Advanced psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist CLAIRE GASKIN sees clients in Essex and in London’s Harley Street. She is now bringing her expertise to the problems of our readers as our agony aunt. If you have a problem you’d like Claire’s advice with, email agonyaunt@nqe.com For more details on Claire’s work, visit benefittherapy.co.uk/

DEAR CLAIRE,

My 10-year old daughter and her friends are all going to a Halloween party.

The problem is my daughter wants to dress up as Harley Quinn from the Suicide Squad (all the girls are apparently) which I’m not entirely happy about.

She’s not even seen the film of course but her and her friends seem to be obsessed with this character, which worries me a bit, seeing as she’s a violent, tattooed super-villain.

I’d like her to go as a traditional witch or something in a long black dress but young girls today don’t seem to want to be scary but dress up glamorously instead for Halloween.

I’m just worried this costume is too provocative for someone her age.

I’m concerned that she’s too young but then again, if her friends are allowed to wear the costume and she’s the only one not in it, I’m worried she might be the odd one out and feel silly.

What advice do you have about dealing with this problem ?

CLAIRE SAYS: Hallowe’en is rooted in pagan history and for centuries people have dressed in costumes according to folklore.

In many communities, 21st Century consumerism has cleverly become the instigator of new customs, influencing our choices through mass media and marketing.

Expressing sexuality in the way we dress can be empowering when we are mature enough to understand and deal with the attention it brings.

But, at 10 years old, your daughter will not be aware that a Harley Quinn costume has sexual connotations, nor will she have the skills to deal with any unwanted attention.

Some children display an independent streak. You could nurture this trait by encouraging your daughter to create her own, unique, costume.

You might also use this opportunity to introduce ideas about gender stereotypes, positive self-expression, and the pitfalls of perception.

If you don’t want to insist on an alternative outfit, look at the world through your daughter’s eyes - the innocence of her costume choice and the importance of belonging.

If you are worried, offer to help at the party so you can keep a watchful eye.

Whatever she wears, if they are going out trick-or-treating, establish boundaries by insisting that, until she’s older, you will be tagging along.