trick-or-treating, and general worries. This blog will highlight some common fears you might notice in your child and how to help them navigate these feelings so they can continue to enjoy Halloween fun.
Ghosts, Goblins, Ghouls, Oh My!
Let’s acknowledge something important: Halloween can be spooky! That spookiness is fun for many, but kids often get scared by things we might not consider. For example, I was walking in Target the other day with my daughter and we came across the Halloween section. There was a tall skeleton that played music whenever a customer passed. It was an upbeat song, and the skeleton was bright and colorful. When I saw it, I thought “Hey, that’s kind of fun!” But my daughter stopped dead in her tracks, wide-eyed. To her, it was a towering figure that made sudden movements and loud sounds. Her brain registered that skeleton as something unfamiliar, which made it scary. Young kids' brains are still learning to identify real threats. Halloween decorations are often scary looking and make lots of strange noises. It’s completely normal for your child to be hesitant around Halloween decorations and costumes. In these moments, we can help by normalizing their feelings without rushing them out of the feeling. A simple, “It’s okay to be scared right now. I am right here,” can go a long way.
Trick-or-Treating Meltdowns
I hear about trick-or-treating meltdowns frequently in my practice after Halloween. When you think about it, Trick-or-Treating can be overwhelming. There are lots of flashing lights, crowds, scary decorations, and costumes can be uncomfortable. This is a perfect recipe for a meltdown. On Halloween night, give yourself and your child extra grace. It’s okay if your child has a meltdown while trick-or-treating; it happens more often than parents realize. My advice is to set your child up for success the day of. Offer them a filling meal before heading out, carry an extra water bottle, and don’t hesitate to take it slow. And when your child does meltdown remind yourself: this is completely normal, your child will be okay and you’re a good parent.
Halloween Fears and Nightmares
It’s very normal to notice an increase in fears or nightmares around this time of year. To help manage this, I suggest setting limits where you can. Make sure your streaming services and social media have parental controls to prevent your child from accidentally stumbling upon horror content. If your child is in the age where they are asking to watch scary movies, set limits you are comfortable with. Be aware of the content they’re watching so you can have discussions when needed. If they express more anxiety or fears, that’s okay. Normalize the feelings and reassure them that they are safe. Remind them you keep them safe and be open for conversations about their worries.
Halloween can be such a fun time of the year, but it’s also okay if some moments feel overwhelming. Parents can help their children navigate common fears and worries in a supportive and understanding way. A quick note: worries and more nightmares around this time are completely normal. However, if your child’s worries seem to be beyond Halloween or continue for some time, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Many of our providers are well- trained in this area and can help you navigate worries and fears. Learn more by visiting https://www.brentwoodcounseling.com/child-adolescent
Happy Halloween and safe trick-or-treating, everyone!
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