Stephanie sees a horror movie with Gabby, despite Charlie's objections, and Stephanie winds up being frightened. Her fears then escalate when James tries to persuade her their house is haunted.
After Aaron describes Stephanie as a 'yelly monster' when she tries to get the family ready in the morning, Stephanie realizes that she must do better.
Stephanie and Charlie plan a child-free weekend in New York, only to find that Aaron has stowed away in their car; James and Gabby make plans while their parents are away.
James becomes popular at school after others incorrectly believe he's a bad boy, and when one of his new pals does something wrong, he's reluctant to tattle; Stephanie lectures James about doing the right thing.
Aaron lands in hot water with his teacher, whom he calls a doofus—a word he heard Stephanie utter. Meanwhile, James uses Charlie in his plan to get out of doing his history homework.
Stephanie feels expendable on Halloween when the kids make their own plans. Meanwhile, Charlie tries to maintain his record for having the best decorated house in the neighborhood.