What are some common themes in creepy children stories?

One common theme is the presence of a haunted house that has been in the family for generations. Another is the idea of a family curse, like every few generations something bad happens to the family members. And then there's the mystery of a long - lost family member whose story is full of dark secrets.

Fear of the unknown is likely a common theme. Many of the stories might involve things that are not easily explained, like strange lights in the sky or unexplained disappearances.

Another is 'Bloody Mary'. Legend has it that if you go into a dark bathroom, light some candles, and say 'Bloody Mary' three times while looking into the mirror, a terrifying apparition of a woman might appear. The origin of this story is often associated with a vengeful spirit of a woman named Mary, and it has been passed down as a cautionary tale among children for generations.

The loss of innocence is a big theme. Kids are supposed to be in a safe, innocent world, but in these stories, they are exposed to things that are terrifying. Also, the theme of the unknown. There are often things that are not fully explained, like a strange noise in the basement that the kid can't figure out. It creates a sense of unease and fear. For instance, a story where a kid keeps hearing a song that no one else can hear, and it leads to something spooky.

Isolation is also a key theme. Often, the main character is alone, either physically in a remote location or emotionally cut off from others. This isolation amplifies the fear when something creepy starts to happen. For instance, a person alone in a big, old house and strange noises start coming from different rooms.

One common theme is the element of mystery. These little creatures are often not fully understood, like a strange little being that appears and disappears without a trace. Another theme is fear. They are designed to scare, such as a tiny phantom that haunts a particular room, making people feel uneasy.

There could be a drawing where a child is surrounded by shadowy figures. The associated story might be that these figures are the child's nightmares come to life, and the child is trying to find a way to escape from them. It shows the power of a child's imagination even in a creepy context.

One example is 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen. The poor girl is out in the cold on New Year's Eve, facing hunger and the harsh elements. It has a rather melancholy and somewhat creepy undertone as she hallucinates about warm and wonderful things while slowly freezing to death. Another is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' which can be considered in a children's context. The narrator's obsession with the old man's 'evil eye' and his slow descent into madness as he kills the old man and then is haunted by the sound of the still - beating heart is quite creepy.

One common theme is kindness. For example, in many stories, children show kindness to those in need, like the homeless or the sick. Another theme is growth. As they volunteer, children often grow in terms of their understanding of the world and empathy.

A common theme is hope. Despite the terrifying situation of being kidnapped, children in these stories often hold on to hope. This can be seen in how they might form bonds with other captives or find small comforts in their captivity. Family bonds are also a big theme. The families of the kidnapped children are usually portrayed as being torn apart by the event but also as being incredibly strong in their determination to get the child back. And finally, the theme of survival. The kidnapped children have to figure out how to survive in often harsh and dangerous conditions, whether it's physically or mentally.