Tips for a fun, stress-free night.
Candy, costumes, and jump scares—oh my! For a lot of kids, Halloween is an exciting time for kids to express their creativity, transforming into their favorite superheroes, princesses, or movie characters, and, of course, indulging in sweet treats. You have prepared for this day for months, and it’s finally here.
Leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and you are ready to kick off the holiday season. You’ve armed your Stanley with a festive beverage and your bag is packed with snacks. You’ve adjusted nap times, prepped pumpkin-shaped sandwiches, and even finished sewing the final details on the Paw Patrol costume your child asked, no — begged for.
Everything seems perfect—nothing can go wrong, right?
Well, maybe not.
Reality can look a bit different, especially for parents of children who struggle with communication, changes to routine, or the sensory overload that often accompanies Halloween. The loud crowds, bright lights, and unpredictability could lead to frustration or worse … a full blown meltdown. So, should you even attempt trick-or-treating? Well, maybe! With patience, flexibility, and a bit of planning, you and your child can still enjoy the holiday.
Here are some tips and tricks to make the experience less stressful:
- Communication is Key
Encourage your child to let you know if they need a break, or just flat out want to go home. If your child communicates verbally, remind them of some common phrases they can use, like “I’m all done”, or “I need a break”.
If your child uses an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device, Halloween is the perfect time to prepare a few key phrases in advance. Programming Halloween-specific phrases will help smooth interactions and boost your child’s confidence. Consider adding these 3 phrases:
- “Trick or treat”
- “Thank you”
- “All done”
Practice these phrases in the days leading up to Halloween so your child can get comfortable with using them. You could even role-play with family members to prepare your child for the real-life experience.
- Choose the Right Time to Trick-or-Treat
Timing is everything, especially if your child is sensitive to sensory overload. Trick-or-treating earlier in the evening can make the experience much more manageable. Here’s why:
- Fewer kids are out, so there’s less noise and fewer distractions.
- It’s still light outside, which can reduce anxiety around being in the dark.
- You can take your time without feeling rushed by big crowds of kids.
Starting early also gives you the flexibility to head home before things get too chaotic. Wrapping up before your child becomes overtired or overstimulated can be key to a successful evening.
- Be Flexible!
I cannot stress this enough. Especially when it comes to Halloween costumes, flexibility is your best friend. Many kids get excited about their costume weeks in advance, only to decide on the day of, that they don’t actually want to wear the Paw Patrol costume you spent 12 hours making. And that’s okay! Costumes can be uncomfortable or overwhelming, especially if they’re made from scratchy or restrictive fabrics. Here’s how you can still keep the spirit of Halloween alive, using less intrusive alternatives:
- Offer costume accessories like wigs, hats, or glasses instead of a full outfit. Let your child touch and feel the items beforehand so they can get comfortable with the textures.
- Create a costume from familiar clothes. For example, an orange t-shirt paired with black pants can still evoke Halloween fun without the discomfort of a full costume.
Follow your child’s lead. If they’re not feeling the costume on the day of, don’t push it. Halloween should be enjoyable, not a source of stress.
- Stay Open to Changes and Have a Backup Plan
Halloween can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to keep a backup plan in your back pocket. Your child might enjoy trick-or-treating for just a few houses before deciding they’re done, which is perfectly fine. Here’s how to prepare:
- Set expectations ahead of time. Let your child know it’s okay to visit only a few houses and that they can head home whenever they’re ready.
- Bring along comfort items. Noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or other familiar objects can help your child manage sensory overload if the evening becomes too much.
If trick-or-treating isn’t working out, don’t panic. You can pivot to fun at-home activities like a candy hunt indoors, watching a favorite Halloween movie, or a Halloween craft.
- Enjoy the Moment
Most importantly, remember that Halloween is all about fun. Even if the night doesn’t go exactly as planned, your child’s comfort and enjoyment are what matter most. Embrace the small victories, be flexible, and keep things light. With a little planning and adaptability, you and your child can still make magical Halloween memories—on your own terms.
Happy trick-or-treating!