Halloween is more than collecting candy and dressing up -- it can be an etiquette trap for parents and children.

Lots of kids are excited for Halloween, but some feel nervous about running through dark streets, ringing doorbells and asking strangers for candy. Being sensitive toward those who are braving Halloween for the first time or who have food allergies or disabilities, is important.

Although kids may change their costume plans a lot before Halloween, some rules regarding etiquette are carved in pumpkin. Here's how to master the most common challenges on Halloween.

If you or your child doesn't understand someone's look, there's a kind way to ask about it. Don't say, "What are you?" or the dreaded, "So, what are you supposed to be?"

According to Dr. Ali Griffith, an audiologist and speech pathologist, that's important when talking to kids with sensory problems whose costumes may have been adapted to their comfort.

"Say, 'Tell me about your costume' instead of asking, 'What are you?'" Sheryl Ziegler, a psychologist and author of "Mommy Burnout," tells TODAY.com. You don't want to indicate that you have no idea what a kid's costume is because they may have made it themselves. Instead, just ask them to talk about it. "Kids are proud to talk about their costumes."

Trick-or-treating can be an exercise in good manners as well.

"Saying 'Trick or treat' and 'Thank you' makes people feel good," Ziegler notes. "Those giving candy are in the Halloween spirit and look forward to making small talk. It's not a race."

Older kids shouldn't step around or trample littles in line. "Teach them patience now so they'll know how to conduct themselves when they eventually trick-or-treat without adults," she says.

"The weeks leading to Halloween are thrilling, however the holiday itself can be stressful for many children and families," Francyne Zeltser, the clinical director of psychology, training and special projects at Manhattan Psychology Group, tells TODAY.com. "Unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and negative feelings."

A child's first trick-or-treating experience is a big deal, so prepare them by visiting fall festivals, decorating pumpkins, reading books about trick-or-treating or watching videos about Halloween, suggests Zeltser.

Or, practice trick-or-treating.

"Have your kid knock on your front door and say, 'Trick or treat' and 'Thank you for the candy,'" Zeltser tells TODAY.com, adding that doing so in costume will help identify any sensory issues early.

If your child is spooked by decorations, drive or walk by some adorned homes during the day. "You can explain that the decor is just a machine or doll," she says.

Then, on Halloween, trick-or-treat in a local area (around your block or within the school zone, for example) and limit the number of homes you visit: Zeltser suggests about five for a first-timer.

If you're passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, your child can help answer the door. "Even if they stand behind you or watch from the window, they can still experience trick-or-treating," says Zeltser.

"For children who are anxious or on the autism spectrum, Halloween can be intimidating," Renae Beaumont, assistant professor of psychology at Cornell University, tells TODAY.com. "There are too many unknowns."

Costumes, for example, can be confusing, especially if your child has trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality, says Beaumont.

If you're meeting up with other families to trick-or-treat, Beaumont suggests asking others to remove their masks when greeting your child so he or she clearly understands the costume isn't real.

If you're answering the door for trick-or-treaters, consider wearing a tamer costume or posting warning signs if your decor has bright lights or spooky sounds.

"It ruins the element of surprise, but you can still have a laugh without scaring children," Beaumont points out.

Some children have trouble understanding the viewpoint of others when sharing their thoughts, says Beaumont. If you're worried they won't accept candy graciously, write out a script. Here's one she suggests if they don't like the candy offered.

"For example, 'Thank you, I will save this for my friend' instead of 'Ew,'" says Beaumont.

According to Griffith, Halloween could be difficult for children who are nonverbal and cannot say, "Trick of treat" or "Thank you" or for kids with developmental delays that may seem younger than their age.

A child with poor fine motor skills may not be able to grab a piece of candy, for example. So people answering the door on Halloween may want to drop candy into children's hands or buckets instead of offering the bowl.

"Being observant and having an open heart can change how we look at people," Griffith tells TODAY.com.

Show that your home is conscious of food allergies by participating in The Teal Pumpkin Project.

Teal-colored pumpkins signal that a home is giving out non-edible treats like stickers or toys along with candy.

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, author of "The New Allergy Solution," suggests families make a plan for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.

Bassett says kids should accept candy in original packaging on which ingredients are listed.

Don't eat the candy out on the street, tempting as it may be: Wait until you're home so adults can examine it first.

And take labels seriously, he added, especially language like, "may contain nuts" or "made in a facility that contains nuts."

"Kids with allergies can also travel with safe snacks," he says. That way, parents can replenish their stash if they run out of options.

Griffith says some children may get disappointed while trick-or-treating when presented with items they can't eat. If people giving out candy want to give safer treats, there's always nut-free or dairy-free candy or another prize like stickers.

Halloween is an opportunity for responsible teens to trick-or-treat with their friends, instead of parents.

"It's a night for kids to have autonomy," Emily Kline, a Boston-based psychologist and author of the book "The School of Hard Talks," tells TODAY.com.

Kline recommends asking teens, "Where are you trick-or-treating?" "Who will you be with?" "What's your buddy system?" "What time are you coming home?" and importantly, "What are you most looking forward to?"

"You'll get the most leverage with your kid if you're excited as opposed to anxious," she explains.

Kline challenges parents to not check in with teens throughout the night, especially if they've already agreed on a plan.

"When kids reach an appropriate age to trick-or-treat alone, they've likely walked around the neighborhood alone during the day," Kline notes. "If they're allowed to use their judgement, they'll become good at it."

Not every Halloween costume is a treat: Don't choose clothing that stereotypes or mocks someone's culture, traditions or race.

And if you see a costume that crosses boundaries? "Give that person the benefit of the doubt," says Ziegler. "They may not be trying to offend."

Parents need to be aware of how their child's costume could seem to others. If your kid's choice gives you a funny feeling, explore why. "You can also see if your child has a back-up idea," she suggests.