Help young children manage fears so they experience more joy and experience less fear during this special season.
Have you ever had an experience that terrified you? I have. As a teen, I watched one movie that resulted in a HUGE bug phobia that would take years to overcome.
Now, imagine you are one... two... or three years old? You have not had enough experience to even understand this event. And, you still do not completely understand the difference between real and pretend.
Our intent is great - we want to share the FUN and create meaningful memories. However, the reality is, exposure to scary unexpected events and frightening costumes (Halloween costumes, Mascots, Santa), can have a negative impact on our youngest. It can increase clinginess, difficulty falling asleep, nighttime waking, and create additional fears.
Below are resources to help increase the positive outcomes for kids during these potentially wonderful experiences! How you prepare a child and respond in the moment will matter! Watch Naptime Nugget #47 or read some of these great resources below!
Good children's Books to read!
*Clifford’s Halloween by Norman Bridwell *Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell.
Normal fears by age and helpful responses:
Article: Making Halloween more fun!
Article: Helping toddlers have fun with Halloween!
Article: Responding to Toddler's Fears
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