Should we tell kids about scary creatures?
By He Yin
@Syllogism (206)
China
December 13, 2015 11:37pm CST
When I refer to scary creatures, I don't mean some imaginary monsters.
My wife and my mother sometimes have conversations with my kids(age 6 and 2) like:"Oh, that's a scary spider!" or "A snake! Sick!" or "I hate worms!".
In my opinion, the children are all born brave and afraid of nothing. Many of we adults are often afraid of most insects, some reptiles like snakes or lizards, and even some mammals like rats. Most of those animals are really of no harm to human.
If we don't tell the kids those animals are scary, they probably would grow into brave adults fearing none of those animals. If we keep telling them those animals are scary, we are in fact producing fears in their minds which I think is really not good for their bravery.
Of course, it's normal for a man to be afraid of lions or cobras, but most insects and reptiles are really harmless.
What's your opinion?
7 people like this
9 responses
@CaptAlbertWhisker (32746)
• Calgary, Alberta
29 Dec 15
I want my kids to be into camping and nature so I will make sure they wont be afraid of animals. Survival training is something all humans must learn. I wont let them be afraid of frogs or bugs.
1 person likes this
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
14 Dec 15
I understand you. My parents react that way too, I am almost afraid of every creature.
When my elder son was born, I reminded myself not to scare him of any creatures. I'd let him know whether it's dangerous or harmful, if I am not sure, I'll let him observe the creature, but not to touch it. I am always glad that my children are not like me, though they are not very brave until they dare to touch everything, especially those they know might be harmful, they play with caterpillar, millipede, gecko and some other non harmful creatures that they found at home or in the park.
I think it's really good to let the children explore and learn.
Yes, I think kids are usually brave and not afraid of anything if they have not been scared by the adults. 
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
14 Dec 15
yes, I agree - we should encourage children to respect nature rather than fear it.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
15 Dec 15
You are correct . When children are small , they seem not to fear these things . So , we have to scare them , so that if ever they see one they would scream so we can do something about these creatures . 
@Syllogism (206)
• China
15 Dec 15
Don't you think fear is a negative feeling that we should overcome?
I hope my children to be fearless of those ugly but harmless creatures.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
15 Dec 15
@Syllogism They will eventually overcome that when they are old enough to distinguish the fierce living things.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
15 Dec 15
It seems have a healthy fear of certain things can be a protection-especially for young ones.
@Syllogism (206)
• China
15 Dec 15
Yes, and that should be the really fearful creatures like poisonous snakes or mad dogs, not some innocent insects
