02/02/2026
Halloween can be unpredictable and sometimes unruly, but these three tips will help set you up for a successful family event. 🎃Teach your child your phone number in case you get separated - even if they’re only two or three. If they can talk, they can memorize a 7 or even 10-digit number. If they don’t know your phone number, do not let them out of your sight; stay right next to them the whole night. Trust me, it’s worth it! 👻Have a candy plan developed in advance. Whether it’s no limits on Halloween then one piece per day after that or 10 pieces every day, set a rule you are comfortable with and make it known in advance to simplify your parenting experience and maximize their enjoyment of the holiday. 💀Remember that we don’t always know how kids will react in atypical situations like wearing costumes, seeing other people in costumes, seeing houses decorated for Halloween, walking crowded streets, and asking strangers for candy… help your child prepare by talking through all possible scenarios in advance, practicing behaviors like saying “Trick-or-Treat” and “Thank you,” and check in with them during the event to see how they’re doing and if you need to make any modifications. Some kids are gung-ho and love it. Others set their expectations really high and are disappointed. Others feel overwhelmed by the experience. Remember to check in with them and be ready to pivot if needed. ✨If you’re new here, let’s connect! I’m Dr. Lindsay and after spending 14 years as a SAHM focused on raising my own four kids, I returned to my training as a psychologist and put all the psychology-backed strategies that I use to feel confident in my own parenting practice into an organized parenting framework to help other parents just like you. 🎃 👻