Last Updated - November 11, 2025
Explain what will happen – talking about Bonfire Night and Halloween before the day can help children to understand what it’s all about and what to expect. It allows them to ask questions which may help to allay their fears. Tell them there’s no danger and that it’s all just make-believe, but be aware too that, from a child’s perspective, Halloween is full of shocks and people behaving in unfamiliar and unpredictable ways and that fear is a natural response.
Find alternative ways to celebrate – just because a child doesn’t want to go Trick or Treating or to a fireworks display doesn’t mean they can’t have fun in other ways. They might still want to dress up at home, bake cakes, watch their favourite film or play games. Particularly if you have other children who enjoy going out for Halloween and Bonfire Night, it’s important to provide fun alternatives so that less confident children don’t feel left out.
Acknowledge their fears – for young children (and even some older children too), Halloween ghosts, ghouls and monsters can seem very real. While we, as adults, know it’s just someone wearing a costume. Never make fun of a child who is scared or try to ‘jolly’ them out of it. Instead, behave as you would normally if they were afraid – by comforting them and explaining that the monster is not real.
Be flexible – if a child is afraid or not enjoying the activities, be prepared to pack up and come home early. Once you get home, do whatever you can to make them feel safe and comfortable. If they want to discuss what frightened them, discuss it but if they just want to snuggle up with a story, do that.
Start small – For some children who have never took part in Halloween or Bonfire Night before, the whole thing can be rather overwhelming. Start small with a few simple decorations, maybe some cake baking or dressing up. If they enjoy it, great. You can do more next year. Don’t roll out your most terrifying Halloween costumes and decorations until you are sure of how your children will respond.
