A recent story published in Slate’s parenting advice column has sparked fresh debate and research interest into the psychological underpinnings of childhood fears—especially those triggered by well-meaning siblings. The case involved an almost-3-year-old who suddenly became terrified of going in her own backyard after her older brother invented a lake monster to keep her away from a potentially dangerous dock. Despite attempts to reassure her that the monster was not real, the fear caused lasting distress, including a newfound fear of the dark and the need for parental comfort at bedtime (Slate).
This situation resonates with Thai parents, many of whom have traditions and stories involving spirits in natural spaces—tales often told with hopes of keeping children safe but which can cause real emotional consequences. Understanding how such childhood fears form, why they can become deeply rooted, and how families and educators can address them is crucial for promoting healthy emotional development.
Research shows that children’s fears of monsters and imaginary creatures are common developmental phenomena, emerging prominently between the ages of three and six. These fears stem from children’s limited ability to distinguish fantasy from reality and their growing imagination (ResearchGate). A study in the journal “Child Psychiatry & Human Development” found that up to 45% of girls and 13% of boys report fears of fantasy creatures, such as monsters and zombies, after stressful experiences, particularly if exposed to frightening stories or events involving siblings (PMC). The phenomenon is not limited to Western contexts. In Thailand, strong cultural myths regarding forest and water spirits—a means of keeping children away from danger—may reinforce similar fears.
Experts agree that while the intent behind such warnings is often protective, the psychological cost can be high. According to child development specialists, the vivid imagination of preschoolers makes them especially vulnerable to suggestion. Dr. Aletha Solter, an internationally known expert on conscious parenting, advises that “offering explanations alone is rarely enough; emotional reassurance and practical demonstrations that disprove the child’s fear are far more effective” (Aware Parenting). As in the Slate story, the affected girl continued to believe in the monster despite repeated assurances to the contrary—something familiar to parents across cultures.
Clinical psychologists suggest a multi-pronged approach for parents. First, normalize the discussion of imaginary and real by introducing books and stories where the boundary is clearly drawn, as recommended in the Slate article. Titles such as “The Monster at the End of This Book” and “I Need My Monster” are demonstrated tools for discussing fears in a lighthearted and empowering manner. Research underscores the value of storytelling, but also emphasizes the need for active engagement—such as having the child draw or talk about their fears, or role-play being braver than the monster (Lionheart Storyz). As Dr. Solter suggests, “Invite your child to draw pictures of the monster and discuss them together; this demystifies the fear and provides a sense of control.”
Thai parents may take additional cultural context into account. A recent study at Chulalongkorn University examined how parental attitudes toward outdoor play and safety shape children’s behavior and emotional well-being in various Thai provinces (Chulalongkorn Digital). The research highlights that while safety is a genuine concern—especially in homes near water—overemphasizing dangers or using fear-inducing tales as a preventive measure can undermine a child’s confidence and willingness to engage in healthy exploration.
Family relationships further complicate the picture. When older siblings attempt to “help” by warning their younger brothers or sisters, their actions often carry more emotional weight than those of adults. According to child behavior specialists, these sibling-induced fears are best resolved by involving both parties in the recovery process. Allowing the older sibling to participate in reading stories that debunk fears, or in supervised outdoor play, transforms the experience into an opportunity for empathy and restorative bonding (Listening Courses).
The implications for Thai families are significant. Aside from immediate emotional distress, persistent fears can contribute to avoidance behavior—refusing to play outdoors or developing anxieties around bedtime and darkness. For Thai children, whose recreational play is already impacted by parental concerns over safety and urbanization, additional fear factors may limit emotional resilience and creativity. Public health researchers in Thailand have documented how restrictive parenting styles correlate with behavioral problems and reduced self-reliance among preschoolers (IJBS ThaiJo).
Viewed historically, the strategy of invoking imaginary threats to ensure safety has deep roots in many cultures, including Thailand, where stories of “phi” (ghosts) and nature spirits are woven into everyday parenting. While these tales once served as effective community warnings in the absence of modern infrastructure, contemporary child psychology urges a move toward reasoned explanation and supervised risk-taking, rather than myth-based prohibition.
Looking forward, the key lies in balance. Experts stress that addressing children’s fears requires patience and consistency, as well as imaginative engagement that acknowledges their emotions without validating the threat. Gradual exposure, such as visiting the backyard together during daylight, modeling brave behavior, and positive reinforcement for small steps, helps rebuild confidence. Involving both siblings in the process can foster understanding and trust within the family unit.
Parents are encouraged to avoid using fear as a disciplinary tool, instead opting to educate children about real dangers in age-appropriate terms. When fears persist and interfere with daily life—such as refusal to sleep or play outdoors—consultation with a child psychologist may be advisable. Families can also draw upon resources like the Step Ahead Foundation, which provides handbooks on family strengthening and child development tailored for Thai households (Step Ahead Thailand).
In summary, while it can seem easier and more effective to use imaginary dangers as protective strategies, research—and lived experience—shows that fostering open communication, emotional validation, and gradual exposure are the best tools for parents to help children overcome irrational fears. For Thai families, blending traditional wisdom with modern child development science can offer safer, more resilient pathways for children’s growth.
For families currently facing similar situations, experts recommend the following steps:
- Avoid reinforcing fears by discussing or validating the imaginary threat.
- Utilize storybooks and media that distinguish make-believe from reality in accessible ways.
- Engage older siblings in the process, teaching them about empathy and responsibility.
- Model calm, confident behavior during fearful situations.
- Allow children to express, draw, or talk about their fears without judgment.
- Consider consultation with mental health professionals if fears become disruptive.
In doing so, families can promote psychological resilience while protecting children from genuine harm—maintaining both safety and peace of mind.