Happy Halloween!

Halloween is a day of excitement, mystery, and fun for children of all ages. The costumes, candy, and sense of community all contribute to such sentiments. However, it is all too common for children to become terrified by strangers in scary get-ups, "haunted houses," and unexpected frights orchestrated by well-meaning adults. According to trauma specialist Peter Levine and Maggie Cline (2007), events such as those that tend to happen on Halloween night "may not appear traumatizing from an adult's perspective. However, to a child, many 'ordinary' events can have lasting effects" (p.18). Please keep this in mind tonight, and refrain from scaring sensitive children to get them "in the spirit." Accompany frightened children to neighbors' front doors, and watch for signs of emotional overwhelm. If you believe your child has been frightened to the point of withdrawal (i.e. more quiet, fussy than usual), please consider heading home early and spending time snuggling, reading, and playing together until you child is visibly feeling safe again. Have fun, be safe, and stay attuned to any signs Halloween over-fright!