Top 10 Classic Fairy Tales Considered ‘Too Scary’ For Today’s Kids
For many years, classic fairy tales like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and The Gingerbread Man have been passed down from generation to generation. Many of us learned powerful lessons through the theme and characters of these great stories. However, recent research has revealed that more and more parents are replacing some of the classic Fairy Tales that many of us grew up reading with modern variations of these stories or entirely different books altogether. The truth is that if you were to break down these tales, you'll find stories with heavy topics such as kidnapping, death, and abandonment that can terrify young children. Take a look at the Top 10 Fairy Tales that parents have deemed "Too Scary" for today's kids.
- 10
Hansel and Gretel
Parents fear that Hansel and Gretel's storyline about two abandoned children and a old witch who eats children may invoke uneasy feelings among kids today.
- 9
Jack and the Beanstalk
This classic story where Jack trades his only cow for magic beans that grow a sky-high beanstalk was deemed unrealistic by parents. Perhaps the human hating ogre who is killed at the end of the story also adds to parents' avoidance of this tale.
- 8
The Gingerbread Man
The original story of the Gingerbread Man ends in a tragedy that parents feel may be too harsh for their little ones. Explaining why the cute and funny Gingerbread man is eaten by a fox is something that many parents do not wish to do.
- 7
Little Red Riding Hood
Kids adore their grandparents. So, how does a parent read a story to their children that ends with poor little Red Riding Hood's grandmother between the jaws of a big bad wolf? Parents stated that they feel this ending is too upsetting for kids.
- 6
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Because the term "Dwarf" is deemed unacceptable, less parents choose to read this classic Fairy Tale to their children.
- 5
Cinderella
The story of Cinderella tells about a young girl who does all the housework. Parents shared that they feel this idea is simply outdated.
- 4
Rapunzel
Parents are bothered that the focus of Rapunzel is that of a young girl who is essentially kidnapped, and therefore are worried that this is unsuitable for children.
- 3
Rumpelstiltskin
Parents are uneasy when it comes to reading a Fairy Tale to their children that portrays executions and kidnapping in its theme which has caused stories like Rumpelstiltskin to slowly disappear from shelves.
- 2
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Parents worry that reading the story about Goldilocks and the Three Bears sends out the wrong message to children that stealing (and breaking and entering) is okay.
- 1
The Queen Bee
The Queen Bee tells the story about a King's three sons. The youngest is named Simpleton and parents find his name to be inappropriate.