Is it wrong to tell children that Santa Klaus does not exist??

Question

My aunt has a 4 year old daughter and she thinks its wrong to "lie" to children and tell them Santa Klaus exists.
She tells her daughter that Santa does not exist.
What are your thoughts about this?

Answer 1

Well, first and foremost, it is up to each individual parent to decide how they want to approach parenting, so if your aunt wants to raise her kids without Santa, well, that's up to her as long she approaches the matter delicately. But if you're asking if you think it's better to "lie" to kids about things like Santa and the Easter Bunny or not, well, that's a different question.

I personally think the whole "kids will feel betrayed when they find out" line of argument is silly; honestly, how many of us actually had a tragic "what, no Santa Claus?!?" moment? I'd wager pretty few. Most of us grew up with Santa, and slowly and eventually phased him out of our concept of reality. No big deal. It's just like figuring out that cartoons or characters from books aren't "real" in the walks, talks, bump into you at the supermarket sense. As kids grow, they will eventually develop the ability to distinguish between fiction on the one hand and lies on the other... and develop a healthy respect for the former. I think that myths like Santa help that development.

So, in a word, yes, it is sorta kinda wrong to tell kids that Santa Klaus doesn't exist, and in the end it's for precisely the same kind of over-involved super-parenty reasons that your aunt wants to deny a belief in Santa that she should, in fact, encourage it. But, in the end, it probably won't make too terribly much of a difference, as long as the kids are exposed to some sort of fictional world.

Answer 2

To me finding out about Santa Claus is my first introduction to archtypes. My mother told me and my sister about Santa in a fit of anger one day and I didn't want to believe it so I snuck out of bed and spied.

When I saw my mother dilligently stuffing stockings with care I realised that she was Santa Claus, that the importaint things that are the magic of Santa were coming through her. In a very "Yes Virgina there is a Santa Clause" sort of way everyone that carries out the traditions and keeps the myth alive is Santa, from the guy at the mall to the parent hiding gifts in the closet.

I really value this lesson and hope to find a way to pass it on to my children, if ever that day arises. To me saying that Santa doesn't exhist is as much of a lie as saying that he does. Neither is the whole truth. The truth is that Santa is a concept that is carried out my millions each year.

Answer 3

Instead of telling her child that Santa Klaus doesn't exist at all, she could use the time to explain that the man that Santa Klaus is based a man who loved a very long time ago! Read this article on Wikipedia about this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_of_Santa_Claus

Answer 4

If I end up having kids, I will tell them precisely what I believe, to this day, as an adult: There's not a person called Santa sitting at the North Pole to bring everyone presents. But through the belief of people and general holiday spirit, there's a little bit of Santa in everyone, and it's totally OK to give anyone gifts from Santa. He's an idea that sums up a spirit of giving.

Answer 5

I think its wrong to take all the magic out of childhood and make them realize how cold and horrible reality is. They'll realize the truth about Santa, and fairies, and the Easter Bunny, when they're old enough. Childhood is childhood- they won't have a grudge once they've grown up and know the truth. I'm glad that my mother told me to believe in Santa as a child... my childhood was richer and happier because of it, and now I can look back on those years with a fond smile.

Answer 6

Santa Klaus doesnt exist Santa Claus does
this is a joke dont over react
but i believe that it depends on the kids
if the kid comes home from preschool and says "Mommy, I just learned about Santa and he is coming next week." then i would let the kid dream until they find out on their own in a few years. Here child will crush the dreams of other children she will tell them he doesnt exist and they might grow up with problems. its for you to decide, but what are your views on this?

Answer 7

I think Santa Claus is a part of the Christmas tradition. It's not lying, well it is, but it's allowing the children's mind to wonder and to expand. It is letting them use their imagination and creativity. That is an important part of a childhood experience, using your imagination, especially in young ages where the development on the brain is the most severe. They will figure it out one way or another but at least for now they get the benefits of having an imagination. Let them use their imagination.

Answer 8

i in my view experience that mendacity on your babies approximately santa is incorrect. Why enable our babies idolise a guy that doesn't even exist. in element of actuality that babies presently concern santa greater suitable than anybody else. How oftentimes do you pay attention mothers interior the food market asserting comments including 'santa's observing you. in case you dont behave you wont get any provides'. The unfavorable youngsters are bribed all 365 days around. theyre terrified that they wont get presents on christmas day. moms and dads are then questioning why while their youngsters advance older they dont pay attention or haven't any admire for them. i think that telling the babies that santa brouht all the presents is making the babies greater egocentric and much less grateful. they dont know how complicated their moms and dads have had to artwork to earn the money to purchase the provides. they think of the provides are there because of the fact of magic. while the babies advance older they and that they dont have confidence in santa anymore they nonetheless assume much greater provides and dont fee what the moms and dads have offered.

Answer 9

My kids thought Santa existed until they asked me, I told them the truth. They are O.K. with it. Children appreciate not being lied to it helps them feel worthy and respected.

Answer 10

I kind of agree with angk. I have allowed my kids, while young, to buy into the whole Santa thing; however, when they have asked me directly if Santa exists, I have told them that I believe in the spirit of Santa......