be non-speaking, shy, overwhelmed, or simply too excited to remember the traditional phrase.

You can still smile and say:

“Happy Halloween!”

Then offer the treat.

There’s no need to make a child perform a particular social interaction before receiving a Halloween treat.

The goal is to make the experience enjoyable.

What If a Child Takes Longer at the Door?

Give them time.

A child might be deciding which treat they want.

They may need help from a parent.

They may be processing a noisy or unfamiliar environment.

They may communicate