How to help a child who's scared of the dark
Take the fear seriously, keep bedtime calm and the same each night, and let your child decide when the room gets darker.
Custom story for Wren
Wren's big sister is away for the weekend, so she takes on the closet monster herself.
The Closet and the Quiet
Story created for Wren
Fear of the dark is quite common in toddlers, says ZERO TO THREE. At this age, kids don't fully understand the difference between fantasy and reality, so a shadow can turn into something more at night. It suggests a stuffed animal as a bedtime "protector", a night light, and letting your child decide when they're ready for a darker room. Teasing a child or talking them out of it can make the fear last longer.
Most children outgrow these fears in a few weeks or months, it adds. A social story is one way to practice in the meantime: a short story where your child is the one who checks the closet and finds only their own things. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, in their own room, with their own night light and lovey.
A scared of the dark social story starring your child
Here's how Wren's story goes.
The closet door isn't quite shut, and the dark under it feels like it's waiting. 
Wren builds a blanket fort, and her dog Stumpy squeezes in beside her. 
With Stumpy at her shoulder, Wren opens the closet door all the way. 
Boots, a raincoat, an old stuffed rabbit. Just her things, the same as always.
Questions parents ask
- Why is my toddler suddenly scared of the dark?
- Pretend play is in full swing at this age, and toddlers don't fully understand the difference between fantasy and reality, ZERO TO THREE explains. A recent change, like a move or a new sibling, can add to it. It's quite common.
- How do I help a child scared of monsters at night?
- Stay calm, go to them when they wake, and reassure them that monsters aren't real, ZERO TO THREE suggests. A favorite stuffed animal can be their bedtime protector. If the bedtime worries go beyond the dark, there's more on our worry and anxiety page.
- Should my child sleep with a night light?
- If it helps, yes. ZERO TO THREE suggests a night light, or a hall light with the door open, and letting your child decide when they're ready for a darker room.
- Is it normal for a 9 year old to be scared of the dark?
- It can be. Children's Health lists the dark and noises at night among common fears for school-age kids, and calls fears like these a normal part of growing up. If a fear gets in the way of everyday life, talk with your pediatrician.
- Is there a book for a child scared of the dark?
- Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child in their own room, with their lovey and their night light, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.
Questions parents ask about Tella
- Is it more screen time?
- You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
- Is it safe?
- No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
- Is it really about my child?
- Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
- What does it cost?
- Your first story is free. No card needed.
- Why not just ask ChatGPT?
- See how a Tella story compares.
Updated November 9, 2026.
Made by parents for kids.
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