Is it normal for children to be scared of Halloween?

If everyone else’s kids are laughing hysterically while running around in Pennywise costumes while yours is too scared to move, you might wonder if your child’s fear of Halloween is normal.

When you think about it, many Halloween traditions are strange and out of place in our everyday lives. It’s a day designed specifically to frighten people. On Halloween, children can do things they are not allowed to do on any other night of the year, such as walking around in a group collecting sweets from strangers. It’s no surprise that some children struggle to adjust.

While mild anxiety is completely normal and understandable, it’s important to note that extreme anxiety may be a different story. A child who is terrified of Halloween decorations or is hesitant to go trick or treating is experiencing fairly common fears. On the other hand, if your child is paralysed by fear and has nightmares throughout October or refuses to go to public places because they may have decorations up, they may suffer from a more severe phobia that requires professional assistance.

How to help a child who is terrified of Halloween

Instead of avoiding all things Halloween, help your child deal with Halloween anxiety by gradually confronting their fears.

Anxiety causes us to avoid things that frighten us. We feel that if we don’t, something terrible will happen. The problem is that whenever we avoid something frightening, we reinforce the notion that it is worthwhile to be afraid of. 

The longer a child avoids a scary situation, the more difficult it may be for them to face the situation if – and when – it comes around. This is why returning to school after school holidays can be difficult and why so many children developed separation anxiety after months of being together during quarantine.

Here are a few ways you can help your anxious child:

• Assure them that their emotions are normal and acceptable.
• Talk, read, and play games about their feelings. 
• Role-play scary experiences and situations.
• Clear up any misunderstandings that may be exacerbating your child’s anxiety.
• Please encourage them to face their fears gradually and gently.
• Give your child a role in the Halloween celebrations. Let them choose decorations, play their favourite music, and decide what snacks to serve or sweets to trick-or-treaters. Feeling in control can reduce anxiety, and allowing children to choose all of the details may provide additional motivation for them to participate.
• If your child’s anxiety interferes with their ability to live their best life, counselling can help.