Teaching Kids to Face Fear: A Horror-Based Approach to Parenting and Anxiety

The Horror Heals Podcast

Welcome back to Horror Heals for part two of our conversation with the one and only Audrey Rose! In this episode, we go even deeper into how horror impacts not just mental wellness but parenting and teaching. Audrey—a self-described “weird” art teacher—shares how she uses horror films to teach her kids and students valuable life lessons, all while managing her own anxiety and depression.

Teaching Kids to Face Fear

Episode Highlights:

• Parenting with a Horror Twist: Audrey shares how she introduced her son to horror, beginning with Jurassic Park, Aliens, and later Friday the 13th. She opens up about explaining horror characters to her children—like Jason Voorhees—and how these tragic figures can help them understand emotions.
• Life Lessons Hidden in Horror: Audrey uses iconic horror films to teach real-world lessons, like Pet Sematary’s “Don’t talk to strangers” and American Werewolf in London’s “Stick to the path.” Who knew horror could be the ultimate parenting tool?
• Mental Health Through Horror: Audrey discusses how horror movies, like A Nightmare on Elm Street, help her cope with anxiety and depression. The cathartic effect of watching Nancy triumph over Freddy mirrors her own journey through mental illness, making horror a source of strength.
• Final Girl Faves: We dive into Audrey’s love for Jamie Lee Curtis and her iconic portrayal of Laurie Strode from Halloween. Audrey talks about the importance of strong, resilient female characters in horror and why Laurie is her ultimate Final Girl.
• Rocky Horror & Real Talk: Audrey is preparing to show her 13-year-old autistic son Rocky Horror Picture Show, wanting to normalize conversations around sexuality while enjoying the genre they both love. Parenting through horror and musicals? Count us in!
• The Power of Horror Conventions: Audrey talks about attending horror conventions and how being surrounded by her “people” lifted her spirits during tough times. She reflects on how horror events provide a safe, welcoming space for fans to connect and heal.

Key Takeaways:

• Using Horror to Teach: Audrey’s style of parenting and teaching is all about turning horror into learning moments—whether it's helping her kids understand complex emotions through Friday the 13th or using American Werewolf in London to instill real-world safety tips.
• Mental Wellness & Monsters: For Audrey, horror is more than entertainment. It’s a lifeline during dark times, offering her a way to confront her anxieties and fears while giving her strength to push through.
• Parenting Through Horror: Audrey believes parents do their kids a service by introducing them to horror in a thoughtful way. Watching horror together has opened doors for deeper discussions about fear, emotions, and even complex topics like sexuality.

Audrey Rose on Instagram

Memorable Quotes:

• "There’s a lot of life lessons in horror movies—thank you, Pet Sematary, for teaching us not to talk to strangers."
• "When I watch Nancy defeat Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, it reminds me that I can face my own fears and come out stronger, just like she did."
• "I want to be the one to introduce my son to Rocky Horror Picture Show, so I can talk him through the themes of sexuality and make sure he understands it’s all about embracing who you are."

What You’ll Learn:

• How horror can be a valuable parenting tool, offering unexpected ways to discuss everything from life lessons to emotions.
• How Audrey has used horror movies to not only entertain but also empower herself in her battle with anxiety and depression.
• Why horror conventions and the community are crucial for creating a sense of belonging and support among fans.

Join the Conversation:

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to share it with your fellow horror fans, leave a review, and give us a like! Follow us on social media and stay tuned for more episodes exploring the healing power of horror. And as always, remember our tagline: "Is horror good for mental wellness? Of corpse, it is!"