Managing Halloween: Keeping Our Families Safe During the Spooky Season

By: Carlie Beck, MA,RCT-C, CCC

Posted: October 30th 2025

Halloween can be a very exciting time where creativity and fun are embraced. This holiday can be enjoyed by the whole family through fun traditions, silly costumes, haunted houses,

pumpkin carving, and of course, candy. During the Halloween season it is essential to ensure

that everyone in the family can enjoy the festivities while remaining safe and comfortable. Like anything, Halloween presents with some unique concerns that it is important we take into consideration while we head into the holiday.

Physical Safety Considerations

Many of us have been educated on the physical safety concerns surrounding Halloween.

Physical threats we have been introduced to may include a dark costume without reflective or lights which may not be visible to cars or masks that limit our own visibility. Trying to prevent physical harm on Halloween also entails checking to ensure that our candy hasn’t been tampered with, staying in groups, ensuring we are aware of our surroundings, and looking both ways before we cross the street. Although all of the above threats to our physical safety are very real and very important, they don’t include our emotional safety.

Emotional Safety

Halloween is an exciting time for some, but it is a very overwhelming and scary time for others. As a therapist, I encourage adults to keep the consideration of mental health and emotional wellbeing in mind as we approach these times once again. Every individual is going to have their own unique requirements to promote their best self, but some common considerations include:

• Respecting others comfort level: Some people may be sensitive to scary costumes,

haunted houses, decorations, or even the idea of trick-or-treating. If you know a

situation may be outside of someone’s comfort zone, it is important we respect that.

• Limiting spooky content: When considering a movie selection try to pick one that is age

and developmentally appropriate, to try to mitigate upset or nightmares, especially in

younger children.

• Light and sound sensitivity: Many haunted houses and decorations include loud or

sudden sounds and bright or flashing lights. Some individuals are very sensitive to such

and can be triggered. This may require avoidance of certain attractions or activities, or

creative thinking such as noise reduction headphones (with other safety factors in play).

• Costume comfort: Many costumes prioritize cool looks over comfort, and that is a

proud sacrifice for some, but not all. It is important to make sure the child or individual

is comfortable and not overstimulated or uncomfortable.

• Social settings: Halloween often brings crowds which can be very upsetting for some

people. This should be kept in mind when deciding Halloween plans.

• Taking breaks: Sometimes we all need a break, to cool down, before heading out again

or even calling it a night there.

• Empowerment: Feeling comfortable and proud of how we look is important. It can go a

long way to help someone find what feels right for them and boost their confidence.

Final Thoughts

Halloween provides a great opportunity for families to tune into their fun and creative side. To

ensure the holiday enjoyment can be maximized it is important to remember the consideration of safety, both physical, and emotional. Hopefully these tips helped to increase your awareness and ability to make this the best Halloween yet. By planning ahead, staying aware, and respecting others individual needs we can go a long way in creating a safe, happy, and fun Halloween.

Enjoy your Halloween,

Carlie Beck, RCT-C, CCC, MA.