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What could be a means to defeat a child’s nightmare?
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In my world, there is a monster that materializes as a childhood nightmare (nothing specific, just this general fear children feel when they are alone in the dark). I wonder what would be a nice way of defeating it? Light (which works for children in reality) would be too obvious and easy.
In this case, I am looking for an offensive measure that would still be somehow symbolic.
weapons mythology dream
New contributor
$endgroup$
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
In my world, there is a monster that materializes as a childhood nightmare (nothing specific, just this general fear children feel when they are alone in the dark). I wonder what would be a nice way of defeating it? Light (which works for children in reality) would be too obvious and easy.
In this case, I am looking for an offensive measure that would still be somehow symbolic.
weapons mythology dream
New contributor
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
3
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
In my world, there is a monster that materializes as a childhood nightmare (nothing specific, just this general fear children feel when they are alone in the dark). I wonder what would be a nice way of defeating it? Light (which works for children in reality) would be too obvious and easy.
In this case, I am looking for an offensive measure that would still be somehow symbolic.
weapons mythology dream
New contributor
$endgroup$
In my world, there is a monster that materializes as a childhood nightmare (nothing specific, just this general fear children feel when they are alone in the dark). I wonder what would be a nice way of defeating it? Light (which works for children in reality) would be too obvious and easy.
In this case, I am looking for an offensive measure that would still be somehow symbolic.
weapons mythology dream
weapons mythology dream
New contributor
New contributor
edited 24 mins ago
RonJohn
15k13170
15k13170
New contributor
asked 6 hours ago
John VJohn V
1332
1332
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New contributor
1
$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
3
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
1
$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
3
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
3
3
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Distraction via Good Memories
If a childes fear is what materializes the "monster" then the lack of fear is what will defeat it (duh face palm answer down voted). Working with children in the past I have found that not reacting to what is causing them fear but staying calm and even talking about something off topic to be very helpful.
I was able to keep a childe calm after he had fallen and his arm looked like a squiggly Tetris shape. He was crying and holding his arm being like a champion walking towards the building when my coworker saw his arm and started freaking out about calling an ambulance and .... after that the childe was lost to his emotions and fear.
Breaking a childes focus on the danger / fear and giving a calm rock to feed off of will help dismantle the monster. (This is also dependent on a strong relationship between the child and the adult)
In terms of story having adults ask children to play, dance, bake a cake, ... anything to get the childe to stop thinking on what is causing them fear. Every childe who might be a target would have an adult tasked to keep the childes mind off of the monster.
Option 2: If the fear is just to intense then drugs. Just find a drug that prevents user from feeling fear. I heard that cocaine makes you feel god like maybe something similar or a completely made up one.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Rubber mallet.
I have used this method successfully (n=2). Children feel defenseless in the dark. You don't want to give them a shotgun or a Bowie knife. You can give them a rubber mallet. A rubber mallet is not a toy. They are big, hefty tools. Even a kid can deliver a wallop with one should something need walloping, but she is unlikely to hurt herself by accident.
It is an empowering feeling, holding a rubber mallet in your hand, ready to whack something. Even for an adult! Also the rubber is grippy, and the mallet will stay put under a pillow.
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Lucid dreaming- through composure and self discipline, the child can be trained to become aware that the nightmare is a dream, and gain control over the dream's narrative. This could allow the child to actually fight back against the monster.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A not serious answer, but if you want a more comic tone you could find it interesting...
You could try to trick the monster. Since it thrives in the dark, it hasn't good sight, so you could disguise a brave full-grown man (maybe a short one :) ) as a kid and let him in the child room with the lights turned off.
When the monster tries to manifest itself to frighten the child, the man greets it with a laugh and makes fun of it saying it isn't that frightening...
The poor monster, discouraged, flees in tears and won't be heard of anymore!
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Since some monsters come from under the end of the bed and grab your feet, I suggest a footboard combined with a guillotine. This will chop the monster's arms off while leaving the child's feet safe.
For monsters that are merely lurking under the bed, a simple lever that causes the bed to drop to the floor will effectively both flatten and trap the monster. The noise will alert the parents to come to the rescue.
Wardrobe monsters can be dealt with by placing a mat with razor-sharp spikes in front of the doors.
Monsters cannot get through glass (especially double-glazing) so a simple window-lock will suffice.
The usual bucket of ice water will stop a door monster in its tracks.
Less lethal versions of the above can be made with a little ingenuity.
A little known secret is that monsters cannot abide rosewater so a couple of squirts from a simple spray bottle will send them running.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Blanket over head
I can't recall where I read the story (but it was probably an old one) and it's author or title, but there was a sci-fi short story that involved materialization of your fears - a chemical that made you see hallucinations that felt real enough that if the hallucination would kill you, you'd die. When the two protagonists understood the principle, they remembered the secret weapon against each of the monsters they had invented during their childhood - some were vulnerable to a water gun, some to loud noises, some feared mirrors, etc.
But then they encountered a horrible monster whose special power was that no secret weapons work against it... until they remembered what gave them invulnerability back when they were children which was to hide under a blanket - if you're shivering together with your buddy under a blanket with a flashlight, you may be scared, but none of your childhood nightmares are actually going to get you.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Children are afraid of the dark because it is an unknown and they lack the confidence to take care of themselves. On the other hand when you become an adult you start to carry keys around with you. It is a symbol of taking your security into your own hands, leaving the house on your own and being responsible. The monster may hate the sound of jingling keys, which is why it usually flees when adults start to approach with keys jingling in their pockets.
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7 Answers
7
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7 Answers
7
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active
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$begingroup$
Distraction via Good Memories
If a childes fear is what materializes the "monster" then the lack of fear is what will defeat it (duh face palm answer down voted). Working with children in the past I have found that not reacting to what is causing them fear but staying calm and even talking about something off topic to be very helpful.
I was able to keep a childe calm after he had fallen and his arm looked like a squiggly Tetris shape. He was crying and holding his arm being like a champion walking towards the building when my coworker saw his arm and started freaking out about calling an ambulance and .... after that the childe was lost to his emotions and fear.
Breaking a childes focus on the danger / fear and giving a calm rock to feed off of will help dismantle the monster. (This is also dependent on a strong relationship between the child and the adult)
In terms of story having adults ask children to play, dance, bake a cake, ... anything to get the childe to stop thinking on what is causing them fear. Every childe who might be a target would have an adult tasked to keep the childes mind off of the monster.
Option 2: If the fear is just to intense then drugs. Just find a drug that prevents user from feeling fear. I heard that cocaine makes you feel god like maybe something similar or a completely made up one.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Distraction via Good Memories
If a childes fear is what materializes the "monster" then the lack of fear is what will defeat it (duh face palm answer down voted). Working with children in the past I have found that not reacting to what is causing them fear but staying calm and even talking about something off topic to be very helpful.
I was able to keep a childe calm after he had fallen and his arm looked like a squiggly Tetris shape. He was crying and holding his arm being like a champion walking towards the building when my coworker saw his arm and started freaking out about calling an ambulance and .... after that the childe was lost to his emotions and fear.
Breaking a childes focus on the danger / fear and giving a calm rock to feed off of will help dismantle the monster. (This is also dependent on a strong relationship between the child and the adult)
In terms of story having adults ask children to play, dance, bake a cake, ... anything to get the childe to stop thinking on what is causing them fear. Every childe who might be a target would have an adult tasked to keep the childes mind off of the monster.
Option 2: If the fear is just to intense then drugs. Just find a drug that prevents user from feeling fear. I heard that cocaine makes you feel god like maybe something similar or a completely made up one.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Distraction via Good Memories
If a childes fear is what materializes the "monster" then the lack of fear is what will defeat it (duh face palm answer down voted). Working with children in the past I have found that not reacting to what is causing them fear but staying calm and even talking about something off topic to be very helpful.
I was able to keep a childe calm after he had fallen and his arm looked like a squiggly Tetris shape. He was crying and holding his arm being like a champion walking towards the building when my coworker saw his arm and started freaking out about calling an ambulance and .... after that the childe was lost to his emotions and fear.
Breaking a childes focus on the danger / fear and giving a calm rock to feed off of will help dismantle the monster. (This is also dependent on a strong relationship between the child and the adult)
In terms of story having adults ask children to play, dance, bake a cake, ... anything to get the childe to stop thinking on what is causing them fear. Every childe who might be a target would have an adult tasked to keep the childes mind off of the monster.
Option 2: If the fear is just to intense then drugs. Just find a drug that prevents user from feeling fear. I heard that cocaine makes you feel god like maybe something similar or a completely made up one.
$endgroup$
Distraction via Good Memories
If a childes fear is what materializes the "monster" then the lack of fear is what will defeat it (duh face palm answer down voted). Working with children in the past I have found that not reacting to what is causing them fear but staying calm and even talking about something off topic to be very helpful.
I was able to keep a childe calm after he had fallen and his arm looked like a squiggly Tetris shape. He was crying and holding his arm being like a champion walking towards the building when my coworker saw his arm and started freaking out about calling an ambulance and .... after that the childe was lost to his emotions and fear.
Breaking a childes focus on the danger / fear and giving a calm rock to feed off of will help dismantle the monster. (This is also dependent on a strong relationship between the child and the adult)
In terms of story having adults ask children to play, dance, bake a cake, ... anything to get the childe to stop thinking on what is causing them fear. Every childe who might be a target would have an adult tasked to keep the childes mind off of the monster.
Option 2: If the fear is just to intense then drugs. Just find a drug that prevents user from feeling fear. I heard that cocaine makes you feel god like maybe something similar or a completely made up one.
answered 5 hours ago
TolureTolure
3192
3192
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Rubber mallet.
I have used this method successfully (n=2). Children feel defenseless in the dark. You don't want to give them a shotgun or a Bowie knife. You can give them a rubber mallet. A rubber mallet is not a toy. They are big, hefty tools. Even a kid can deliver a wallop with one should something need walloping, but she is unlikely to hurt herself by accident.
It is an empowering feeling, holding a rubber mallet in your hand, ready to whack something. Even for an adult! Also the rubber is grippy, and the mallet will stay put under a pillow.
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Rubber mallet.
I have used this method successfully (n=2). Children feel defenseless in the dark. You don't want to give them a shotgun or a Bowie knife. You can give them a rubber mallet. A rubber mallet is not a toy. They are big, hefty tools. Even a kid can deliver a wallop with one should something need walloping, but she is unlikely to hurt herself by accident.
It is an empowering feeling, holding a rubber mallet in your hand, ready to whack something. Even for an adult! Also the rubber is grippy, and the mallet will stay put under a pillow.
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Rubber mallet.
I have used this method successfully (n=2). Children feel defenseless in the dark. You don't want to give them a shotgun or a Bowie knife. You can give them a rubber mallet. A rubber mallet is not a toy. They are big, hefty tools. Even a kid can deliver a wallop with one should something need walloping, but she is unlikely to hurt herself by accident.
It is an empowering feeling, holding a rubber mallet in your hand, ready to whack something. Even for an adult! Also the rubber is grippy, and the mallet will stay put under a pillow.
$endgroup$
Rubber mallet.
I have used this method successfully (n=2). Children feel defenseless in the dark. You don't want to give them a shotgun or a Bowie knife. You can give them a rubber mallet. A rubber mallet is not a toy. They are big, hefty tools. Even a kid can deliver a wallop with one should something need walloping, but she is unlikely to hurt herself by accident.
It is an empowering feeling, holding a rubber mallet in your hand, ready to whack something. Even for an adult! Also the rubber is grippy, and the mallet will stay put under a pillow.
answered 5 hours ago
WillkWillk
111k26207462
111k26207462
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
add a comment |
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
4
4
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
My dad tried this with me or so I've been told. I took a swing at a "monster", hit a brick wall, and the mallet bounce right back and smacked me in the head. I remember none of it.
$endgroup$
– Roddy of the Frozen Peas
3 hours ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Lucid dreaming- through composure and self discipline, the child can be trained to become aware that the nightmare is a dream, and gain control over the dream's narrative. This could allow the child to actually fight back against the monster.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Lucid dreaming- through composure and self discipline, the child can be trained to become aware that the nightmare is a dream, and gain control over the dream's narrative. This could allow the child to actually fight back against the monster.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Lucid dreaming- through composure and self discipline, the child can be trained to become aware that the nightmare is a dream, and gain control over the dream's narrative. This could allow the child to actually fight back against the monster.
$endgroup$
Lucid dreaming- through composure and self discipline, the child can be trained to become aware that the nightmare is a dream, and gain control over the dream's narrative. This could allow the child to actually fight back against the monster.
answered 5 hours ago
JackJack
73118
73118
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A not serious answer, but if you want a more comic tone you could find it interesting...
You could try to trick the monster. Since it thrives in the dark, it hasn't good sight, so you could disguise a brave full-grown man (maybe a short one :) ) as a kid and let him in the child room with the lights turned off.
When the monster tries to manifest itself to frighten the child, the man greets it with a laugh and makes fun of it saying it isn't that frightening...
The poor monster, discouraged, flees in tears and won't be heard of anymore!
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A not serious answer, but if you want a more comic tone you could find it interesting...
You could try to trick the monster. Since it thrives in the dark, it hasn't good sight, so you could disguise a brave full-grown man (maybe a short one :) ) as a kid and let him in the child room with the lights turned off.
When the monster tries to manifest itself to frighten the child, the man greets it with a laugh and makes fun of it saying it isn't that frightening...
The poor monster, discouraged, flees in tears and won't be heard of anymore!
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A not serious answer, but if you want a more comic tone you could find it interesting...
You could try to trick the monster. Since it thrives in the dark, it hasn't good sight, so you could disguise a brave full-grown man (maybe a short one :) ) as a kid and let him in the child room with the lights turned off.
When the monster tries to manifest itself to frighten the child, the man greets it with a laugh and makes fun of it saying it isn't that frightening...
The poor monster, discouraged, flees in tears and won't be heard of anymore!
$endgroup$
A not serious answer, but if you want a more comic tone you could find it interesting...
You could try to trick the monster. Since it thrives in the dark, it hasn't good sight, so you could disguise a brave full-grown man (maybe a short one :) ) as a kid and let him in the child room with the lights turned off.
When the monster tries to manifest itself to frighten the child, the man greets it with a laugh and makes fun of it saying it isn't that frightening...
The poor monster, discouraged, flees in tears and won't be heard of anymore!
answered 5 hours ago
McTroopersMcTroopers
7055
7055
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Since some monsters come from under the end of the bed and grab your feet, I suggest a footboard combined with a guillotine. This will chop the monster's arms off while leaving the child's feet safe.
For monsters that are merely lurking under the bed, a simple lever that causes the bed to drop to the floor will effectively both flatten and trap the monster. The noise will alert the parents to come to the rescue.
Wardrobe monsters can be dealt with by placing a mat with razor-sharp spikes in front of the doors.
Monsters cannot get through glass (especially double-glazing) so a simple window-lock will suffice.
The usual bucket of ice water will stop a door monster in its tracks.
Less lethal versions of the above can be made with a little ingenuity.
A little known secret is that monsters cannot abide rosewater so a couple of squirts from a simple spray bottle will send them running.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Since some monsters come from under the end of the bed and grab your feet, I suggest a footboard combined with a guillotine. This will chop the monster's arms off while leaving the child's feet safe.
For monsters that are merely lurking under the bed, a simple lever that causes the bed to drop to the floor will effectively both flatten and trap the monster. The noise will alert the parents to come to the rescue.
Wardrobe monsters can be dealt with by placing a mat with razor-sharp spikes in front of the doors.
Monsters cannot get through glass (especially double-glazing) so a simple window-lock will suffice.
The usual bucket of ice water will stop a door monster in its tracks.
Less lethal versions of the above can be made with a little ingenuity.
A little known secret is that monsters cannot abide rosewater so a couple of squirts from a simple spray bottle will send them running.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Since some monsters come from under the end of the bed and grab your feet, I suggest a footboard combined with a guillotine. This will chop the monster's arms off while leaving the child's feet safe.
For monsters that are merely lurking under the bed, a simple lever that causes the bed to drop to the floor will effectively both flatten and trap the monster. The noise will alert the parents to come to the rescue.
Wardrobe monsters can be dealt with by placing a mat with razor-sharp spikes in front of the doors.
Monsters cannot get through glass (especially double-glazing) so a simple window-lock will suffice.
The usual bucket of ice water will stop a door monster in its tracks.
Less lethal versions of the above can be made with a little ingenuity.
A little known secret is that monsters cannot abide rosewater so a couple of squirts from a simple spray bottle will send them running.
$endgroup$
Since some monsters come from under the end of the bed and grab your feet, I suggest a footboard combined with a guillotine. This will chop the monster's arms off while leaving the child's feet safe.
For monsters that are merely lurking under the bed, a simple lever that causes the bed to drop to the floor will effectively both flatten and trap the monster. The noise will alert the parents to come to the rescue.
Wardrobe monsters can be dealt with by placing a mat with razor-sharp spikes in front of the doors.
Monsters cannot get through glass (especially double-glazing) so a simple window-lock will suffice.
The usual bucket of ice water will stop a door monster in its tracks.
Less lethal versions of the above can be made with a little ingenuity.
A little known secret is that monsters cannot abide rosewater so a couple of squirts from a simple spray bottle will send them running.
edited 4 hours ago
answered 4 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.4k776159
17.4k776159
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Blanket over head
I can't recall where I read the story (but it was probably an old one) and it's author or title, but there was a sci-fi short story that involved materialization of your fears - a chemical that made you see hallucinations that felt real enough that if the hallucination would kill you, you'd die. When the two protagonists understood the principle, they remembered the secret weapon against each of the monsters they had invented during their childhood - some were vulnerable to a water gun, some to loud noises, some feared mirrors, etc.
But then they encountered a horrible monster whose special power was that no secret weapons work against it... until they remembered what gave them invulnerability back when they were children which was to hide under a blanket - if you're shivering together with your buddy under a blanket with a flashlight, you may be scared, but none of your childhood nightmares are actually going to get you.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Blanket over head
I can't recall where I read the story (but it was probably an old one) and it's author or title, but there was a sci-fi short story that involved materialization of your fears - a chemical that made you see hallucinations that felt real enough that if the hallucination would kill you, you'd die. When the two protagonists understood the principle, they remembered the secret weapon against each of the monsters they had invented during their childhood - some were vulnerable to a water gun, some to loud noises, some feared mirrors, etc.
But then they encountered a horrible monster whose special power was that no secret weapons work against it... until they remembered what gave them invulnerability back when they were children which was to hide under a blanket - if you're shivering together with your buddy under a blanket with a flashlight, you may be scared, but none of your childhood nightmares are actually going to get you.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Blanket over head
I can't recall where I read the story (but it was probably an old one) and it's author or title, but there was a sci-fi short story that involved materialization of your fears - a chemical that made you see hallucinations that felt real enough that if the hallucination would kill you, you'd die. When the two protagonists understood the principle, they remembered the secret weapon against each of the monsters they had invented during their childhood - some were vulnerable to a water gun, some to loud noises, some feared mirrors, etc.
But then they encountered a horrible monster whose special power was that no secret weapons work against it... until they remembered what gave them invulnerability back when they were children which was to hide under a blanket - if you're shivering together with your buddy under a blanket with a flashlight, you may be scared, but none of your childhood nightmares are actually going to get you.
$endgroup$
Blanket over head
I can't recall where I read the story (but it was probably an old one) and it's author or title, but there was a sci-fi short story that involved materialization of your fears - a chemical that made you see hallucinations that felt real enough that if the hallucination would kill you, you'd die. When the two protagonists understood the principle, they remembered the secret weapon against each of the monsters they had invented during their childhood - some were vulnerable to a water gun, some to loud noises, some feared mirrors, etc.
But then they encountered a horrible monster whose special power was that no secret weapons work against it... until they remembered what gave them invulnerability back when they were children which was to hide under a blanket - if you're shivering together with your buddy under a blanket with a flashlight, you may be scared, but none of your childhood nightmares are actually going to get you.
edited 2 hours ago
answered 3 hours ago
PeterisPeteris
5,1961424
5,1961424
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Nicely used by Terry Prachett, blanket over your head make the monster disapper from you, so makes you safe. But blanket over monster head makes the monster disapper from that monster so it is left paralysed in its own existencial fear, when the monster cannot even confirm, that it (the monster) exists.
$endgroup$
– gilhad
1 hour ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Children are afraid of the dark because it is an unknown and they lack the confidence to take care of themselves. On the other hand when you become an adult you start to carry keys around with you. It is a symbol of taking your security into your own hands, leaving the house on your own and being responsible. The monster may hate the sound of jingling keys, which is why it usually flees when adults start to approach with keys jingling in their pockets.
New contributor
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Children are afraid of the dark because it is an unknown and they lack the confidence to take care of themselves. On the other hand when you become an adult you start to carry keys around with you. It is a symbol of taking your security into your own hands, leaving the house on your own and being responsible. The monster may hate the sound of jingling keys, which is why it usually flees when adults start to approach with keys jingling in their pockets.
New contributor
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Children are afraid of the dark because it is an unknown and they lack the confidence to take care of themselves. On the other hand when you become an adult you start to carry keys around with you. It is a symbol of taking your security into your own hands, leaving the house on your own and being responsible. The monster may hate the sound of jingling keys, which is why it usually flees when adults start to approach with keys jingling in their pockets.
New contributor
$endgroup$
Children are afraid of the dark because it is an unknown and they lack the confidence to take care of themselves. On the other hand when you become an adult you start to carry keys around with you. It is a symbol of taking your security into your own hands, leaving the house on your own and being responsible. The monster may hate the sound of jingling keys, which is why it usually flees when adults start to approach with keys jingling in their pockets.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 3 hours ago
JDrummJDrumm
1
1
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
John V is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
John V is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
John V is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
John V is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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$begingroup$
This is hard to answer with the current generic description. Bravery, confidence are cliche, but other than light, I don't know what else makes sense here, due to the ever-changing form of the nightmare.
$endgroup$
– Jorgomli
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Have you read Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather" ? This exact problem is dealt with as a side issue. Of course as a cynic my own solution would be to prevent the child from sleeping, but some softies would describe that as cruel. :-)
$endgroup$
– StephenG
5 hours ago
3
$begingroup$
@StephenG One, two, Freddie's coming for you. Three, four, better lock the door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again.
$endgroup$
– VLAZ
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Anything that makes you not fear would work here. Brain damage so you don't fear, knowledge that nothing can happen to you because its just a nightmare, lack of fear of death (maybe because the character wants to die), and so many other possibilities. I think this might be too broad.
$endgroup$
– Tyler S. Loeper
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
Bring a teddy bear: weheartit.com/entry/10815963 (I know this isn't the original creator, but it was the best I could do from work).
$endgroup$
– cpcodes
3 hours ago