Scary Monsters in the Closet: Helping Grandkids Overcome Their Fears
Aghhhhhh…
As a kid, falling asleep was not as easy as it would seem. Yes, I fought sleep like all kids. I would read a book under my covers; using the glow of a flashlight, the words on the page seemed to come alive, drawing me in and holding me captive.
However, when I was finally tired enough to close my eyes, in the deep silence of the night, I found myself lying wide awake. As the darkness enveloped the room, I was sure that the steady breathing of my sister from the upper bunk was not the only company in the room. I heard whispers from the shadows, from the closet, from under the bed; these ghostly tones were dancing around me, getting louder and louder. Every creak and groan that echoed through the house were ghostly footsteps outside our door, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
Did those scary eyes stare back at you, too? Were you afraid of the dark when you were a kid?
Scary monsters in the closet have long been a staple of childhood fears and folklore. From ancient myths to modern horror stories, the idea of creepy creatures hiding within the darkness of a closet has captured the imaginations of people around the world, and kids are still dealing with them today. So, besides me, other famous people also had to deal with these pesty monsters.
Here are a few that you might know:
· Alfred Hitchcock is often hailed as the "Master of Suspense." You probably grew up watching or watching through fingers covering your eyes his films that created tension and thrills. Some of his famous films include "The Birds," "North by Northwest," and "Vertigo." He also made a cameo appearance in each of his movies; maybe he put himself in the films as ohmage to his fear of the dark, as he hides in the productions?!
· Daniel Radcliffe, famous for his portrayal of the wizard Harry Potter in the almost 30-year-old series, was also afraid of the dark, which is ironic given his role as the wizard often faces darkness in this 7-book series. Even though he may have had his own personal scary monsters growing up, he didn't have a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead in real life.
Since this journey is real and unsettling for our grandkids, here are a few ways that might help you help them overcome the eerie and disturbing world of scary monsters in the closet.
1. Create a "Monster-Banishing" Ritual by turning the fear into a fun game. Together, you can come up with imaginative tools like a special flashlight or a magical spray (water in a spray bottle) that can ward off monsters or ghosts. Encourage them to use these tools before bedtime, making it a playful and empowering experience that helps them feel in control of their environment.
2. Bedtime Shadow Puppet Show by using the darkness as an opportunity for creativity. Set up a flashlight or lamp to cast shadows on the wall, and use your hands to create different shapes and characters. Try a bunny rabbit, butterfly, or even a caterpillar. In addition, you can take turns telling stories using finger puppets, turning the darkened room into a magical theater where fear takes a backseat to imagination and laughter.
3. Starry Sky Ceiling: Install glow-in-the-dark stickers. This creates a soothing and enchanting atmosphere that can distract from the darkness and provide a sense of wonder and tranquility. Spend time together stargazing and identifying constellations before bedtime, transforming the darkness into a space of beauty and exploration.
Of course, the tried-and-true ways also include having a nightlight or dim lamp to provide a soft glow that reduces the darkness without completely eliminating it. Additionally, allowing the child to choose comforting items, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to keep close by, can provide a sense of security.
So, if your grandchild is experiencing that heart-pounding moment of terror when the lights go out, remember they are not alone. Try some of these ideas to confront the shadows and help them embrace the fear that lurks in the dark.
