What do you do about that issue? Right now, he's only seventeen months so what age do you be talk to children about what's real and what's not. Elmo is so sweet, and seems like a real monster, but one of these days my son is going to know that he's not real and then I'm afraid it will upset him. How does that work exactly? My parents raised me to believe in the Easter bunny and Santa Claus and when I found out that they weren't real it made it hard to trust my parents. I don't want my son to go through the same thing.
2007-09-14 01:20:02 · 16 answers · asked by crymeariver 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Hi, I think that I can help you out. I am a teacher, and part of the kindergarten curriculum (for 5 and 6 year olds) is helping children distinguish what is pretend or make believe from what is real. Your son is only 17 months old, so give him time.
Children at his age cannot distinguish between pretend and real, even if you try to tell him.
He is developing normally. Don't worry and enjoy your special boy and Elmo!
2007-09-14 05:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seventeen months? Oh, my God! I discovered Santa wasn't real at the age of 9. Nine years old, I mean!
The only problem is that Elmo's characteristic of referring to himself and others in the third person could teach children improper English usage.
2007-09-14 10:05:49 · answer #2 · answered by shake4me 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It happens naturally. Before he is 8, I think he will know. Of course kids think Elmo is real. He's cute too =D Just let it go. He'll find out. My sister got to find out about Santa the hard way, and teased me and hinted the truth bout him by saying "Yeah, that gift was from 'Santa'". or "Of course Santa exists. He's Mom and Dad." and eventually things just kinda fell into place, and my Mom still puts quarters under my pillow, lol
2007-09-14 08:33:19 · answer #3 · answered by Coconut Crazy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I seriously wouldn't worry about this. I believed in all the characters all growing up and I honestly believe that was one of the reasons I had an amazing childhood! Never lie if asked directly, but the characters are real to a child's imagination which is good for him to have an imagination!
I loved all the holidays because of this and I honestly believe if you don't let your kid(s) have an imagination about these things you are taking away so much of their childhood and that isn't fair. Don't force your kids to grow up that fast. I was 8 when i started questioning these things and my parents were honest with me and I never was upset with them only happy I got my childhood!
2007-09-14 08:28:51 · answer #4 · answered by Michelle S 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
So if you want to tell him, tell him as soon as possible.
My daughter thought Elmo was real until she was 3. She grew out of it and I just asked her if she still thinks that. She said 'no', so I asked her if she was upset about it, and she said 'no'. She's six now...somewhere along the way she realized he was just a puppet on her own. So I'd say not to worry about it too much.
2007-09-14 08:34:05 · answer #5 · answered by ninn09262 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
let him have an imagination. If one gets'distressed by finding out Santa Claus and company aren't real well, I question their mental stability when real problems arise. It's just a different way of imagination and magic that is it.
2007-09-14 10:58:36 · answer #6 · answered by Yummy♥Mummy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he is too little for this to be an issue; it isn't long before the harsh realities of the world take the stars out of our children's eyes; let him be a child b/c he is; if he was 17 it would be a different story; I always told my children that in my heart , I would like to belief that there are people who are selfless and give b/c they want to give ; case closed , no problems , 4 children later 17 yr to 30 , there is no devastation; it is all how you handle it, life and communication ; my children are loving and giving ; hmmmmmmmmm; let go of your childhood issues, you are a grown adult now, that is what is suppose to have when we grow up.
2007-09-14 09:44:36 · answer #7 · answered by sml 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him think that!! He's only 17months old. By the time he finds out that Elmo is not real, he will be ready for it - that's what growing up is all about.
2007-09-14 08:24:38 · answer #8 · answered by bonshui 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All little kids think that elmo is real........and it is normal. Let him enjoy his childhood........I mean once all the magic is gone your childhood is over. Let him be!!! He will find out on his own that Elmo is just a puppet.........and he will be just fine.........I really think that you should just let him be a normal kid. You won't always be able to protect him from getting hurt.
2007-09-14 09:54:36 · answer #9 · answered by magandenise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i thought elmo was real once when i was like 2 years old eventually he will figure out he isnt
2007-09-14 08:39:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋