Mother Seeks Help as Toddler Struggles with Halloween Fears

A mother is seeking advice after her four-year-old daughter experienced nightmares triggered by Halloween decorations in a shop. The incident occurred when the child encountered various spooky displays that left her terrified. Since then, the girl has reported frequent nightmares and exhibited clingy behavior, prompting her mother to seek guidance on how to manage her child’s fears.

In a discussion with Moncrieff, the concerned parent shared her experience of bringing her daughter into a store filled with Halloween decorations. “She got terrified by a few of them and has had a few nights of disturbed sleep,” the mother explained. Despite her reassurances that the decorations are merely pretend, her daughter continues to struggle with fear.

Family psychotherapist Joanna Fortune responded to the mother’s concerns, noting that children at this age are typically in a vivid stage of imagination. “Four-year-olds are still very much in that beautiful, imaginative stage of development and play,” she said. Fortune emphasized that the boundary between reality and imagination is delicate for young children. They may not differentiate between costumes and reality, leading them to genuinely fear the idea of monsters.

Fortune highlighted two aspects of Halloween: the scary and the silly. Given the girl’s initial reaction, she recommended focusing on the lighter side of the holiday. “One of the things [to do]—because she’s going to see costumes and whatnot around—is to play at home,” Fortune advised. Engaging in playful activities, such as trying on silly hats or wigs, can help the child understand that these are just costumes and not real threats.

Repetition is crucial in helping the child process her fears. By demonstrating that the same person can wear a costume and then take it off, parents can reinforce the idea that the reality of their identity remains unchanged. “You can do that over and over again because repetition is how she’s going to learn,” Fortune added.

Acknowledging the child’s feelings is also essential. Fortune advised parents to recognize their daughter’s fears without dismissing them. “This little girl knows exactly what to do with her fear,” she noted. The mother’s instinct to comfort her daughter by holding her close is a healthy response. Instead of telling her, “There’s nothing to be scared of,” parents should validate her emotions.

As Halloween approaches, parents may encounter similar challenges with their children. Fortune’s insights offer practical strategies for navigating the fears that often accompany this festive season. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging imaginative play, families can help young children enjoy the holiday without fear overshadowing their experience.