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What to Do When Your Child Won’t Pick a Halloween Costume
Episode 287th October 2025 • Educated Parent: Evidence-Based Parenting Tips to Solve Everyday Parenting Problems • Dr. Leah Clionsky
00:00:00 00:20:28

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Every October, families find themselves in the same struggle: what happens when your child just can’t pick a Halloween costume? 

If you’ve ever had a kid switch from Elsa to Batman to Paw Patrol in the same week, you know how exhausting kids' Halloween costumes can be for the whole household.

In this episode, I share how parents on Halloween can handle the indecision without losing patience, overspending, or giving in to every last-minute whim. Together, we’ll look at why costumes feel so important to kids and how you can meet their needs while still setting boundaries with kids that protect your sanity.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

  • Why it’s so hard for kids to finally pick a Halloween costume
  • How much pressure kids Halloween costumes carry socially and emotionally
  • What happens when parents on Halloween feel judged by other parents
  • A framework for setting boundaries with kids while still allowing creativity
  • How to keep your child’s joy alive without buying ten costumes

If you’ve been wondering how to help your child finally pick a Halloween costume (and stick with it), this episode will give you strategies you can actually use. You’ll feel less stressed about kids Halloween costumes and more confident about what matters most for parents on Halloween.

Press play now and learn how to balance connection and fun while setting boundaries with kids this Halloween season.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 16: How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start by Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power Struggles


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