Thread: Is it right to allow children to believe in imaginary people?

Originally Posted by Arrianna

No it is not right. Yes most kids just go from "oh it's real" to "oh it's make believe" without any trouble but there are those who don't and it can change their outlook on life forever. Trust issues doesn't even begin to cover it.

The sad part? It's not necessary to choose. I tell my kids when something is make believe all the time. Their reaction? Ok, that's cool. So when does Santa come? At that age they don't CARE if it's real or imaginary it's still fun. Now our youngest wants to catch the tooth fairy in action just so he can find out who the "helpers" are that do it for the imaginary fairy.

How old are your kids? I dont think its right telling a 7 year old Santas a fake. The worlds harsh enough, kids need to believe in something magical like this. No wonder kids now a days lack imagination and wonder.

Well it's not as if you can make them not believe.
If Santa and the Easter Bunny are constantly shown on the TV, shops and just generally in view of the public and widley believed by other children then they'll likely come to their own conclusions no-matter what you tell them.

My Grandparents constantly told me God was real and that I should become a Cristian yet I'm still an atheist and have never been to church during a service, only weddings and funerals.

I believed what I wanted regardless of what I was told so I can only assume other kids will do likewise.

Originally Posted by Miroku4444

How old are your kids? I dont think its right telling a 7 year old Santas a fake. The worlds harsh enough, kids need to believe in something magical like this. No wonder kids now a days lack imagination and wonder.

Haven't we had this conversation before? Our youngest is less then 7, we've never told him Santa is real, and he's still excited at Christmas. His imagination is amazing too. Our oldest figured out who was doing it years ago and now he asks to help play Santa for his brother and is excited to do it. You don't have to lie to your kids to encourage make believe, just play along with them instead. Honestly I think they like it better that way.

Originally Posted by Arrianna

Haven't we had this conversation before? Our youngest is less then 7, we've never told him Santa is real, and he's still excited at Christmas. His imagination is amazing too. Our oldest figured out who was doing it years ago and now he asks to help play Santa for his brother and is excited to do it. You don't have to lie to your kids to encourage make believe, just play along with them instead. Honestly I think they like it better that way.

Uh oh Mirokuu that's a big no no with ladies when you don't remember your conversations with them . For me I just think 7 is a bit old but at the same time there shouldn't be a age line for kids. Me for some reason just simply had a light bulb go off one day and I knew all the stuff were fake. No one needed to tell me.

As it is with all things: If something is taken to the excess, it can be harmful.

There's nothing wrong with letting a child develope their imagination, which can help them later on in life since it can help them with problem solving skills (Allowing them to imagine different outcomes)

I dont think believing in Santa can allow a child to develop their' imagination skills, isnt that what fairy tales are for?

it depends santa and the tooth fairy are alright but something else could cause mental issues or something