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We're talking about Halloween this week on Healthwatch. While children may anticipate dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating, when the night itself comes, they may be afraid.
Dr. Pete Stavinoha, a child neuropsychologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says this is one situation where parents shouldn't force their children.
Parents may remember Halloween as a fun time from childhood, but a child may not be able to build up a level of trust that things will be OK when everything seems scary and spooky. It can be harmful for a child to be forced into a frightening situation.
If your child is afraid of trick-or-treating, you can plan to go before dark and go along with your child. Or you can plan an alternate activity like a movie night at home.
Next: some Halloween safety tips.
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October 2005
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