Parents teach their kids that lying is bad and yet around Christmas time, some moms and dads perpetuate the idea that Santa Claus is real. The idea that there's a jolly old man giving gifts to kids who have been good for the year may have some good points, fabricating the myth may also bear some concerning consequences.
Experts and psychologists have different views about telling kids stories about Santa Clause with some believing it's a good tool to use in young children and others negating the idea altogether, per Baby Center.
Per Slate, lying is a parenting crutch and the adults must instead lead by example. However, telling kids about Santa Claus is a "harmless myth" that could actually help in a young child's cognitive development. The article cited a study done by University of Oregon psychologist Marjorie Taylor, which pointed out how 4-year-olds use fantasy play to sharpen their perception and intelligence. These kids are also better at understanding their emotions, thanks to those imaginary friends in their heads.
Santa Claus is a Christmas tradition that will not easily go away. However, some parents use Santa in the most inappropriate ways, such as a disciplinary threat: "If you don't share your toys, Santa will not leave a gift for you under the Christmas tree." There are also parents who force their kids to "meet" Santa face to face, only to have the children crying and screaming at the sight of the bearded stranger, per Chicago Tribune.
Per Live Science, children figure out that he's not real at varying stages or ages and it could affect their mental development when the truth finally dawns on them. Some parents make all the effort to make sure that the kids continue to believe in the myth, but the best way to approach this is to explain to the children that Santa represents the spirit of Christmas and that there is a real St. Nicholas.
"I think most parents have a good feel as to when their children can accept the truth," said psychologist Dr. Matthew Lorber via Live Science.
On the flipside, parents who don't practice the Santa myth with their kids at Christmas are not doing anything wrong as well. They may not aid in the child's fantasy play and cognitive development in this manner, but they are still upholding a healthy Christmas tradition, according to Lorber. Perhaps parents of non-Santa believers can also tell their children not to ruin the fairy tale for their other young friends.
