Is this a stupid idea or an inspired one?

[coolbeans]

DS (2.10) is scared of the Gruffalo. He
used to like it, but for some reason got spooked, and it has now become his bugbear.
He talks about the Gruffalo to himself, so for example, if the lights aren't on in a room, (he's not keen on the dark), and he walks past, he'll talk himself down: "'sOK, no gwafflo in there, 'sOK."

So, there is a Gruffalo production on in the theatre at the moment. DH thinks it would be a good idea to take him and show him that the Gruffalo is a friendly monster and that by exposing him to it, it will minimise his fear. I can see where he's coming from, but I think it'll freak him out. Would you book a ticket?

No, dont do it. It will confirm for him it's real.

No way.

Aww bless him, he sounds so cute! I wouldn't take him to be honest. I'd just tell him that the gruffalo isn't real but I was scared of the creepy bugger when I was little so I can relate!

I wouldn't take him.

I took DD to see this with a pack of 3 year olds, at least half the children screamed the place down when the Gruffalo came on and a couple had to be taken out...so I wouldn't.

(My DD loved it and was not frightened)

AGree with everyone - it will just make the whole thing seem more real. And if the Gruffalo is in the local theatre, as far as your DS is concerned he'll be in DS's room before you know it....

It is strange. MY DS2 aged 4 is frightened of the Gruffalo's Child. It's the picture in the book where you can just see a pair of eyes and it turns out to be an owl in the tree. He tells me that book is too frightening for him (and he loves Dr Who???!!!!)He won't let me read that book now and today when I was asking my Mum if she had any books I could read he offered me his 'Gruffalos' Child!!'

And in answer to your question taking your DS to see the Gruffalo will not make his fear better. I'm afraid of spiders and going to see a real one really wouldn't make my fear any better!!!

Hmm - thanks, that's pretty much what I thought. I think that seeing the Gruffalo portrayed as "real" on a stage will be too frightening.
My dh thinks I'm being too soft - what is it about men and wanting to harden up their sons? - but, you know what, he's only a little dude. Plenty of time (if needed) for us to get tough about imaginary fears.

Deffo not. It's not like being afraid of the toilet when you are young (ahem ) - you know, something that you HAVE to be able to confront to be able to cope in society. He need never have to see that pesky Gruffalo again!

Would definitely not take him. It will scare him.

I have seen in some shops the Gruffalo sold with a soft toy gruffalo he might prefer that. Could hug it/play with it etc??

I would just go for another Julia Donaldson book tbh. The Stick Man?

Think fartmeistergeneral as a good point. Maybe don't bother at all with gruffalo.

My 3yr old likes "Tiddler the story telling fish" and also "A squash & a squeeze"

They are by Julia Donaldson too.

No to the Guffalo. Yes to Tiddler the story telling fish. I love having a different voice for all the fish. Fab story. She's made a lot of money out of me as I buy it for presents.