Yes, I’ll admit it.  I’m the mom who donated toothbrushes for the Halloween grab bags.  But that was years ago.  I’ve lightened up since then.

And I’ve discovered ways that Halloween candy can actually be useful to boosting a child’s confidence.

Mommy, after you’re done stealing from — pardon me, I meant to say “safety-checking” — your kid’s stash, here’s what else to do with all that candy:

Halloween night can be a carnival of chaos for babies and young children.

It’s no surprise that the odd sights, and sounds, a first encounter with a (possibly) itchy costume, along with the new tastes and aromas, can quickly overload each of your little one’s five senses.

Safety issues rightly concern parents during the trick-or-treat season.  Physical safety, that is.  But families should plan just as carefully for the emotional safety of their young ones at this time of year.

Here’s how to make the experience less intimidating, and help your child enjoy Halloween on her own terms:

Autumn brings families lovely weather, festivals, and other exciting activities.  But at times, Halloween can be a little too exciting for your baby or young child.

An infant who has just discovered the joys of stranger anxiety is in no mood to put up with a bunch of folks who look even stranger than usual for a few days in October.

Keep reading to see what you can do to help your child weather this season.