Managing Halloween Anxiety

Halloween can be a time of excitement and imagination—costumes, candy, and time spent with friends and neighbors. But for some children, the same things that make the holiday fun can also feel overwhelming. Realistic costumes, eerie decorations, and spooky sounds can trigger fear or anxiety.

So how can parents help kids enjoy the magic of Halloween while coping with the parts that might be a little too spooky?

1. Prepare Through Playful Conversation

A little preparation goes a long way. Bring up Halloween in casual, everyday conversation. Point out decorations on the way to school and talk about them in a lighthearted way:

“Look at that silly skeleton trying to climb the fence! He doesn’t even have muscles to help him!”

This kind of playful talk helps kids process what they’re seeing and reminds them that it’s all pretend. You can also talk about the difference between real and pretend when it comes to costumes and makeup. Try letting them see the transformation—watching someone put on or take off a mask helps kids understand that it’s just a costume, not something real.

2. Practice Coping Skills Beforehand

If your child tends to get scared easily, practice some coping tools before the big night. Deep breaths, holding a favorite stuffed animal, or having a “brave buddy” (like a friend or sibling) can make a big difference.

You might even role-play different situations, like pretending to go trick-or-treating together, or imagining how to respond if something feels too spooky.

3. Follow Their Lead

Let your child take the lead on what feels comfortable. It’s okay to validate their feelings and make space for fear, while also gently encouraging small steps forward.

“It’s okay that the decorations look scary. Let’s look at them together for a minute and then we can decide what to do next.”

Learning to name and manage fear is an important life skill.

4. Adjust Plans if Needed

If your child isn’t ready for certain activities, that’s okay. You might:

• Trick-or-treat earlier in the evening while it’s still light outside.

• Visit just a few familiar houses instead of the whole neighborhood.

• Stay home to hand out candy, carve pumpkins, or watch a not-so-scary movie together.

There are lots of ways to make the holiday feel special, even if it looks a little different for your family.

5. Give Them a Role

Sometimes kids feel braver when they have a job to do. Let them help hand out candy, arrange pumpkins, or choose the music for the evening. Having a role helps them feel capable and included.

Halloween can be full of fun, connection, and creativity! With a little preparation and flexibility, it can be a positive experience for even the most cautious kids.