While Santa Claus keeps an eye out for who’s been naughty or nice at Christmas, the rest of the year round you’ve got the Bogeyman to worry about. Appearing across many different cultures, this demonic presence is basically a great way to make sure your kids behave because if they act up, the Bogeyman will get them.

This tormentor of bad children might change from culture to culture but, on the whole, you can pretty much expect big claws and sharp teeth. All the better for eating you with, my dear. Wait, wrong fairytale monster! Either way, big and scary and with pointy teeth to make short work of naughty children.

The story has been about for a long time although it was first recorded in the 15th century and the name itself derives from the Middle English word “bogge”, meaning an evil spirit. However, as you look across the world, you can see similar figures being used as cautionary tales for children, like the Latin American La Llorona, who likes to drown children instead of eating them. Either way, you better behave yourself!