Contents
- Should we tell him that Santa Claus does not exist?
- Around the age of 6-7 years, children begin to ask all kinds of questions, especially about the existence of Santa Claus. What reactions should they have when faced with their doubts?
- However, is there an age from which it is necessary to reveal the truth to children?
- What if the child reacts badly when told that Santa Claus does not exist?
Should we tell him that Santa Claus does not exist?
Your child is growing up and, deep inside, you tell yourself that maybe the time has come to tell them that Santa Claus does not exist. But how to put an end to this myth, so dear to the eyes of children? All without rushing them. Maryse Vaillant, clinical psychologist, gives us her advice.
Around the age of 6-7 years, children begin to ask all kinds of questions, especially about the existence of Santa Claus. What reactions should they have when faced with their doubts?
We must always listen carefully to the questions of the little ones, take them into consideration and seriously. I think parents should ask the child about his doubts, ask him with whom he spoke about it. Depending on the context, his reaction, and if they feel that their child needs to believe it, parents may well continue to tell him that Santa Claus exists. If he wants to believe it a little longer, that is his right.
However, is there an age from which it is necessary to reveal the truth to children?
No, the age is that of the child, that of his emotional maturity. In general, it is often after 7 years that he understands that Santa Claus does not exist, because of the school environment. The info circulates from CP, but parents have to wait for their child to ask the question. It is he who must warn his family of the disappearance of Santa Claus. Parents don’t need to take the initiative. School, friends, TV… can document the little one who wants to be big. He has the means to understand what is being said around him and to guess for himself. Like his blanket, Santa Claus is a figure from his childhood, which he gets rid of when he no longer needs it.
What if the child reacts badly when told that Santa Claus does not exist?
If he reacts badly, it is because it is too early, that we did not wait for his questions. It is as if the parents were breaking into his imaginary universe. In this case, we must apologize, give him time. Parents can also reassure him by telling him that Santa Claus still exists for those who believe in him. They can also continue, if they wish, to give gifts on his behalf. If the child is sulking a little, that’s okay. You cannot fill it all your life. Disappointments and frustration are some of the hardships that help you grow up. In order not to disappoint your child, would it be easier not to make him believe in Santa Claus? No, because all of society pretends to believe in it. The little one hears everything that is said (he also sees parents buying in stores, sometimes knows where the packages are hidden, hears about the cost of gifts …), but he chooses to believe as many people as possible, to believe to the mythology of Santa Claus because it makes his parents happy. And then, this belief is such a norm in our society and the child likes to be like the others.