Bedtime Stories, Controlled Fear, and Healthy Young Men
In this episode of Raising Men, host Shaun Dawson shares a special solo reading inspired by a recent conversation with Dr. Randolph Schiffer, author of Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children. Exploring how experiencing controlled fear in a safe environment is essential for a boy's emotional health, Shaun reads "Dog"—a story about two young brothers navigating late-night dread inside a forest cedar house. As sounds echo through the dark, seven-year-old Brenton and five-year-old Randy must find the courage to confront the unknown together. From cold floors to a shaking white door, the tale reveals how fear gives way to brotherhood, resilience, and unexpected relief. Join Shaun for a story about stepping into the dark, overcoming panic, and discovering what really lies on the other side.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Experiencing controlled fear helps young men develop emotional resilience and courage in safe environments.
- Older siblings carry the natural weight of responsibility, but brothers draw strength from each other when facing the unknown.
- Courage is dynamic—its loss is common, but its resurrection allows even the youngest to take action.
- Imagined fears in the dark are often far more terrifying than the reality waiting on the other side.
- True strength involves taking small, shared steps forward together when facing panic.
Books, Links and Frameworks Mentioned
- Bedtime Stories That Will Terrify Children by Dr. Randolph Schiffer https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Stories-That-Terrify-Children-ebook/dp/B0FVG5S1RH
- Controlled Fear Framework: Facing fear in safe environments to build emotional health in boys https://randolphbschiffer.com/home