Some parents argued that kids shouldn’t be coddled (echoing the theories laid out by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt in The Coddling of the American Mind). Others argued that even older kids should be encouraged to take part in the sense of wonder and excitement of Oct. 31, and most said they were willing to give candy to whoever darkens their stoop. That seems consistent with the scientific studies that find play is integral to helping children develop into healthy, well-adapted people, and that play encourages kids to develop agency, collaboration and creativity.

Given how over-scheduled, anxious, and unhappy today’s teens are, maybe a little Halloween magic is exactly in order.

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