It’s that time of year again when we start to think of witches, ghouls and monsters. But while we are happy to cackle about witches, and giggle about ghouls….well monsters are another thing entirely! But what are monsters scary and why are monsters so scary to kids?
What are monsters?
Monsters are a type of supernatural creature. They are often found in folklore and horror stories but many have been given a supernatural origin, having been created by gods, demons, or other supernatural beings.
Some monsters have a human-like appearance – think Dracula or Frankenstein – but they are usually much more powerful than a human. Others take a beast-like form with several heads and grotesque features
Many believe that monsters can be created by humans through magic or scientific experiments. There is no single definition for the term “monster”, which means that there is not one answer to the question “what are monsters?”
Monsters are often seen as evil creatures that need to be destroyed. They can be found in many different forms and shapes. Some of the most common monsters include zombies, vampires, werewolves, mummies, and ghosts.
Where did the notion of monsters come from?
According to The University of Cambridge’s research department in this area, “The etymology of monstrosity suggests the complex roles that monsters play within society. ‘Monster’ probably derives from the Latin, monstrare, meaning ‘to demonstrate’, and monere, ‘to warn’. Monsters, in essence, are demonstrative. They reveal, portend, show and make evident, often uncomfortably so. Though the modern gothic monster and the medieval chimaera may seem unrelated, both have acted as important social tools.”
So you see, monsters have actually played a very real and important role within the history of humankind. But for children – and also some adults – this doesnt’ make them any less scary. However, one of the best way to deal with any type of fear, is to normalise it by taking the emotion out of it.
Helping children who are scared of monsters
I recently heard about a fun family podcast called Monster Podcast, which aims to help kids be brave with monsters and fears which does exactly that. It uses a lighthearted approach and the power of storytelling to show that monsters have been around for an age and that actually…they are not all as bad as we think they may seem.
Today I am sharing a transcript from some of the episodes to help us understand why monsters are scary, whether monsters even exist and whether monsters are in fact good….or bad.
Why do humans dislike monsters?
It was for a long time that humans were afraid of monsters. Because they looked large and frightful, humans assumed these monsters were dangerous. Out of a terrible fear they made weapons and made great fires and attacked all monsters small and vast. And the monsters attacked back. But it was all a grave mistake. At last humans and monsters are learning to understand each other. One day, perhaps, they will be friends.
Do monsters exist?
Monsters, contrary to myth, are real. Monsters are a type of ancient animal. In fact, monsters are a species of evolved dinosaur. Modern monsters are a diverse, thriving and growing kingdom.
What kinds of monsters exist?
Modern monsters are arranged into two main groups. Wild and domestic monsters. Of these two groups, domestic monsters are much more important to us. While powerful and at times dangerous, wild monsters are reclusive and often solitary.
Are monsters good or bad?
There are both good and bad monsters. Monsters in the wild are more dangerous, but domestic monsters may be troublesome. While most monsters do attack when threatened, only a few monsters
are really bad.
What Is the Biggest Monster Myth?
The biggest of all monster myths is that monsters are all evil and up to little good, if any. Because many are thought nocturnal, lurk in the dark, and appear large and frightful, monsters are assumed bad and dangerous.
But the truth is that many monsters love the day and sunshine, but people make it very hard for them. They hunt them, stare at them, even heckle them. Most think that monsters are supernatural demons, but actually are descended from ancient dinosaurs. The truth is that monsters are individuals. Some are good and some are bad. Each must be judged individually.
Do monsters come out at night?
It is true that many monsters come out at night. They are secretive and do hide in the darkness. But this is because monsters were for a long time hunted by humans. And that’s why many monsters fear humans and avoid light and detection.
Monsters are scary to kids – it’s a fact. But if your child is extra concerned that a monster is lurking in their closet or under their bed and can not get to sleep, them why not listen to the Monster Podcast with them and help them confront their fears in a fun and age-appropriate way? They may find that they see monsters in a totally different way afterward!
For more resources to help your children overcome their fear of monsters grab this free book Myth & Monsters.
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