X
TAP top app download banner
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product Guide
Sign in
  • Money Tips
    • Savings
    • Insurance
    • Loans
    • Investments
    • Government Benefits
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
    • COVID-19
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping

When should I allow my child to read scary books?

3 min read
When should I allow my child to read scary books?

When is it okay to start on scary books for kids? Find out here, plus why it might actually be good for them.

Every parent has an innate feeling to protect their offspring, even if the perceived danger lies in scary books for kids.

What’s in a scare?

First of all, we need to decide what exactly is a ‘scary story’? Common consensus seems to point towards anything that involves blood, gore and violence. This would include graphic descriptions of murder, crime scene or even animal attacks. Some parents would also consider ghosts and other supernatural creatures as part of this ‘scary’ group. These groups include but are not limited to witches, ghouls, vampires and monsters.

Seeing that many children’s books weave elements of fantasy and myth into their stories, it is safe to assume that many of those can also be classified as scary books for kids.

What fears do your children have?

The next step in deciding is to confront their fears and understand if the books will just induce those fears. If your child has a fear of the dark, perhaps it is not the best idea to let them read Mr. Midnight or R.L Stine’s Goosebumps just before they go to bed.

A good scare

However, we should not discount scary stories altogether, especially since your child has more control over his imagination when he is reading the book as opposed to watching the movie version unfold before his eyes.

Scary stories also have the added benefit of actually helping children through their psychological development. This is usually because a number of scary stories have a child or young adult as the protagonist and these children turn out to be heroes and heroines who defeat the monsters. By reading about how these kids just like themselves overcome frightening challenges, children subconsciously learn strategies for dealing with issues like anger, separation from their parents, and living up to expectations.

scary books for kids

Do you think scary books for kids help in personal growth?

Age is but a number

Advertisement

Ultimately, what is most important is to know how mature your child is to handle the material in these scary books. However, if you feel that they are not mature enough, yet they are adamant about reading it, parents should consider reading the book together with children and being there to answer any questions, doubts or fears that they might have because of the book. Remember to point out the positives in the book as well as the embedded lessons to be learnt.

Do you think scary books for kids should be allowed at a young age? We’d love to hear from you!

Partner Stories
New to the Mom Game? Celebrate Mother's Day with These Awesome Deals and Activities
New to the Mom Game? Celebrate Mother's Day with These Awesome Deals and Activities
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist
13 Must-haves for Your Online Baby Checkout Checklist

Republished with permission from: theAsianparent Singapore

 If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

theAsianparent Philippines

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • When should I allow my child to read scary books?
Share:
  • SCTEX Crash Highlights Importance of Car Seats and RA 11229: How One Child Survived

    SCTEX Crash Highlights Importance of Car Seats and RA 11229: How One Child Survived

  • Wag Muna Buhatin si Baby: Tulog Pa ’Yan, Active Sleep Lang sa Newborn Sleep!

    Wag Muna Buhatin si Baby: Tulog Pa ’Yan, Active Sleep Lang sa Newborn Sleep!

  • Brave Enough to Say Sorry: A Lesson for Parents

    Brave Enough to Say Sorry: A Lesson for Parents

  • SCTEX Crash Highlights Importance of Car Seats and RA 11229: How One Child Survived

    SCTEX Crash Highlights Importance of Car Seats and RA 11229: How One Child Survived

  • Wag Muna Buhatin si Baby: Tulog Pa ’Yan, Active Sleep Lang sa Newborn Sleep!

    Wag Muna Buhatin si Baby: Tulog Pa ’Yan, Active Sleep Lang sa Newborn Sleep!

  • Brave Enough to Say Sorry: A Lesson for Parents

    Brave Enough to Say Sorry: A Lesson for Parents

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Money Tips
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Pregnancy
  • Parenting
  • Lifestyle Section
  • FAMILY & HOME
  • TAP Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2025. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it