What Level of Frightfulness Oversteps the Mark for Children on Halloween Night?
In the spooky month of October, the city of Cleveland plays host to the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, and one of its specialists, Dr. Neha Vyas, a family medicine expert, offers advice on helping children conquer their fears during Halloween.
With Halloween decorations, costumes, and TV shows filling every corner, children who have recently experienced a loss, such as the death of a family member or a pet, might find these signs and symbols of death particularly scary. For such children, Dr. Vyas advises parents to be extra sensitive and guarded about what their child sees during this season.
Young children who are afraid of Halloween costumes can be helped by allowing them to see parents putting on a not-too-scary costume. This can help them understand that a mask is just a mask and the person behind it is someone they know. Parents should also consider diverting their child's attention to the toy aisle for safety.
As children grow older, they typically become more capable of separating fiction from reality. By school age, children usually understand that a zombie or a skeleton dog at the local store is not real. However, every child conquers their fears at different times in their life, and parents should allow their children an opportunity to grow at their own pace when it comes to overcoming fears related to Halloween.
For those who have a teen or preteen who feels pressure from friends to attend haunted houses but aren't into it, Dr. Vyas advises parents to have a plan to support them if they need an out in these types of situations. Having a code word for a child to text for pickup if they're getting very scared and don't want to go through with attending a haunted house can be a useful strategy.
Parents should also tailor TV content to the age of the youngest child watching, especially during the Halloween season when spooky and scary content is prevalent. Older siblings can be taught the rules about what their younger sibling can watch with them.
Dr. Vyas emphasises that each child is unique, and parents should know what their child is afraid of. For some children, a 3-year-old might be fascinated by these Halloween decorations, while others might find them terrifying. Parents might consider having an excuse ready to pick up a child early from a haunted house if necessary.
In the end, it's essential to remember that every child is different, and they will overcome their fears at their own pace. By following these tips, parents can help their children enjoy the Halloween season while maintaining a sense of safety and security.
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