For some children, spooky costumes and decorations can be overstimulating. To help, start preparing for Halloween early. Using titrated exposure — or exposing someone slowly and carefully to feared stimuli – can reduce anxiety. Before Halloween, try spending some time exposing your kids to the decorations and images they might see while out trick-or-treating. Visit the Halloween aisle to look at masks, costumes and decorations in small doses and in a safe environment. Consider reading books or watching movies about Halloween and explain to your kids that although sometimes Halloween can be scary, it’s all pretend. Share some of your personal experiences with Halloween with your kids.
If you can see your child react to scary displays or images at stores, make sure to acknowledge and name their fears. For example, you ask them, “Did that scary clown make you feel nervous?” Then, take time to explain to your child that it’s OK to be scared, but that it’s all pretend. Helping acknowledge your child’s fears can help not perpetuate them in the future.
Source: https://health.choc.org/6-ways-to-calm-kids-nerves...

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