Help: My child is seeing ghosts!

Nothing says “scary season” like a ghost sighting. Things always seem a little creepier straight after Halloween, whether it’s a door opening due to a “blast of wind”, floorboards squeaking in an empty room, or your child claiming to see a ghost. 

Numerous reports are circulating on the internet about alleged child ghost sightings. Many parents are taking to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to share their children’s “supernatural” experiences.

Creepy encounters are pushing parents to ask an important question: Can children really see ghosts? Are they more sensitive to otherworldly powers than adults?

Jacqueline Woolley’s research focuses on children’s capacity to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

A psychology professor at the University of Texas in Austin, Jacqueline believes that many of these reported ghost sightings result from cultural influences. She claims that children reared in houses where supernatural beings are discussed are more inclined to experience “encounters”. In contrast, children not exposed to talk of the supernatural are less likely to do so. 

“If you ask a kid on December 23 if they believe in Santa Claus, for example, you’ll receive a higher level of belief than had you asked them on July 23 because you want them to believe in Santa around Christmas time,” she says. “And, when these spooky topics become more prominent around Halloween, this behaviour becomes even more widespread. 

What should you do if your child sees ghosts?

While telling your child “ghosts aren’t real!” may be the most straightforward answer, Dr Woolley believes it isn’t necessarily the best answer. Your child is probably aware that the “ghost” they see isn’t physically real, just as they know that monsters aren’t literally under their bed. Regardless, the experience is still associated with strong emotions.

Dr Woolley suggests a gentler technique of comforting your child rather than entirely dismissing their worry. 

“If your child is afraid of the ghost, have them describe the figure in detail,” she says. 

“If the ghost has a horrifying feature, you can try to soften it. For example, if your child claims that the ghost has razor-sharp teeth, you can tell them that the ghost’s teeth have all fallen out.”

According to Dr Woolley, attempting to frame terrifying stimuli in a less frightening manner may assist in soothing your child’s concerns.

“What matters is that you find appropriate solutions for your child.,” she adds. 

When to seek professional advice

If your child develops intense fear when they are alone because they believe they will “encounter a ghost”, or if they have difficulty sleeping, seek professional assistance.