Why parents sometimes need to alter fairy tales for the greater good of the child

Simon Tierney has been reading fairy tales to his daughters since they were born. But is the messaging really appropriate for modern little girls?

Simon Tierney reading to his daughters Giovanna 3, and Daniela 18 months. Pictures: Moya Nolan

When the Big Bad Wolf bares his gnashers and devours Granny, I find myself quickly flipping over the page before my daughter realises the bloodbath that has just taken place.  I have read Little Red Riding Hood countless times to my three-year-old, yet it is just one example of many fairy tales which I struggle to relay faithfully during the bedtime ritual. 

These are great stories, don’t get me wrong. But they can leave conscientious parents in a conundrum: whether to reveal the true gothic violence and period nuance of the tales to unsuspecting eyes and ears or to gloss over the macabre details in the hope of protecting their innocence.