Next week we celebrate Halloween and for the most part it’s a fun and exciting time for kids. But sometimes I think that we tend to forget that the younger kids may scare easily and in some cases may become traumatized. A few weeks ago Tyler and I attended the grand re-opening of one of the branches of our local library. There was a special storytime with an appearance by someone dressed as the mouse from If you Give A Mouse A Cookie. Most of the kids were excited and ran to him for hugs and pictures but there was this one little girl who screamed bloody murder. Her mother had to take her on the other side of the library and even then she would not look in the direction of where the mouse was.
The same thing can happen at Halloween so it’s a good thing to prepare our kids before we step outside our door to trick or treat or take them to non-scary events. We’re going to the library for a special story time, games, crafts and trick-or-treating throughout the library. Although Tyler does not scare easily, I prefer going to a more family-friendly event. Several of the local churches are also having harvest fairs and festivals for the kids.
If you plan to take your little one out here are some things to keep in mind.
(1) Some young kids, especially preschoolers, can’t clearly distinguish between reality and fantasy. You will have to try and explain that the “monsters” are pretend even though they may seem real.
(2) Many of the masks, costumes and sounds can terrify young kids even if the person immediately removes the mask to show their face.
(3) Don’t make children feel ashamed of their fears. Don’t tell them to “stop being a baby” or that there’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ve even seen parents try to make kids shake hands with people in scary costumes when the child obviously did not want to and was clearly afraid.
(4) You may want to consider hosting a non-scary Halloween party at your house or take your kids to an alternative Halloween event. Or simply stay home and hand out treats.
(5) Haunted houses or horror theme parks are not appropriate for young kids. Again, look for events that stress non-scary activities. Here in Mobile one of the local welcome centers, Fort Conde, hosts a family event that’s appropriate for all ages.
Let’s make this Halloween fun for everyone by remembering that some kids do scare easily.
See also:
Halloween Safety Tips
Five Safe Alternatives For Halloween Activities
No Sew Halloween Costumes