Profile
Photos
Comments
EXCERPT from>>Scare the Kid Out of You: Is Halloween Age Appropriate For Young Children
posted by Eric Steinman Oct 28, 2009
https://www.care2.com/greenliving/scare-the-kid-out-of-you-is-halloween-age-appropriate-for-young-children.html
Many child
psychologist and child development experts contend that, while the
iconography of Halloween may appeal to some children, the collective
fantasy and ritual involved are way too intense for most children, even
those with a high fear threshold. Children will often become confused
about the difference between reality, and what is sometimes a rather
frightening and seductive fantasy, and be enveloped in fear and panic.
So do you shield your children from anything that provokes fear or
fright? Personally, I am convinced that engagement with fear (whether
it is foisted upon you or you electively seek it out) is a very natural
human need. There is a very particular excitement and emotion that
comes from being afraid that most people yearn for. It simultaneously
upsets us and then grounds us in our reality. The trick is keeping
yourself securely positioned in reality, while flirting with the
whirlwind dangers of horror and fright. For most adults, this is
doable, but not so much for children.
As guardians and parents, we obviously need to be sensitive and tend
to our children’s fears year round. Halloween presents a particularly
difficult challenge for everyone involved. Do we just thrust our
children into the spectacle that is Halloween and faithfully assure
them that they are safe and sound? Or do we shield them from adversity
and panic-inducing images until they are old enough to handle it on
their own?
I would love to hear from parents, guardians, and anyone who has
been scared half-to-death on what you think about the holiday and its
affect on children.
More on Children (235 articles available)