How do you decide to teach your kids what's real and not real?
By cynddvs
@cynddvs (2948)
United States
June 27, 2008 9:09am CST
Now that my daughter is getting old enough to understand, or at least somewhat understand about certain holidays we've been trying to decide what to teach her about what's real and not real. On one hand I kind of want to go ahead and teach her what the holidays really are and let her know what's made up just for fun. But on the other hand I enjoyed holidays as a kid because of all of the things that aren't real and want her to be able to enjoy the holidays just as I did. I'm just sort of torn here.
How do you teach your kids the differences between reality and imganation? And at what age is it appropriate to teach the differences?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
28 Jun 08
When the kids are small, they live in a magical world where anything is possible. Most of the time, as they learn more about the world, they learn what's real, and what is just make believe. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless it becomes a problem. One of my sister in law's boys believed in Santa Claus until he was well into second grade, and the got really upset when he found out that Santa was make believe.
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I have not come to the part where my daughter understands yet she is 18 months right now. My husband and I have decided to focus on what the holidays are really about and let TV and Malls tell her about the other things. We aren't going to encourage "Santa" or any thing but we won't take it from her either. We figure if we focus on the real reason we have hoildays then it won't be as hard for her to transition or wonder. We plan to tell her the truth if (when) she asks no matter the age. The way we see it as long as we aren't telling her "santa is coming" and we do tell her its Jesus' birthday then thats what she will know. We don't over do any hoildays with tons of presents or decortaions. Don't get me wrong we do decorate, go see lights, give presents and such but not overly like a lot of families do. I want my daughter to know what holidays really are not what they are made to be these days.
