It takes sensitivity and thoughtfulness to comfort a scared child.
And what if the child is scared because demonic creatures inhabiting the house you just moved into are trying to claim her as their own and make her a participant in their evil reindeer games?
Well, then your work is cut out for you.
That's what Katie Holmes is dealing with in this exclusive clip from Don't Be Afraid of the Dark. And she's doing her best to show her daughter, Sally, (Bailee Madison) that really, things are fine...
Her teaching tool of choice? A koi pond. Katie explains that it's her favorite part of the house, and these aren't just any typical fish. They're magical, but they aren't invincible.
"Badgers can spot them against the mud of the bottom because of their bright colors," she says. "It makes them special. It's also what makes them vulnerable. They have to be tough. And you too, Sally."
We aren't quite sure if that pep talk made Sally feel better. Let's just hope those creatures out to get her aren't as crafty as badgers.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark creeps into theaters Aug. 26. Ready to get scared?