Helping Your Child Overcome Halloween Anxiety with the STILL Method

Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday, but for some children, the spooky season can trigger anxiety. The sudden appearance of scary costumes, masks, and spooky decorations can be overwhelming for kids who already struggle with anxiety or sensory sensitivities. If your child experiences Halloween anxiety, they might find it difficult to enjoy trick-or-treating or Halloween parties like their peers.

However, Halloween can also be a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn that feeling scared doesn't have to be a bad thing—it can even lead to fun experiences. For children with anxiety, their "emotional brain" often takes control, causing them to see every spooky face or creepy costume as a real threat. Meanwhile, their "thinking brain" struggles to step in and reassure them that it's just for fun.

This is where the STILL Method comes in. Designed to help children with anxiety, the STILL Method focuses on strengthening the thinking brain and teaching kids how to manage their fear responses. Through fun, engaging activities, children learn how to overcome fear and regain control over their emotions. If Halloween anxiety is a challenge for your child, the STILL Method can help them face their fears and enjoy the spooky season.

Here’s how you can use the STILL Method to manage Halloween anxiety:

1. Practice a Simple STOP Technique

The STOP technique is a powerful tool to help children calm down when they feel overwhelmed. Encourage your child to use “hot chocolate breathing” (deep, mindful breathing) whenever they feel anxious. This simple anxiety-reducing exercise can make a big difference, especially in situations like Halloween when the environment can be overstimulating. Check out the video at the bottom of the page for a demonstration.

2. Manage Your Own Reactions to Halloween Costumes

Children are incredibly perceptive, and they often take emotional cues from their parents. If you stay calm and relaxed about spooky Halloween costumes, your child will be more likely to mirror that reaction. Don’t project your own concerns onto them—last year, some parents were worried about gruesome costumes from horror films, but remember, if your child hasn’t seen those films, they may not be as scared as you think.

3. Highlight the Fun Aspects of Halloween

Spend time talking to your child about the fun and exciting parts of Halloween. From dressing up in costumes to collecting sweets during trick-or-treating, help them focus on the positive aspects of the holiday. This type of positive mental preparation can help reduce anxiety and set a more enjoyable tone for Halloween night.

4. Take Small Steps with Halloween Activities

If your child has Halloween anxiety, don’t force them into overwhelming situations right away. Start with small, manageable steps—maybe go for a short walk to see decorations or visit a few houses for trick-or-treating. Gradually introducing them to Halloween activities can help build their confidence without overwhelming them.

5. Validate and Acknowledge Your Child’s Anxiety

It’s important to listen to your child’s feelings and validate their anxiety, especially during events like Halloween that mix excitement with fear. Fear and excitement often come from the same part of the brain, so it’s normal for children to feel both. Acknowledge their feelings, but help them understand why they don’t need to be afraid. Gently explaining the difference between real threats and playful scares can ease their minds.

With a little practice and support, your child can learn to face their fears and enjoy Halloween. The STILL Method clubs teach children valuable techniques for managing anxiety, and those same skills can make Halloween a fun and exciting experience. Remember, fear isn’t always a bad thing—it can lead to new opportunities for fun and growth.

If you’d like to find a STILL Method group near you to help your child with anxiety, get in touch today!