Like much of 2020, Halloween will be different this year for children, due to the pandemic.

While Halloween is still a go in the city, no indoor door-to-door trick-or-treating is allowed.

Due to the pandemic, the CDC has advised against traditional trick-or-treating as well as indoor costume parties. They're recommending virtual gatherings and at home scavenger hunts with limited in-person activity. Dr. Janine Domingues, a clinical psychologist at Child Mind Institute, says it's important to be honest with your kids about what to expect.

"Still being able to dress up and still being able to find that middle ground and that compromise around still making it fun and celebratory,” says Dr. Domingues.

Trick-or-treating is only allowed outdoors in New York City with required facemasks and no direct contact of treats. Dr. Domingues says to validate your kid's feelings if they're upset about the changes.

"It's OK to feel disappointed by it and feel sad,” says Dr. Domingues.

She says providing perspective to kids is also very important.

"It's an opportunity to find new ways of celebrating, doing things that we haven't thought of,” says Dr. Domingues.

From scary movie nights to virtual costume parties, she says to let your kids know they aren't alone.

"We're in it together as a community, as a family and we're going to get through it,” says Dr. Domingues.

Dr. Dominguez says Halloween is a great opportunity for parents to set the tone for what kids can expect this holiday season.