Halloween can be full of excitement… and anxiety. Many children feel uneasy or frightened by costumes, masks, and the unexpected surprises that come with spooky season. In this episode of Raising EQ, Dr. Holly breaks down what’s really happening beneath that fear — from developmental stages and sensory sensitivities to uncertainty and loss of control. And yes, this fear can happen for older children too (not just the little ones). 

Drawing on child psychology research and practical emotional intelligence strategies, you’ll learn:

👻Why up to 5% of children experience specific phobias (like fear of costumes or masks)

🫶How to validate your child’s emotions without reinforcing fear

🫶Simple, gentle tools — from “dress-up at home” exposure games to calm-down routines — that help kids feel safe and empowered

🫶Ways to model calm and build emotional resilience through play and empathy

By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step approach to turn Halloween from a night of fright into a night of connection and self-efficacy.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and keep raising emotional intelligence — one small moment at a time.

Download your FREE Resource here.

You can find out more about Dr. Holly and Raising EQ on her website.

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