How can I tell my 10 yr old there is no Santa without making it seem that I have lied to him all these years. He is getting suspicious because of what classmates are saying.
2007-11-11 14:31:34 · 15 answers · asked by Sandy B 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Kids seem to just grow up faster these days don't they? If he's asking, tell him the truth. Don't let him look foolish in front of his friends at school. I don't know your beliefs but I'll assume you're christian because you celebrate. Remind him the of the real meaning of Christmas, that in a way God sent Jesus as a gift to us and in the spirit of that we also give gifts. To make it fun for the kids (himself included), Santa became part of the fun of giving gifts.
You can tell him that in a sense that Santa Claus is real, just not the way he understands. The name came from a real Saint born during the 3rd century named Saint Nicholas who had a reputation for secret gift giving, but is now commonly identified with Santa Claus.
Give him something to feel proud about. Like your passing the big secret to him because he's turning into a young man. Tell him that he now has the duty to keep the secret so other young ones will experience the same excitement he enjoyed. Tell him those kids at school are doing a poor job. If he has younger brothers/sisters, include him in the fun to help ease any sadness. Maybe let him stay up late to eat the milk and cookies.
2007-11-11 18:03:39 · answer #1 · answered by 9/12er 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Hear him out first. Find out what he thinks and why. Then, if he really knows and wants the truth (some don't), explain that Santa Claus is a magical tradition that parents do for their children, because it makes everyone so happy. Now that he knows about it, he's growing up, so he's responsible for not spoiling it for any younger kids.
You could also ask if this means he doesn't want any presents from Santa anymore (in a gently humorous fashion is probably best). If he doesn't, then you could say that's fine, we'll just give each other presents. If he does, you could say that's fine too, just don't spoil Santa for anyone else.
My mom actually did a pretty good job telling me some version of this way when I was eight. I learned in the Brownies from my friends, and confronted her in a no-nonsense way when I got home.
Later when my younger brother asked why Santa couldn't give us whatever we wanted, my dad told him it was because Santa sent the bill to the parents. :-P
2007-11-11 14:43:28 · answer #2 · answered by Singinganddancing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son is 9 and is also suspicious. HOWEVER I refuse to burst his bubble just yet. He also says kids in his class don't believe in Santa and I just tell him that is there problem. It comes up every year about two or three times, especially around the holidays..so close to Christmas. Do you remember when you found out there was no Santa? I really don't. However...it just seems like the "sparkle" doesn't shine as bright once they know there's no Santa. (just us parental units)
In all honesty...I feel it keeps our kids a bit naive to believe in Santa..and that's a great thing in this day and age.
Don't lie to him...if he comes out and ask you just say something like this: "Well we believe in Santa and I sure hope I get that _____ I've been wanting" It's not a lie: you DO believe. I do.
2007-11-11 14:43:52 · answer #3 · answered by OMGiamgoingNUTS 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, be honest with him.
I believe there is such a thing as Santa. When I was younger, my dad had passed away, and my mom was trying her hardest to support my brother and I. Some person, sent us gift cards, that said from santa, in the mail. They really made our christmas. But Santa isn't just a person, hes more of a thing you just believe in.
2007-11-11 14:37:18 · answer #4 · answered by michaellandonsmommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could explain that Santa isn't an actual person but more about Christmas spirit. Tell him that younger kids don't understand about that but he is old enough now to know that Santa lives inside everybody and when we give people gifts we are being our own little Santas...
Don't know if that is really explained very well but hopefully it makes enough sense !!
2007-11-11 14:42:01 · answer #5 · answered by ஜBECஜ ~Mama to Lucy & bump~ 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I figured it out on my own. On Christmas eve when I was 11 or something like that. I saw my mom at 1am in the morning putting Christmas gifts under the tree. That is when I figured it out for myself. To younger kids Santa is real and magic. Don't take that away from him if he hadn't figured it out yet.
2007-11-11 23:37:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mom told us that as long as we lived at home-there would always be a santa. I would worry that my 10 year old would be made fun of if other kids found out he still believed. Good luck!!
2007-11-11 14:39:31 · answer #7 · answered by Aimee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Explain that you have chosen to honor the spirit of giving and generosity by giving him Santa gifts. By the age of ten, you are unlikely to be delivering a newsflash.
2007-11-11 15:47:42 · answer #8 · answered by detailgirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How "Baby on Board" answered your question is exactly how I explained it to my daughter, I just reminded her not to expose her little brother to the fact until he was ready to ask questions too. I also told her to find the magic in christmas that wasn't about getting presents, she understood we weren't lying, just softening the edges.
2007-11-11 14:46:25 · answer #9 · answered by i_8_the_canary 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you wanna do that? Just keep telling him there is a Santa until he knows otherwise. When kids get old enough they will just know that its not the truth.
2007-11-11 14:35:54 · answer #10 · answered by *Mommy of 3* 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋