Make Halloween Stress-Free: 6 Tricks Every Parent Can Use to Support Their Child

Author note: Logan Waggoner. I am the Marketing Director for Children’s Behavioral Services, where we provide therapeutic services to children with special needs. Please note that I am not a medical professional or an expert in autism. For medical advice, consult your doctor.

As parents, it often feels like “professional plate spinner” should be added to our list of job titles. There’s always somewhere to go, something to do, and something that needs preparing (like dinner!). On top of that, we juggle school events, sports, doctor appointments, and holiday activities. But while we are keeping all these plates spinning, it is easy to forget that our kids are juggling just as much, often as the main participants in these events.

Many children today are navigating a growing list of responsibilities and expectations, and research shows that Halloween, despite its reputation for fun and excitement, can be a major source of social anxiety (Maidenberg, 2020). Teens and adolescents often feel increased pressure to socialize and attend Halloween events, especially when parents, teachers, and businesses go out of their way to make the holiday feel important and unavoidable. This pressure can be especially challenging for children with special needs or sensory sensitivities. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of six "tricks" to help parents and guardians support their children during the Halloween season, making it less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.

1. Set Clear Expectations Early

Before the big day, talk to your child about what Halloween will look like this year. Research shows that through planning and discussion, parents can significantly reduce a child's anxiety and help them create healthy coping habits (Miller, 2016).

• Discuss the plan: where you're going, what time, and how long you'll stay.

• Use visuals or social stories if helpful (especially for younger children or those with autism).

• Let them know it's okay to skip activities that feel uncomfortable.

2. Let Them Choose Their Comfort Level

Some kids love costumes and crowds, and others don’t. Both are valid. According to the FDA Commissioner, to ensure their safety, children should wear reflective or bright-colored clothing and flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon or polyester (2021).

• Allow your child to help choose their costume based on comfort (no itchy fabrics, tight masks, or overwhelming accessories).

• Let their creativity inspire them and see what they come up with!

• Give them the option not to wear a costume at all, or only wear part of one.

• Respect if they’d rather hand out candy than go door-to-door.

• Repurpose "everyday" clothes as a costume.

3. Be Mindful of Sensory Triggers

Halloween is full of lights, sounds, crowds, and unpredictable moments.

• Bring noise-canceling headphones or sunglasses if needed.

• Choose quieter neighborhoods or go out earlier in the evening.

• Consider practicing trick-or-treating ahead of time in a calm environment.

• Visit familiar friends and/or family members whom you know your child feels comfortable around

4. Coach for Social Situations (Without Pressure)

Trick-or-treating and parties can involve a lot of social interaction that may feel intimidating.

• Practice saying “trick or treat” or “thank you” ahead of time, but don’t insist on it.

• Let them use a card or sign if speaking isn’t comfortable.

• Reassure them that it's okay to be shy, nervous, or quiet.

5. Check In, Then Adjust

Watch for signs of sensory overload or emotional fatigue as the evening unfolds.

• Have a safe word or signal they can use if they need a break.

• Be prepared to leave early or pivot to a different activity if things become too overwhelming.

• Praise them for what they did do, not what they skipped.

6. Redefine What “Success” Looks Like

Not every child will love Halloween—and that's perfectly fine.

• A successful Halloween might be one house, a few pieces of candy, or just watching a movie at home.

• Celebrate the effort, not the outcome.

• Create new traditions that suit your child’s needs—like a quiet pumpkin-decorating night or sensory-friendly events.

Just remember, you know your child better than anyone else. What is right for one family may not be right for yours. Halloween doesn't have to meet any particular expectations. Halloween doesn’t have to be about doing everything “just right” or keeping up with the busiest schedules. What matters most is that our kids feel safe, supported, and able to enjoy the parts of the holiday that make sense for them. Every family has their own way of balancing fun with less stress, and sometimes the simplest adjustments make the biggest difference. We’d love to hear from you. What tips or traditions help your kids feel comfortable and happy during Halloween?

Share your ideas in the comments so we can all learn from one another!

If your child is interested in attending Halloween activities and events, we would love to see you at the following events:

References

Commissioner, O. of the. (2021). Halloween Safety Tips: Costumes, Candy, and Colored Contact Lenses. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/halloween-safety-tips-costumes-candy-and-colored-contact-lenses

Maidenberg, M. P. (2020). Halloween Is Breeding Anxiety for Kids and Teens Socially. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/being-your-best-self/202010/halloween-is-breeding-anxiety-kids-and-teens-socially

Miller, C. (2016, February 23). How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids. Child Mind Institute; Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/how-to-avoid-passing-anxiety-on-to-your-kids/