Is your child curious about spooky stories? Their interest may be helping them manage fear and anxiety in a safe way.
Reading horror stories—or even emotionally intense survival stories—can increase your child’s confidence with overcoming fear. Horror in fiction is intended to feel fun and suspenseful, giving kids the opportunity to explore their fears safely.
“Safely” means that kids can close the book whenever they feel overwhelmed. They may choose to return to the story when they feel ready, or choose a different book more suited to their comfort level.
In spooky stories, many of the scares are supernatural, but main characters might also confront real-life personal problems, such as panic attacks, grief, or family illness. When they emerge victorious from these challenges, your child as a reader feels triumphant as well.
Here are some tips for supporting your child’s interest in scary stories:
- If your child is under 7—or gets scared more easily—you may not want to read spooky stories before bed in case they have nightmares or trouble sleeping.
- Help them select age-appropriate titles. Your child may be terrified of vampires but love a good ghost story. Our librarians are happy to help you find books appropriate for your child’s age, maturity level, and comfort with spookiness. You can also submit a Next 5 Reads form for a curated list of suggestions.
- Talk to your child about what they’re reading. You could ask what they liked or didn’t like, which parts scared them, or what they would do in the character’s situation. If they have a nightmare, reassure them that they’re safe and remind them of the differences between fiction and reality.
Scary stories can encourage emotional resilience, creativity, and empathy. They’re also a thrilling adventure, even for the most reluctant reader. With parental guidance, kids can find solace in the horror genre through every age and stage of life.
Add a comment to: How Scary Stories Can Build Kids’ Resilience