Monsters....what do you tell them??

[~Kim~]

I'm all for honesty and saying they aren't real, but a 3yo with a hyperactive imagination is no match for me lol.
If she brought it up I'd do a room clearance for her, show her empty spaces and then I had a monster spray (lavender water) that I'd use.
Monsters Inc scared her to death, so I stopped that one fairly quickly.

[Just Me]

I hope this doesn't offend anyone because that is not my intention but I wanted to answer the OP's question ...

I have heard a few psychologists talk about monsters and they say not to play alone with looking under the bed/in the cupboard or anything else because that leaves kids with the impression that they do have a reason to be scared and that there is a possibility that monsters will be there. It can frighten them even more in the long run. Instead they suggest being honest and saying that monster don't exist. If kids are scared at night, work out with them things that you can do so that they aren't scared.

Again, sorry if that offends anyone. I am not trying to have a go at your responses, just answer the OP

[Glamourcide]

^ No offence taken here I can definitely see the sense in that POV - just in my own experience, it's incredibly frustrating going to mum and dad with what you feel is a valid concern/fear, and having them 'brush it off' by saying monsters aren't real, itms? We play along and it works for us, each family and child is different though so I know your suggestion definitely has credibility and validity Like I said, my kids are just really strange, they're not afraid of *anything* (except maybe Daddy's raised hand heading in their direction when they're into something they shouldn't be!) and for some reason think scary monsters and 'umpies' (DD2's word for 'zombies', she even does the 'Raaarr, I'ma eat your braaaiiinnns!') are hilarious But very good point!

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

Glad I'm not the only Zombie Mamma! I'm trying to come up with a story about the Zom Bees, little undead insects that eat brains instead of pollen, and don't "buzz" but "braaaaaaaiins" instead. Aside from the concept it isn't going too well. Maybe they get into a fight with Zom Wasps and win?

Just Me, I agree with you in theory. But what do you do when you look under the bed, see nothing, and your child points to the monster and is still scared? I make sure he knows there are no monsters because I am bigger and badder than any monster there is.