Halloween is magical — but it can also be a lot for little ones. Between the spooky decorations, itchy costumes, sugar rushes (and crashes), and the excitement of trick-or-treating, kids are bound to feel some big emotions.

And that’s okay. Fear, excitement, regret, silliness — it all belongs. As caregivers, we can help children name what’s going on inside and remind them that every feeling is safe to feel.

Recognizing and Naming Halloween Feelings

It’s Okay to Be Scared — And Brave

Those giant inflatable spiders or skeletons in the store aisle? Totally overwhelming to a young child. Instead of brushing off their fear with a “don’t be silly,” try leaning in with empathy:

“It’s okay to feel scared. I’m right here with you.”

This simple validation helps kids feel safe and understood. And when they’re ready, you can introduce the idea that bravery doesn’t mean the fear disappears — it means we move forward while holding both feelings.

The Peek-A-BOO Feelings Jellyfish is a sweet way to practice this. Kids can peek and name emotions like scared, brave, or excited, giving them language to match what their body is already experiencing.

Building Brave Moments

Brave moments don’t need to be big ones. Knocking on a door to say “trick or treat,” standing near a spooky decoration, or trying on a costume can all count. When your child takes even the smallest step, celebrate it with encouragement:

“You can feel scared and brave at the same time.”

These tiny doses of bravery add up, helping kids build confidence in their ability to do hard things.

Embracing Mischief With Responsibility

Celebrating Playful Fun

Halloween is also about mischief — the silly, giggly kind that makes memories. Kids love pretending, joking, and feeling like the world is a little upside down for one night. Encouraging that energy in safe, playful ways (like silly dances, blanket forts, or “boo” jokes) helps them explore the joy of being mischievous.

Learning to Clean Up After Fun

This is where Vlad and Frank shine. The Vlad & Frank Midnight Mischief Glow-in-the-Dark Set lets families create their own “Halloween elf on the shelf” tradition. At night, Vlad and Frank can “cause” playful little messes — maybe scattering candy wrappers, rearranging blocks, or leaving silly notes.

In the morning, your child gets to discover their shenanigans and help clean up after them. It turns tidying into part of the magical story, weaving in responsibility without killing the fun.

Kids learn that joy, wonder, and messiness are all welcome — but so is restoring balance afterward. It’s a playful way to show that fun and responsibility can live side by side.

Handling Costume Regret

When Kids Change Their Mind Last Minute

If your child suddenly decides they hate their costume an hour before trick-or-treating, you are not alone. Costume regret is very real (even adults get it).

The best first step? Empathy.

“You were excited before, and now you’re not sure. That’s okay.”

From there, brainstorm together. Maybe it’s adding a cape, swapping in face paint, or making a cozy backup plan. The key is helping them feel that their feelings are valid and that changing their mind is part of learning about themselves.

For kids who are a little older and starting to care more about fitting in, there’s another powerful lesson: sometimes bravery is about sticking with your choice. In the Halloween story, Sloth experiences costume regret too — but he learns to step into his original costume, even though he feels nervous about standing out. That moment of following through becomes its own kind of bravery, reminding kids that showing up as yourself is just as courageous as making a change.

Boo Baskets: A Comforting Halloween Tradition

What Are Boo Baskets?

Boo Baskets are a sweet Halloween tradition — a basket filled with small treats, toys, and comfort items to surprise your child with. They can also be a grounding way to help kids feel safe and connected during the spooky season.

Ideas to include:

• A Slumberkins creature (like the Peek-A-BOO Jellyfish or Vlad & Frank)
• A mini flashlight or glow stick
• A calming sensory toy or squish
• Positive affirmation cards
• A few favorite treats
  

Supporting Emotional Well-Being With Boo Baskets

You can even make Boo Baskets part of the magical Vlad & Frank mischief. Imagine your child waking up to find that Vlad and Frank “delivered” their basket overnight. It keeps the wonder alive while also giving them meaningful tools to handle the season — like comfort for nerves, affirmations for bravery, or snuggly creatures to remind them they’re safe.

Boo Baskets become more than a gift — they’re emotional toolkits disguised as Halloween fun.

Building Emotional Resilience Through Halloween

Halloween isn’t just candy and costumes. It’s a chance for kids to:

• Name and accept their emotions.
• Practice bravery in small steps.
• Lean into silliness and wonder.
• Learn to clean up after fun.
• Handle disappointment and bounce back.
  

With the help of affirmations, storytelling, and supportive characters like Jellyfish, Vlad & Frank, Sloth, and Bigfoot, children can grow emotionally while still enjoying the magic of the season.

So the next time your child giggles at a silly ghost, bravely knocks on a door, or melts down over their costume, remember: every spooky giggle, brave moment, or mischievous laugh is another step toward resilience.