Force Field Cloak Turns Fear of the Dark Into Fun in the Dark

As parents, you’re probably no stranger to this familiar bedtime refrain: “Can you leave the light on?” Well, you no longer need to leave a lamp or nightlight on all night. There’s another option — the Force Field Cloak. So what is it? The Force Field Cloak is a light-powered blanket that protects your kids while they sleep, offering them just enough light and protective power to keep the monsters at bay.

Your Bump caught up with Terry Sachetti, inventor of the Force Field Cloak and CEO of The Glow Company — a small startup based in Minneapolis, Minnesota — to learn more about this magical blanket and how it can assuage your kids’ nighttime fears.

Your Bump: What gave you the idea to create the Force Field Cloak?

Terry Sachetti: I was afraid of the dark. My four sons went through being afraid of the dark and now I have six grandchildren, and a few are now going through being afraid of the dark. Parents, globally, for centuries have struggled [with] how to comfort their little ones. I believe I have come up with a solution that works and works the way kids think. I called it the Force Field because it represents the ultimate of protection. The Force Field Cloak is the best invention since the nightlight. Turning fear of the dark into fun in the dark.

I am not encouraging kids to believe in monsters or whatever fears they may have. However, with all that is going on in the world today, what kids are seeing and hearing, it does cause bedtime issues and anxiety in many forms. Quite honestly, as many parents will tell you, telling kids that there is no such thing as monsters under the bed goes over like a lead balloon. It is not easy to just tell someone who has a fear, real or not, to just get over it and that it is not real. It is real to them, and this one-time logic does not always work. So, this is just something to help them through some tough times. Most kids go through this period and some never grow out of it. Did you know that over 24 percent of adults are still afraid of the dark? I bet you know one. At the very least, this is just a ton of fun to play with.

YB: What would you say to parents who already have nightlights in their kids’ rooms? Why should they buy your product?

TS: The Force Field Cloak is the best thing since the nightlight. Nightlights are helpful, but for children who still deal with the fear of the dark, and/or other bedtime issues, the Force Field Cloak is much more reassuring to the child because it looks like it is really protecting them.

The feedback from parents has been amazing. Parents often say to us, “Gee, wish they had this when I was a kid.” … Parents that have kids that are afraid of the dark and/or other bedtime issues say the Force Field, as a solution, [is] a huge success and that it has become their child’s most prized possession. Parents tell us that this has the best WOW factor with the kids that they have seen in a long time.

As an inventor who loves kids, it warms my heart that I have brought some peace of mind to some, and great joy to others. That is worth more than anything else to me.

YB: How do you charge the blanket?

TS: Force Fields charge very differently than normal glow-in-the-dark inks. This is a very special formula that takes a specific way to charge, to get the best results, and to glow over eight hours — not one, not two, but eight hours … [The] non-toxic organic pigment glows in the dark [and] has certain phosphorescent molecules. These molecules need light to speed up. When they speed up, they glow. To get these molecules to their max speed, meaning glowing at their very brightest, [it] takes at least 20 minutes under at least a 100-watt light source… 

Not everyone has a 100-watt light source, so we suggest using a 51-LED or 100-LED Blacklight Flashlight to supercharge your Force Field in only two minutes or less. We do sell those online, also, but you can get them anywhere and parents and kids alike swear by them.

Related: From Crib to Big-Kid Bed: Follow These Tips for a Seamless Transition

YB: Your website has a Force Field Stories section. Tell us about that.

TS: I write the Force Field stories … The reasoning behind the stories is to help children deal with their fears. The Forces of Fear characters represent some of the most common fears children have so that they can better visualize their fear and be better able to deal with them. [Parents and grandparents can click here] to read about the characters. 

YB: What other Force Field products are in the works?

TS: The Force Field Cloak is just the initial introduction product to the whole Force Field concept. There will be, of course, more Force Fields in various configurations and sizes, as well as deflector shields. [More] characters and [stories] will be coming out in the future, also.

YB: How long will the Force Field Cloak last?

TS: The lifespan of the special glow-in-the-dark ink is over 10 years if the washing instructions are followed — cold water wash, no bleach, cool air tumble dry, NO ironing. Follow that, and you will have years of fun.

We always get the question, “Is it safe?” Parents, you will be happy to know that Force Fields are totally safe. Force Fields use a non-toxic organic glow in the dark ink. Force Fields are lightweight, easy to carry, and the perfect size for children. Dimensions are 40 inches wide by 54 inches long, basically a twin bed size. The fabric is an all-natural non-toxic fleece.

YB: What else do you want parents to know?

TS: We are passionate about Force Field Cloaks because we love children. Watching the distress a child goes through because they are afraid of the dark is both heartbreaking and frustrating. We empathize with families whose children are experiencing fear of the dark. The Glow Company believes Force Field Cloaks are not just a product; they are a solution parents have been looking for.

Our guarantee: The Glow Company guarantees that no monsters or aliens will harm your child when cloaked in the Force Field, or your money back. 

With five different patterns and a price tag of just $39.99, it’s easy to see why more than 10,000 Force Field Cloaks have been sold online to date. For more info on the cloaks, or to buy your own, check out ForceFieldFun.com. 

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