While you help your child build social-emotional, cognitive, language & communication, and motor skills, remember that you are also helping them foster mental well-being! #earlychildhood #sccp53 #division53 #childandadolescentpsychology #ECMHC

5. Most importantly, if your child is old enough, have them pick out a fun and comfortable costume to make the night more enjoyable!

4. Halloween can be very overwhelming, and it is not uncommon for children to shut down or cry if they are tired or scared. Do not push them to do something scary when they are scared. Have a backup plan if things do not go as planned.

3. Practice with your child how to ask for "treats." Practice at your own front door with them knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell saying "Happy Halloween!" or "Trick or treat!" Make sure your child also knows to stay outside the door and not to enter someone's home.

2. Walking around may be taxing for them and for you if you have to carry them from house to house. Going to a community trunk-or-treat can be a great alternative to reduce the stress of walking around trick-or-treating. The events are contained and usually are targeted for young kids.

1. Practice walking or driving through the area/neighborhood(s) you plan to go to. Sometimes big decorations and crowds can be overwhelming. By showing your child the planned route, you can help them prepare for what they will see while trick-or-treating.