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House Pest II: Monsters Under The Bed

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Dear House Pest,
I know that there is a lot of controversy on the subject, but I need help on what to do about the Monster Under The Bed in my sons bedroom. He's three years old and seems to have befriended it. I have lots of people telling me I shouldn't encourage it and find an exterminator. Others are telling me it's a good thing and that my son will be better off for it. Please tell me what to do.
- Creepy Complication

Dear Creepy Complication,
Fear not, you are not the first parent to face this situation and not know what to do. Lucky for you I can tell you it isn't something to be afraid of!

Many kids first instinct is to befriend their Monster Under The Bed, and aren't afraid of it unless they've been told they should be. They hear this from TV, parents and adults or other kids.

Studies have been conducted by several universities on the subject and show that unless told otherwise, most children make friends with their Monster Under The Bed. This also creates a secondary effect on the Monster.

The Monsters Under The Bed who were befriended were proven to be less likely to actively try and scare the children. On the opposite side of the spectrum the Monsters who children were told to fear, realized and recognized the fear and tried harder to scare the kids.

So Creepy Complication, I think you should encourage your sons friendship with his Monster! It's much easier to have a happy kid at bedtime than a scared one. Just make sure you son is prepared for when his Monster eventually migrates to the next bed.
I hope this helps!
- House Pest

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