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October 14, 2025

How to Support Anxious Children During the Halloween Season

7 Ways to Connect with Your Child in San Diego Over Spring Break
By: Dr. Erica Wollerman
Halloween is a holiday full of excitement for many kids — costumes, candy, and spooky fun. But for some children, the season can feel overwhelming instead of enjoyable. Scary decorations, unpredictable noises, and social pressures around trick-or-treating can trigger anxiety and make this time of year stressful.

At Thrive Therapy Studio, our team of experienced therapists in San Diego understands how anxiety can show up for children in everyday life and during special occasions. If your child struggles with Halloween anxiety, here are some practical ways to support them

1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Children with anxiety often feel calmer when they know what to expect. In the days leading up to Halloween:

  • Talk through the plan — where you’ll go, how long you’ll stay, and what activities you’ll do.
  • TPreview decorations by walking around the neighborhood during daylight so your child can see them in a less scary context.
  • TPractice trick-or-treating at home so the steps feel familiar and less intimidating.

If your child’s worries feel overwhelming, a psychologist in San Diego can help you and your child develop strategies to build confidence in uncertain or new situations.

2. Choose Costumes Wisely
Some children may feel anxious wearing masks or costumes that feel restrictive. Let them be part of the decision-making process and encourage simple, comfortable options if that feels safer.

A CBT therapist in San Diego can also teach kids how to notice and manage anxious thoughts that might come up around social events like costume parties or trick-or-treating.

3. Create a “Calm Exit Plan”
Knowing they have the option to leave or take breaks can help kids feel more in control. Tell your child it’s okay to:

  • Take breaks from trick-or-treating.
  • Skip houses that feel too scary.
  • End the evening early if they need to.

Having flexibility reduces pressure and helps kids feel safer exploring Halloween at their own pace. If this kind of reassurance isn’t enough, counseling in San Diego can provide your child with tools to manage stress in healthier ways.

4. Focus on the Fun (Not the Fear)
Halloween doesn’t have to be all about scares. You can celebrate in ways that feel safe and enjoyable for your child:

  • Carve pumpkins together.
  • Have a family movie night with lighthearted Halloween movies.
  • Host a small gathering with friends in a calm environment.

This shift in focus can allow your child to make happy Halloween memories without being overwhelmed by anxiety.

5. Model Calm and Confidence
Children look to their parents to gauge how safe something really is. If you stay calm, reassure them gently, and validate their feelings (“I know that decoration looks spooky, and I’m right here with you”), it helps them learn that fear is manageable.
Final Thoughts
Halloween can be tricky for children who experience anxiety, but with preparation, flexibility, and empathy, you can help your child feel more secure while still making fun memories.

If your child’s anxiety feels overwhelming, our team at Thrive Therapy Studio is here to help. Whether you’re searching for a therapist in San Diego, a psychologist in San Diego, or a CBT therapist in San Diego, we provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling in San Diego to support kids and families through life’s challenges — Halloween and beyond.

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