Is it ever ok to lie? Like telling your child that Santa Clause exists that was just his helper at the mall, or telling your worry wart of a father your stictches don't hurt because you don't want him to worry and want to do something?
There are lies made everyday by people who just want others to " feel / be ok ". What do you think?
* I have taught my 4 year old son that there is no Santa, that Christmas is the day that Jesus was born. I 've told him that some familys and children do believe that there is a Santa clause and that what someone believes in is one's choice. He knows that people have their own beliefs and to not tell them that they are wrong. He is 4 years old, legally deaf, has cerebal palsey but a very intelligent little boy.
2006-11-10 02:12:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
I am going to assume you are a christian if you are teaching your son that Christmas is the day that Jesus was born. With that in mind Santa Clause, originally known as Saint Nicholas did exist. He was a bishop. He is a patron saint of many things but is widely known as the protector of children as well as the bearer of gifts to those in need.
He may not necessarily be physically alive today but he is alive in the hearts of those who wish to give yet not receive. For many years after my father passed away "Santa" visited us. I was grown and with children when he passed and "Santa" would leave presents for my children each year until I moved in with my fiance, until there was someone there to help my children, to become a closer to home "Santa".
2006-11-10 02:27:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think there are many levels to lies and that the intent should be the determining factor. If the intent is to make the other feel better or calm them then I call that a white lie. If the intent is more sinister then it falls into a whole new area and that is the area to avoid. I feel that telling kids about Santa is OK because it falls under the first lie. Santa allows them to learn that there are people who do things for other people, historically there was a Santa so this really isn't too far a stretch. Build on the theme of helping others and better to give than receive and as they get older they will learn that Santa isn't some guy that gives but an attitude of giving and sharing. Good question. Thank you.
2006-11-10 02:23:25 · answer #2 · answered by barkel76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lying and telling the truth are tools people use to communicate... and both are necessary to maintain relationships. But, like any other tool, there is nothing inherently good or evil about it... it all depends on how it's used. And, if you are going to tell a 4 year old that there is no Santa, why stop there? Why not tell him that most people in the world do not believe that Jesus was nothing more than a historical figure (not the savior)? Telling the truth is never as simple as people claim it is... telling the truth, like telling lies is often driven by some hidden motivation... So, I guess the real answer depends on what you were trying to accomplish by telling your son that Santa is not real?
2006-11-12 17:13:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the answer to your question is what is the motivation for the lie? In the case of your father you are protecting his feelings by telling him something that isn't really true. I'm sure there are days where someone asks you, 'how are you' and you say fine when things are not fine. Is that a lie? Someone will ask you about their new car or outfit or whatever 'Do you like it?' and you'll say 'It's nice' when you really don't like it just because you don't want to rain on their happiness.
We all lie at sometime. It depends really if you are trying to be deceitful or not.
As for Santa, I have always said that Santa represents the spirit of Christmas. That spirit is one of love and generosity that we should share with other people everyday of the year. It is the same lessons that Jesus taught and so on his birthday the Santa's represent a reminder to us about the spirit of Christmas.
2006-11-10 02:24:46 · answer #4 · answered by Charles 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
White lies are OK, because they spare other people from hurting, but stealing some happy experiences from a four year old boy by being so bold and selfish as to take Santa away is WRONG!!! Children love the illusion of Santa Claus. It gives them something great to look forward to once a year. It is great to openly communicate with ones child, but to spoil something so Innocent and genuinely enjoyable, is not fair on your part. The other children he interacts with have that special thing you have so unrepentantly taken from him.
2006-11-10 02:21:05 · answer #5 · answered by HGS 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Little bypass over "desire. destiny. replace. McCain 08": I study you link. two times. and also you recognize what I even ought to assert about that (assuming its authentic)? solid FOR HIM! Being accepting of different peoples religions (which incorporates sharing in a prayer with them) is the mark of a real mind. I used to flow to the Buddhist temple and meditate with my best chum. Does that make me Buddhist? no. I have also attended Catholic Mass each and every Christmas in view that i replaced into 12 with my associates. Does that make me Catholic? no. I study the Jewish bible with my husband each and every Saturday. Does that make me Jewish? no. i flow to a broadly speaking LDS college. Does that make me mormon? no. My father replaced right into a presbyterian, yet i'm not presbyterian. It honestly nonetheless comes as wonder to me that people nonetheless trust this BS about him being a Muslim. everybody is so religiously slender-minded. purely the information: i'm sorry to assert, i don't believe of you'll ever get anybody on the following to trust you no count number what percentage authentic web content you cite. in very truth, everybody is too thick-headed to make sure the reality if it got here up and bit them contained in the a ss. If I were you, i does not even complication. Its kinda like talking to a cinderblock now and again.
2016-11-29 00:05:59 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definitely agree with you. I dont think kids should be going around imagining things and then get disappointed when they find out it isnt true. I know a lot of kids who are seriously hurt that their parents lied to them about santa claus. My niece, and my nephew both are still upset about it and they are 9 yrs old.
I totally agree with you on that point. Lying isnt something you should just do to make someone feel better, even for adults, its annoying as hell
2006-11-10 02:31:51 · answer #7 · answered by yagurlbubblez 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everyone lies. "Little white lies" as the ones you described are fine. Lies that may alter the fabric of someone's life is another story ("I'm NOT sleeping with her, honey"). I read some where that the average American lies 100+ times a day, without even knowing it. How many times have we all said we were "fine" when asked when we really weren't?
2006-11-10 02:18:50 · answer #8 · answered by Kimberly H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We all lie in our everyday life, for the reasons you mention and others. I dont think its wrong to lie to save hurting a person without need.
I think that being honest with kids is difficult in some areas. You teach them what you want them to know when they are young. I see nothing wrong with what you have taught your son....you have also told him that others believe different things! That certainly points to a balanced upbringing.
2006-11-10 02:17:50 · answer #9 · answered by huggz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is your choice to make. My family has this little joke/tradition that lies never count around birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc. ;o) I have mixed feelings about Santa. I know Christians who go along with it, and non-Christians who don't. Go with your heart. It sounds like you do.
2006-11-10 02:16:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋