Should children believe in Santa Claus? Santa Claus is the biggest Christmas figure and has been for centuries. We were all taught that Santa visits on Christmas Eve to leave us gifts in our stockings. However, is it a good idea to teach children about a man who isn’t real at all? Here are the pros and cons of the question, should children believe in Santa Claus?
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Pro: Gives Them Magic
The mystery behind an unseen figure bringing toys creates excitement for your kids. Going to bed with no presents under the tree and then waking up with piles of gifts stacking around tree, believing a complete stranger left them, is magical.
A belief in Santa Claus can bring a sense of wonder and excitement to children during the holiday season. It can also foster a sense of generosity and kindness as children learn to give gifts to others. Additionally, it can help children develop an understanding of the importance of patience and anticipation as they wait for Santa to arrive. On the other hand, some parents may worry that the belief in Santa can detract from the religious aspects of the holiday season or that it can lead to disappointment if a child discovers that Santa isn't real. Ultimately, it is up to the parents to decide whether or not to encourage their child to believe in Santa.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/45/baiojefvob07cartbeoisf_1080x1080.jpg)
Pro: Lesson in Positive Reinforcement
The whole concept of who is naughty and who is nice is simply a form of positive reinforcement that your kids learn. If you behave and obey your presents, you will be rewarded for doing so.
The pro of having your child believing in Santa is that it can teach them a lesson in positive reinforcement. Santa rewards children who are well-behaved and follow the rules by giving them presents. This encourages them to act in a positive manner and rewards them for doing so. Additionally, this can help teach children to be kind and generous, as Santa rewards those who are. Furthermore, it can also teach children the importance of being patient, as Santa only comes once a year. Believing in Santa can be a fun and rewarding experience for children.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/48/62cat3m65sbqp125qjvvvb_1080x1330.jpg)
Pro: Practice in the Ideal of Faith
Even though Santa Claus is not real, the belief in him is like an introduction to religion for your kids. Of course, how your kids view religion in the future depends on what you tell them when it comes time to reveal the truth of Santa Claus.
Believing in Santa Claus can be a great way to introduce children to religious ideals such as faith, hope, and charity. It can also help children develop an understanding of the importance of being generous and kind to others. Additionally, it can be a great opportunity to teach children the value of delayed gratification and the power of imagination. Finally, believing in Santa Claus can be a positive way to create memories and family traditions that can be cherished for years to come.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/13/n25civ179qogmz3potej7w_1080x1346.jpg)
Con: the Disappointing News
Since Santa Claus is magical, to hear that he is fake can be very depressing. It is even more of a disappointment when, as a kid you catch your parents red-handed in creating the illusion. When I was five, my brother told me he saw our parents in the middle of the night putting down presents under the tree, including ones that said: “From Santa”. That’s when I realized that Santa wasn’t real and Christmas became less magical. Hilariously, my mom kept putting “From Santa” on our gifts as we got older. She was just having fun with it and we would pick on her about it too.
The idea of Santa Claus is a beloved childhood fantasy that has been around for centuries. For many children, believing in Santa Claus is an important part of the holiday season. However, there can be both pros and cons to having a child believe in Santa. One con is the disappointment that can come when a child discovers the truth. This can be especially difficult if the child catches their parents in the act of creating the illusion. On the other hand, the belief in Santa can bring a sense of joy and excitement to the holiday season. It can also be a way for parents to bond with their children and create special memories. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a child believe in Santa is a personal one that must be made by each family.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/81/cuuqqxxnvaixmr7w8fvwon_1080x1350.jpg)
Ridicule from Peers
Another problem is when your kid’s classmates and friends learn the truth before your child does. When they find out your kid believes, they start making fun of him and saying that Santa Claus isn’t real. This not only embarrasses your kids but confuses them as well. Plus, this kind of experience only pressures your children into accepting what the majority of people are saying instead of thinking for themselves. Is conforming and following the masses something you want your child to do?
The ridicule from peers can cause a lot of emotional distress for children who still believe in Santa Claus. It can be difficult for children to understand why their peers are saying Santa isn't real, and it can lead to feelings of confusion and embarrassment. It can also lead to children conforming to what their peers are saying instead of forming their own opinion. This can be damaging to a child's sense of individuality and can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem. Parents should be aware of this and should be prepared to help their children process these difficult emotions.
/filters:quality(70)/thumbs/b1/yz/nhb2c87v5ea0a4e8c7e60061617846_1080x1080.jpg)
To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.
Kids Realizing You Lied
Not only are kids depressed about learning about Santa Claus but also from realizing that their own parents lied to them. Parents play an important role as a medium for kids into how the world works and what is the truth. You might lose your child’s trust in you over something as minuscule as Santa.
Deciding whether to teach your kids about Santa Claus is entirely up to you. If you are unsure what to do, there is one idea you can try. Instead of teaching about Santa Claus, teach them the true history of Santa Claus, which is the story of St. Nicholas.
He was a Greek bishop in the area that is now present-day Turkey during the 4th century. He was known to give gifts in secret to those in need. One story involved him dropping bags of gold down a chimney. Sounds familiar? By teaching this story, you can still incorporate Santa Claus into Christmas for your kid as they will have a new perspective on him, one with respect rather than blind praise. With all that said, good luck in dealing with Santa Claus.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge