Exploring Fear: Dr. Randolph Schiffer's Storytelling Approach to Children's Emotional Growth

Dr. Randolph Schiffer's journey into storytelling began more than four decades ago, rooted in his experiences as a father. He created bedtime tales for his two sons, particularly for one battling leukemia, which have now evolved into a published collection titled Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children.

While the title may raise eyebrows, Schiffer's aim is far from instilling fear. He wrote these stories during a profoundly challenging period, hoping to provide a space where emotion and trepidation could be processed through imagination. Within his narratives, animals and humans confront various dangers while discovering the bravery to navigate their realities.

“For a little while, my boys could wonder, explore, and discover that even the most daunting challenges could be faced with curiosity, courage, love, and hope,” Schiffer reflects. His storytelling evolved not from his professional background as a psychiatrist and neurologist, but from the instinctive desire of a father seeking to comfort his children.

Brenton, his son who faced leukemia, survived their familial ordeal, and the stories persisted in their lives. As Schiffer transitioned into retirement, he recognized the profound impact those storytelling moments had on his family. “The stories hadn’t changed our circumstances, but they had changed the way we lived through them,” he observes.

This realization prompted Schiffer to consider extending the benefits these tales offered to other families grappling with fear and difficult questions. Drawing from his extensive medical career, he recognized shared uncertainties among parents: how to explain frightening events, address questions without clear answers, and foster resilience in children without masking the realities of life.

While childhood fears have always existed, Schiffer posits that the current generation faces a more complex world, bombarded by information at younger ages. Today’s children encounter news of war, environmental issues, and societal strife long before they’re equipped to contextualize such events.

“The goal should never be to raise children who never feel afraid,” he emphasizes. “The aim is to assist them in understanding that fear doesn’t have to dictate their story.” He believes that by encouraging wonder, questioning, and imaginative thinking, children reveal capabilities that often surpass adult expectations.

Through eight narratives—such as those featuring a Dog, Lion, Monkey, and more—young readers experience scenarios laden with uncertainty and adversity. These stories allow children to engage with fear from a secure distance, prompting them to contemplate character choices and envision solutions.

The provocative title of Schiffer's book initially sparked concern; however, as parents and professionals began to grasp his underlying intentions, discussions expanded beyond literature to encompass the broader dynamics of family life. “What began as a conversation about a book gradually became a conversation about families,” he notes.

This shift propelled wider engagements through bookstore events, podcasts, and community discussions, leading to the creation of the #ReadTogether initiative. This movement underscores the notion that reading can foster deeper relationships through shared narratives, encouraging dialogues about fear, love, and loss that are often tough to initiate.

One notable event, Holding Space for Fear—#ReadTogether, catalyzed further teamwork with Dr. Tenia Davis, the founder of Beyond the Book Bookstore in Homewood, Illinois. This collaborative effort forms a space for live and virtual interactions, enabling families across borders to share experiences and insights on universal themes of fear and belonging.

Schiffer’s upcoming book, still in the editing phase, along with various future projects, will continue to explore how everyday individuals navigate extraordinary challenges. Although the subjects may vary, a recurring question guides his work: how do people manage through crises?

Ultimately, Schiffer regards the true measure of success for his stories not in sales figures but in their lingering impact. “I think about the aftereffects,” he says, highlighting moments when a child engages in deeper questioning before bed or when a parent reflects on their own childhood narratives. If readers gain better self-awareness or find the courage to confront their journeys, he believes the stories have fulfilled their purpose.