One way is to change the subject completely. Start talking about something the kid loves, like their pet or a recent fun activity. Another is to create a safe and cozy space for the kid. Maybe get a warm blanket and some hot chocolate, and sit with them while gently explaining that the scary things in the story can't hurt them. Encourage them to talk about their feelings too, so they can get it all out and feel better.
You can start by hugging the kid. Physical comfort can make them feel safe immediately. Then, you can talk to them in a calm voice, telling them that it's just a story and not real.
Maybe the story has really terrifying elements like spooky monsters or sudden scares that made the kid scream.
One can hug the kid and offer gentle reassurance that it's just a story.
One reason could be that the kid has a vivid imagination. Scary stories often paint pictures in the mind, and a child's imagination can run wild, making them feel truly frightened and scream. Another reason might be that the kid is in an environment that enhances the scariness. For example, if it's a dark room or they are alone while listening to the story.
Tell them that it's just a story and not real. Explain that there are no real monsters or ghosts in the story. For instance, you could say, 'The scary things in the story are made up by someone's imagination, just like when we make up pretend games.'
You can give the kid a big hug and tell them it's just a story.
There might be some sort of misunderstanding or prank in the story. For example, someone told the kid that Santa isn't real as a joke, and the kid is so distraught that they start screaming. Christmas is often a time of high emotions, and for a child, something like that could be very upsetting.
First, we can avoid using too much gore and graphic details. For example, in a story about a monster, don't describe the monster eating people in a bloody way. Second, focus on the positive aspects like how the characters overcome fear. In 'The Three Little Pigs', instead of just scaring kids with the big bad wolf, emphasize how the pigs use their smarts to build strong houses.
Perhaps tell the kid an engaging Christmas story. For example, about Santa Claus coming to town. This could capture their attention and make them forget whatever was making them scream. It gives them something positive and exciting to focus on instead of whatever was bothering them.
In the 'Kid Hits Girl with Backpack' Vine story, the kid seems to be at fault. However, we would need to know more about the lead - up to the incident. Maybe the girl provoked the kid in some way, but still, hitting is not the right way to respond. So, generally, the kid is at fault.
You could start by simply giving them a hug and telling them it's just a story and not real.