Halloween Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers
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Do you have a child who is sensitive about Halloween? Maybe seeing the decorations feels scary? Maybe they feel unsure about putting on a costume themselves.
I know that Halloween can be confusing for little ones. They are still figuring out the difference between real and pretend and Halloween can REALLY shake that up in them.
Many Preschoolers Want to Know:
Am I still me even if I am wearing a mask/wig/costume?
Why do I have to wear this itchy, uncomfortable costume?
Is that still my real mom/ dad/ babysitter when she puts on a costume?
WHY is everything so spooky and scary? Is it real?
Are those kids playing dress up or is that really a monster/ skeleton/ ghost?
Why am I so overwhelmed/ overstimulated/ tired/ CRaZy??!
Insert LOTS more of your own pre-schoooler's sentiments here...
A Halloween Corner in our Kitchen
Simple Ways to Support your Child on Halloween:
Practice for Halloween!
I set up this little corner for Sloane to “practice” for Halloween. There are a few Halloween books, a few mini pumpkins in a trick or treat sack, a mirror and some simple masks and costumes. It gives her an opportunity to practice and process what we are learning about Halloween.
Another way to practice for Halloween is to Play Halloween. (This can be fun and really pay off on Halloween)
Let your child practice dressing up and knocking on the door (to your home or even his bedroom!) They will LOVE this game and it can really help on the actual holiday.
Answer the door and let them try saying, "trick or treat!" You can wear different disguises each time you answer if you want, remind them that you are STILL you!
Have fun with it!
Protect Your Child’s Feelings
I always say this, but you know your child better than anyone else. You know if they have sensory issues that might not make a bulky or too-tight costume feel like fun. You know if they are sensitive to being scared. If they are, please don’t drag them through the costume aisle of CVS or Target where things are moaning and flashing and jumping out at them. Please do not take them on a scary hayride if they are not going to enjoy it. Please do not let older siblings, aunties and whoever else SCARE them in the name of fun. Please consider who is actually having the fun.
Important conversation starters about Halloween with little ones:
1. People are still themselves EVEN when they are wearing a costume.
Talk A LOT about how people are still people, no matter what. Sounds obvious to you but trust me… it is NOT a clear concept for young children.
Explore the concept with your child by putting on a simple, NOT SCARY wig and say, "Look! I am still Mommy, even when I am wearing this silly wig." Show them over and over. Invite them to try it on themselves. You can even do this with a playsilk or a very simple mask.
When they've taken over, show them the mirror. "Look! You are still you, even with the silly wig on."
2. Remind your Child that you will stay near them and keep them (including their feelings) safe.
Demonstrate by protecting them from tv shows or decorations that you know are too scary.
Remind older siblings and well-meaning adults that Halloween can be too scary for some young children and to keep their tricks age-appropriate.
Follow your child's cues.
Keep trick or treating short.
Only take them to parties and parades that are age-appropriate.
3. Read lots of gentle books...there are a lot of great children's books out there. Go to your local library and get some. Here are some of our favorites...
Most Importantly, HAVE FUN! Start some Halloween traditions that your family can enjoy year after year.
Was this post helpful to you? If the answer is yes, please share it with other parents of preschoolers who might benefit from it as well. Thank you all for reading and following along.
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