At what age should children stop believing in Santa Claus?

1. 62

   tswilsonposted 12 years ago

   At what age should children stop believing in Santa Claus?
   
   Should parents let them come to it on their own?  What do you say when they ask?
   
   

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2. 60

   Steve Orionposted 12 years ago

   Some kids believe in him until 9 or 10, but most stop before then. Typically, the more of their peers that have stopped believing, the sooner they will stop as well.

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3. 93

   Faceless39posted 12 years ago

   I haven't had kids yet, but am torn on this one.  I have no idea if Santa is good in the first place, but I sure was into it myself.  Kids will learn about it from schoolmates.

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4. 60

   Shahid Bukhariposted 12 years ago

   Never ...
   
   One should never stop Believing in the arbitrariness of Good ... even when childhood transforms into Maturity ... one should never let go of Belief in the Goodness of life ...
   
   One should jealously guard Hope ... Fervently Believe in the possibility, of dreams coming true ...
   And if one's circumstance allows ... one should at least once "test" Believing in God.

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5. 74

   ttagpineposted 12 years ago

   I believe a child will decide for him/herself when Santa isn't real. But I also like to keep Santa around as long as I can. I've written two hubs if you would like to read them. The night before Christmas is a (clean) adult poem.
   
   http://ttagpine.hubpages.com/hub/How-to … anta-Claus
   
   http://ttagpine.hubpages.com/hub/The-ni … -Christmas

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6. 60

   Fellow Mumbaiteposted 12 years ago

   I don't think no one should ever stop believing in Santa Claus and the gifts that he gives. Though most of the kids get to know the real truth once they talk about it with friends, but lets not make it much worse for them. I still believe in Santa, that's how it is!

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7. 60

   whoisbidposted 12 years ago

   This all depends what you believe Santa Claus actually represents. Some people never stop believing in the principle

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8. 61

   Dave Mathewsposted 12 years ago

   How about age 99? I guess by that time they will have had all the joy of Christmas they can handle.

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9. 0

   MP50posted 12 years ago

   What do you mean is there really no santa claus? boo hoo.

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10. 66

    xethonxqposted 12 years ago

    I still believe in Santa and I'm 43. Seriously though...kids should come to this on their own. My 8 year old niece is starting to ask the question, but her parents and the rest of the family keep the belief alive. Childhood ends so early nowadays...I think it's completely okay for children to believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and whatever else is out there....like imaginary friends. I love to see the delight and awe on their face when they come downstairs on Christmas morning and the cookies and milk are gone and there are tons of presents under the tree with their name on it. How wonderful!
    
    KEEP THE BELIEF ALIVE....THERE IS A SANTA!!!!

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11. 52

    lunarstar07posted 12 years ago

    There is no set age, it seems to be that children grow out of it on their own. Children figure it out ;specially nowadays they actually are getting younger and younger when they figure that Santa does'nt exist.  Even when they know that they often go along so they can make a list anyway.
    
    The point is; they will let you know one day, so there is no need for a parent to set a date to tell them something they already know.

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12. 61

    beautyspot2010posted 12 years ago

    NEVER EVER EVER ha ha there is nothing wrong with believing in Santa

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13. 61

    Virtual Treasuresposted 12 years ago

    I agree that children generally grow out of it on their own.  Of my three children, my oldest stopped at 12, my middle stopped at 11, and sadly, my youngest stopped at just before 10.  Of course, my younger two were influenced by the older sib.  I think with the internet, kids will begin to figure it out much earlier, but no matter what age, it is important to always focus on the magic that the season brings, along with the reason that it is celebrated.  Keeping the magic alive longer than the belief in Santa is what my children, who are now 18, 15 and 12, will always remember.  Every year they tell me they want it to "feel" like Christmas.

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14. 77

    kevins blog52posted 12 years ago

    I don't think that there is an age to stop believing in Santa Claus. I do believe the true reason for Christmas should be taught to the children, after all that's were the reel magic is.

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15. 61

    catchpennyfashionposted 12 years ago

    I actually found out from a friend when I was in 4th grade. I was nine. I think that was a good age. I had already started to ask questions and doubt, but that was me. I think they should find out when they start figuring out on their own.

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16. 82

    lawdoctorleeposted 12 years ago

    I still believe in "Santa" at 45!!  Ok, seriously though...they'll come into it on their own.  Cute story to share with you though.  When my son came to me at 8 he said he had something very important to ask me because "Mom you always tell the truth.  The Easter Bunny isn't real is it?"  So, I said "No, I'm the Easter Bunny for you kids."  Then he laughed hard...but then his face turned to shock and he asked, "OH NO!  Does that mean there is no Santa???!!!"  So I told him the story of St. Nicholas and said that we all continue the tradition so everyone can be 'Santa'."  His response:  "Pheweee!"
    
    Here's a note for you:  I still give my kids (who are all over 21) one gift that is signed "Love, Santa."  They still smile and laugh over it and say "YAY!"  because it's usually the best gift under the tree for them.

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