My bright 8 yr old has caught on to the fact that Santa isn't real (no thanks in part to school friends!). I still have a believing 5 yr old and a 1 yr old. What is a good way to explain the "spirit" of Santa in a way that isn't too disappointing and will allow her to feel a part of the secret? I read the perfect answer in a magazine before I had kids, but of course can't recall what it said now that I need it! Your ideas would be welcome. Thanks!!
2007-11-27 11:09:34 · 11 answers · asked by greencheese79 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Just wanted to add that I don't agree with continuing to try to convince her Santa is real or tell her that her friends are lying!
2007-11-27 12:04:59 · update #1
Since she knows the truth, there is no reason to continue lying about it. 8 is the age that most children find out about Santa being fake.
I would sit down and talk to her about it. Maybe ask about what she really loves about the holiday season, make her see that there is more to Christmas than just Santa. You could talk about traditions that you have(ie-looking for Christmas lights, baking cookies, etc).
Also be sure to tell her that although she knows Santa is not real, her siblings do not and she cannot tell them. Remind her that it is fun to believe in Santa when we are young, so be sure not to spoil it for her younger siblings(obviously use nicer phrasing).
2007-11-27 11:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Prodigy556 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take her aside for a long heart to heart. Tell her that now that she's a big girl, she gets to be part of what makes the magic of Santa, she gets to help keep the spirit of Santa going while not telling her little siblings what is going on. Make sure to tell her that you weren't "lying" to her, but that just Mommies and Daddies got to be part of the secret when they had children, and that they loved the warm feeling that the Spirit of Santa brings to people.
2007-11-27 13:32:38 · answer #2 · answered by Zyggy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just explain the truth to her. hopefully, she'll keep the secret and not tell the siblings. just make sure you tell the truth because my parents were still telling me santa was real in 7th grade. i knew everything that was going on but they didnt believe me. if you dont trust your daughter to keep a secret, just try to make sure your 5 and 1 yr old still believe. as for the actual explaining, tell her that christmas is a time for giving and feeling good when you've done good for others. i think that at 8, the concept of santa can be understood to some degree. best of luck to you
)o(
2007-11-27 12:32:18 · answer #3 · answered by Pluto VT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 8, and I had to explain to her about Santa last year because we're Jewish, and some kids were making fun of her because Santa doesn't come to our house.
What I told her was that Santa was once a real person...which is true, you can find books about St. Nicholas to read together...and that people like to pretend that he is still around and carry on the tradition he started by giving gifts to the children in his name. I also told her that it was a secret only the big kids and adults knew...that if she told the little kids they would be upset and it would ruin the surprise...like if you told someone what they were getting for their birthday. Your daughter is bright like mine is, and if she is sensitive to others' feelings, this tactic should work for you.
Good luck.
2007-11-27 17:00:58 · answer #4 · answered by missbeans 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you shoul tell her that Santa is real just because her friends say it doesnt mean that she has to belive it tell her that who is the guy at the mall! How do you get all the presents you wished for because santa wrote them down. I have a 12 year old who still belives in santa my friend has a 14 year old and told her that when you turn 13 santa doesnt come anymore maybe that will work with her TRY!
2007-11-27 11:16:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just wink and say "if you don't believe in Santa, you don't get any presents." This little tradition can continue indefinately. When she comes from from college when she's 21, tell her that she has to believe in Santa if she wants any presents.
2007-11-27 23:51:17 · answer #6 · answered by Matt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
say that he is real, that they are lieing.
i caught on at a early age to.
if she does find out and wont take no for an answer say that u have been helping santa set the toys under the tree and he leaves them at the door. It was tough for me to, i had to tell my kids the truth sometime but they pritty much got the idea arounr 12 or 13
2007-11-27 11:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by tritan13 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
just sit down and explain to her that he is not real but because you have little brother/sister and they still believe let them and it is real fun to believe it is like magic and it is fun to still believe my 13 year old knows the difference but still love to believe in magic of the season
2007-11-28 05:44:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need to tell her that Santa is somebody that lives inside of all of us and that when we stop believing in him he stops delivering presents to us but also make sure that she knows that her kid siblings still believe and that it would be unfair to tell them what to believe in
2007-11-27 13:28:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Explain to her that she can still get the extra presents if she stays hush-hush about the situation. Tell her it is important to let her siblings find out on their own.
2007-11-27 11:18:06 · answer #10 · answered by chelsea 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋