October is a time for spooky spaces, graveyard visits and haunted happenings. In most cases it’s frightening fun. But children may find it confusing – and truly scary – if they don’t understand that no real harm is headed their way.
So how young is too young to visit these annual attractions?
“Early elementary school age, you need to be very, very cautious,” said Dr. Laura Saunders, child and adolescent psychologist with Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living. “Upper elementary, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth grade, if kids are strongly interested in this, it might be OK.”
Such exhibits are not for everyone, she adds.
“I really think it’s based on temperament,” Dr. Saunders said. “You know your child. And if you know your child is someone that would be easily scared or easily frightened, honestly, this is not a good idea for them. This is the subject of nightmares.”
If a child is interested and wants to go to a haunted house or graveyard, Dr. Saunders suggests having a conversation with them about what’s real and what’s not.
“This is something that’s meant to be scary but fun,” Dr. Saunders said, noting that forcing a child to go when they are uninterested or scared is also not a good strategy for the child’s well-being. Adults are also advised to accompany kids, and look for quick exits in the event a child becomes too scared to go through the entire exhibit.
If your child’s fear is affecting their well-being, the Hartford Hospital Institute of Living Anxiety Disorders Center can help. Learn more here.