Helping Kids Navigate Halloween Frights

CLEVELAND - Whether it’s trick-or-treating or visiting a haunted house, parents should keep in mind that the spooky side of Halloween may be too much for some children.

"It's important to remember your child's age, developmental level and temperament style. Some very young kids may be completely fine with certain Halloween events and activities, whereas older children you'd expect to be fine may still have trouble. Make sure you know your child and don't have broad expectations or generalizations,” said Kate Eshleman, PsyD, a psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

Before heading out for Halloween festivities, Dr. Eshleman recommends seeing how your child reacts to costumes and decorations at stores.

Thinking about how your child interacts with costumed characters at amusement parks can be another clue for how they'll do at certain events.

Parents can also account for how their child responds to scary movies and TV shows when making Halloween plans.

If an activity like a haunted house becomes too much, be ready to switch gears and don't push their comfort level.

Dr. Eshleman added that talking openly about what’s real and what’s fake can help ease fears as well.

“Be able to talk to your child about how certain things are not real and maybe give them some evidence,” Dr. Eshleman said. “For example, watch a video online showing how things are made and how makeup is applied.”

Dr. Eshleman said every child is different, and choosing activities that match their comfort level can help keep Halloween fun rather than frightening.