Isn't that the same as with christians and other religions, shouldn't you go along with it?
God exists, right? *winks*
2007-03-25 07:36:09 · 12 answers · asked by Zen禅Maiden :ジェダイ 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm not going to tell my child that Santa is real. I'll tell him that it's a fun make-believe game but there's no real Santa. I've decided to be honest.
2007-03-25 07:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
As an aetheist it is important not to condemn religion to your children. If you consider atheism as another religion, you should promote freedom of choice among all children (especially your own!). I think Richard Dawkins is right that telling your children what to believe is a form of child abuse.
Your child's best interest is the key regard in your decision. You can use religious holidays to teach your children about the various faiths and their ceremonies. If the kids are too young for that type of discussion then I would agree that you can go along with the cultural norm. You can also just follow the sectarian aspects of the holidays (Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, etc.; Santa Claus and God have a lot in common).
Generally speaking the more information your children have the better off they will be, and it is not hard to make the religious holidays fun and educational for kids. They'll have plenty of time to sort out the big picture later in their life.
2007-03-25 14:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by Glen G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will tell them what my mother told me. Santa used to be a real person, who was Saint Nicholas, but he was alive a very long time ago. And because he did such wonderful things, people still do things today in his memory like giving presents on christmas to children.
2007-03-25 14:49:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish my (Christian) parents never introduced the idea of Santa Claus to me as real. I was embarrassed when I found out the truth (on my own). I will not tell my future children that S.C. is real. No way.
2007-03-25 14:53:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist. I have always truthfully answered my children's questions. When they ask about Santa Claus, I tell them that Santa is a myth, and a belief. When they ask who provided the gifts during the winter season, I tell them that we (their parents and grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends) did.
I do not support lying to children.
2007-03-25 14:40:25 · answer #5 · answered by CC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My mom told me that there was no Santa when I was about 8 years old. I was pretty devastated, but I got over it.
If an 8 year old can deal with the trauma of realizing something she holds dear is all imaginary, I'm sure all these adults can, too.
2007-03-25 14:41:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, because their god delusion negatively impacts other peoples lives. Believing in Santa doesn't negatively impact a child.
2007-03-25 14:54:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many Christians have child like qualities, but no most of the ones I know can actually handle debate.
2007-03-25 14:41:08 · answer #8 · answered by fourmorebeers 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to tell children that God exists. Let them decide for themselves.
2007-03-25 14:41:15 · answer #9 · answered by Gorgeoustxwoman2013 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. There are millions of people on this planet who don't celebrate Christmas. I and my kids happen to be three of them. Any day can be a celebration for us.
2007-03-25 14:40:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋