Draw the Monster Under the Bed: Taming Kids' Fears

Afraid of monsters, the dark or thunder? Drawing fears as silly characters helps kids shrink them down to size. Try this gentle approach at home.

By Kevin Coulston, author and illustrator of 88 children’s art books · November 11, 2026 · 3 min read

Drawing a fear can help children shrink it down to size. When a child draws the monster under the bed and then gives it silly socks, a goofy grin or a tiny body, the fear becomes something they control. It is a gentle, playful way to talk about what scares them.

Childhood fears are normal. Monsters, the dark, storms, dogs, being alone: most children go through phases of being afraid of something. Telling them "there's nothing to be scared of" rarely helps. Giving them a way to face the fear on their own terms often does.

Why drawing fears works

The fear becomes visible. It is on the paper, not in the dark.
The child is in charge. They decide what it looks like.
Humor helps. It is hard to be scared of something wearing a tutu.
It starts conversations. You can talk about the fear without it being too close.

Turn scary into silly

Try this step by step:

1. Ask your child to draw the scary thing however it looks in their head.

2. Then ask: "How could we make it less scary?"

3. Add silly things: a bow, tiny legs, a lollipop, a big smile.

4. Give it a funny name.

5. Decide where it lives now (maybe in a drawer, far from the bed).

Cute monsters help

Sometimes it helps to see that monsters can be friendly. How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters is full of monsters that are adorable, not scary. Drawing a few of them shows kids that monsters can be friends, and gives them skills to draw their own friendly versions.

Other fear-shrinking drawings

Thunderstorm drawing. Draw clouds having a loud, silly argument.
Night light. Draw a magical night light that keeps everything safe.
Brave me. Draw yourself as a superhero facing the fear.
Fear scale. Draw the fear huge, then smaller, then tiny.

Respect the fear

Do not laugh at the fear itself; laugh together at the silly drawing. Let your child set the pace. Some kids will want to draw their fear right away; others need time.

When fears are bigger

If a fear stops your child from sleeping, going to school or doing everyday things, talk to your pediatrician. For related ideas, see can drawing calm an anxious child?.

Questions parents ask

How can drawing help children with fears?

Drawing turns a fear into something visible and changeable. Children can make it silly, small or friendly, which helps them feel in control.

What do I do if my child is scared of monsters?

Acknowledge the fear, then try drawing the monster together and making it silly. Show them friendly monster drawings too.

Are childhood fears normal?

Yes. Most children go through phases of fears like monsters, the dark or storms. They usually fade with time and support.

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