Aarav and the Monster Under the Bed

Aarav and the Monster Under the Bed

A powerful children’s story on overcoming fear. Discover how Aarav learns to see his fear as a friend instead of an enemy. Perfect for kids aged 7–14 and part of the “Fears are Friends” series.

 

 

Introduction: Why Stories About Fear Matter

Fear is one of the most common and challenging emotions children face. Whether it’s fear of the dark, fear of failure, or fear of being alone, it can feel overwhelming. But what if we told children that fear isn’t an enemy—it’s a teacher and even a friend?

This story, Aarav and the Monster Under the Bed, is part of our “A Tale of Difficult Emotions” series, designed to help kids aged 7–14 learn how to understand and manage their feelings. Through relatable storytelling and gentle reflection questions, children can discover how to make peace with fear and grow braver every day.

 

 

 

The Story: Aarav and the Monster Under the Bed

Aarav loved stories, cricket, and his big cozy blanket. But when the lights went out at night, his biggest fear always returned—the monster under his bed.

He was sure he could hear it.

Creeeeak.

Thump.

Whisper, whisper.

Heart racing, Aarav pulled the blanket over his head. His parents told him, “There’s nothing under the bed, Aarav. It’s just your imagination.” But to him, it felt real.

 

 

Question for Kids:

Have you ever been scared of something, even when others said it wasn’t real? How did you feel?

 

 

One evening, Aarav’s dadi (grandmother) noticed his worried eyes. She sat by his side and said softly,

“Aarav, fears are like shadows. They seem big and scary, but they can’t hurt you. In fact, they can teach you something if you listen closely. Sometimes, fears can even become friends.”


Aarav frowned. “Friends? But how can I be friends with a monster?”


Dadi smiled. “Why don’t you try talking to it?”

 

 

Question for Kids:

Do you think talking to your fear could make it less scary?

 

 

That night, Aarav did something different. Instead of hiding under his blanket, he whispered:

“Hello? Monster… are you there?”

To his surprise, in his imagination a gentle voice replied:

“Yes, Aarav. I’m your Fear. I don’t want to hurt you. I’m here to remind you that you are braver than you think.”


Aarav blinked. His monster wasn’t growling or frightening—it was kind.

 

💭 Question for Kids:

If your fear could talk, what do you think it would say to you?

 

 

The next night, Aarav peeked under his bed and whispered, “Goodnight, Fear.”

He still felt nervous, but he didn’t hide. Night after night, his monster became less scary.

One morning, Aarav told dadi proudly:

“You were right! My fear isn’t a bully—it’s like a coach, helping me grow stronger.”

 

 

Moral of the Story: How Kids Can Make Fears Their Friends

This story teaches children that fear doesn’t mean weakness. Fear is a signal, a guide, and even a friend. By facing it, listening to it, and understanding it, kids learn courage, resilience, and confidence.

 

Key Takeaways for Parents & Educators:

  • Encourage children to name their fears instead of hiding them.

  • Use stories to help children reframe fear as something they can learn from.

  • Ask reflective questions like: “What would your fear say if it were your friend?”

  • Remind kids that bravery is not the absence of fear, but learning to face it.

 

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