Lately, Ellie has become fascinated with all things scary. Whereas bedtime used to involve me telling her a happy story of my own childhood, she now demands something more frightening. If I can work in a little girl and a monster, even better.

I quickly discovered that there is a fine line between spooky and terrifying. When that line in crossed, nobody is getting any sleep. In a desperate attempt to find something mildly creepy, I have begun drawing on television shows and commercials.

Her absolute favorite stories involve Sasquatch. More specifically, messin' with Sasquatch. Of course, I copied this idea from the television commercials for Jack Links Beef Jerky. She particularly likes the one where two hikers (they become two little girls in my version) stumble upon Sasquatch's cave and decide to play a practical joke on the mythical creature. They leave a flaming bag of poop at the entrance to the cave and hide behind a tree to watch the fun as Sasquatch furiously stomps on the bag. This story is great because it combines her desire to be frightened with her love of poop jokes.

As far as I know, none of Ellie's friends have begun asking for scary bedtime stories, but I am fairly certain this a normal stage of her development. Right? Does your child enjoy being frightened - just a little - at bedtime?