Remember that some costumes can be uncomfortable. Make sure your child's costume is not hot or scratchy. Even when they are old enough to enjoy costume play, most children remain hesitant about wearing masks or seeing someone else wearing a mask. It's scary for young children to see someone they know wearing a mask because they can recognize the person's voice but not the face. Because preschoolers have just learned to view the world as a predictable place, the concepts of cause and effect hasn't kicked in and this can be unsettling.
Face paint can be just as daunting as masks for preschool-age children.
Parents often think that if a mask or makeup represents a friendly figure, like a clown, it won't be scary. But for preschoolers, a clown can be just as scary as a monster. To help children prepare for Halloween, have mirrors and masks available for them to try on and take off. Books can also help prepare young children for the fears and misgivings this holiday can bring. The idea of going from house to house and possibly encountering adults dressed in costume is no fun for toddlers.