Are kids getting too smart to figure out that Santa doesn't exist?

United States
January 23, 2007 9:01pm CST
My son was 5 when he told me that it is really mommy who buys us gifts and pretends that it came from santa. When he was 7 and lost his tooth he told me to pay up front rather then pretend to be tooth fairy at night. Should we keep pretending even after kids know?
1 person likes this
2 responses
KrisNY
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
24 Jan 07
Well my daughter is 10 and she claims to be on the fence- I will continue to play Santa until she tells me for sure- I tried to tell her this year that we are Santa's in a way too. We pick names and help out the less fortunate-- I said Santa is what you believe (Just like in the polar express).. And if there weren' Santa's there would be alot of ids that didn't have any gifts to open on Christmas morning- She was pretty excited when I told her that I believe that Santa means giving something to someone with knowing you will get nothing in return except thanks. Its a belief. Its funny because the tooth fairy has forgotten to come a couple of times.. until the 2nd night- OOOPPSS
shywolf
@shywolf (4514)
• United States
24 Jan 07
It does seem like kids are getting too smart for parents to keep up the stories of things like Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, etc. I really don't know. I guess that if a particular child wants to believe, they will, and that's fine. If another one doesn't, and wants to ask you upfront about it, you should tell them the truth and not keep pretending, if it seems like they are perfectly wiling to hear the truth and would be okay with your answer.