At what age should children learn the "truth" about Santa?

1. 72

   nmdondersposted 12 years ago

   At what age should children learn the "truth" about Santa?
   
   What age should children learn about Santa, the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy etc. being fictional characters?  If a  child hasn't learned on his or her own, do you inform them when they hit a certain age?

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2. 67

   Phil Plasmaposted 12 years ago

   Well, my son is 10 years old now and still he believes in Santa; we're just waiting for him to guess on his own.  I think what is most likely going to happen is another parent will tell their child who is a friend of his, and that friend will tell him.  There isn't much I can do about that; I only hope that he confronts us about this out of the earshot of his little sisters.

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3. 87

   Outbound Danposted 12 years ago

   What do you mean they are fictional characters? That is just crazy talk!

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   1. 72

      nmdondersposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Haha.  I was actually a little concerned I might give it away with this question... Hope nobody reads it that shouldn't.

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4. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   We have little control over it - someone at school will tell them way earlier than we are ready for them to know...
   
   I think when they ask about it, it is time to tell the truth.  I had two children and when the oldest one found out and asked, I let her stay up and fill the stockings and help wrap the last minute gifts.  Then within a year or so, the second one learned the truth from some kid at school - so we let her stay up and help that Christmas.
   
   I think my kids were 5 and 7 when they learned the truth.

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5. 80

   Golfgalposted 12 years ago

   when they figure it out on their own.  No need to spoil the fantasies surrounding the season of magic, they will learn about the magi before long. I think it is important not to carry on a lie when they are seriously looking for the truth.  A child does not want to be lied to by their partent.  That said, sometimes we think full disclosure is necessary when all they wanted was a simple yes or no.

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6. 67

   Perspycaciousposted 12 years ago

   When they seriously ask you, trusting you will give them a truthful answer.  You cannot betray their trust in you.  It is too important a trust to betray with even the so-called "white lie".

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7. 66

   Cardiaposted 12 years ago

   I started to get suspicious about when I was eight or nine - especially after my presents from 'Santa' and from my parents had similar gift wrap! (Haha, my mom said that it was that Santa had elves that shopped at the same store as she did)
   
   I think a good age should be nine to eleven.

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8. 60

   Lita C. Malicdemposted 12 years ago

   My two children, both girls, learned about the "truth" about many fairy tale characters on their own, when they went to school, and  before I got to the point of telling them myself at a chosen age. You see, when kids find their peers, they are smarter than their parents.

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9. 59

   shiningirisheyesposted 12 years ago

   What do ya mean, the truth?!  Are you telling me he doesn't exist?  LOL
   
   Its usually pretty apparent when the truth is realized.  At least, thats been my experience.

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10. 0

    Miss Kate000posted 12 years ago

    My children are 6, 7 & 8 and they all still believe in Santa. I think the world is a harsh place so why not let them have some fun in believing in things like Santa and the Easter Bunny while they are still young, it doesn't hurt anyone.
    I personally won't burst my children's bubble until they figure it out themselves and ask me.
    My daughter is very smart, so that probably won't be much longer, but until then why ruin it.
    I remember the year i figured out Santa wasnt real because i noticed his writing was the same neat handwriting as my step mothers, so i asked her. I felt like i had lost something big when she told me he wasn't real. Something so fun, and that children get so excited for.

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