X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Did you know that lying to your kids about Santa affects them negatively?

3 min read
Did you know that lying to your kids about Santa affects them negatively?

For some parents, telling their kids that Santa Claus is real might seem harmless, but it can have a lot of negative effects on your child.

Remember that time back when you were little when you still believed that Santa Claus was real? Now, think back to when you found out that it was all a myth. Were you devastated? Did you feel like you couldn't trust your parents?

Can parents be relied upon to continue as the guardians of wisdom and truth?

According to Psychologist Christopher Boyle and mental health researcher Kathy McKay, from the University of Exeter in the U.K., parents tell their children that Santa is real out of a desire to return to their childhood; a time when "magic" wasn't something that you can only see in films or read in books.

They add, "Adults taking their children to a Star Wars convention as cover to dress up as Han Solo or Princess Leia is a fairly common occurrence."

Though, they are quick to condemn the idea of lying to your kids about Santa Claus. They add, "If they (parents) are capable of lying about something so special and magical, can they be relied upon to continue as the guardians of wisdom and truth?"

Children will eventually find out they've been lied to for years, which might make them wonder what other lies they've been told

The pair also say that there's something to be said about the morality of parents who tell their children that Santa Claus is real.

"All children will eventually find out they've been consistently lied to for years, and this might make them wonder what other lies they've been told."

"If adults have been lying about Santa, even though it has usually been well intentioned, what else is a lie? If Santa isn't real, are fairies real? Is magic? Is God?"

"Whether it's right to make children believe in Santa is an interesting question, and it's also interesting to ask whether lying in this way will affect children in ways that have not been considered," they add.

So, how should parents approach the issue of Santa Claus?

Admittedly, it's not easy to tackle the issue of whether or not you should lie about Santa Claus to your child, especially since children would love the excitement of getting gifts from jolly old St. Nick during Christmas.

According to David Kyle Johnson, Ph.D., "pretending with your children that Santa exists—as long as you never encourage them to literally believe it, don’t lie to them when they ask, and encourage them to figure it out for themselves."

Partner Stories
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
Parents, here's what you should do when your child sees you and your spouse fighting
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
#SendLoveWithBebeBata
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available

This approach of playing the "Santa Game" as Johnson calls it, would be better for children instead of telling them that Santa exists and then worry about what to do when they find out that Santa isn't real. It's important to keep things positive and make sure that your child understands that it's just a pretend game.

READ: 9 Little white lies we tell our kids

Sources: psychologytoday.com, fastcoexist.com, telegraph.co.uk

Be sure to check out theAsianparent Community for more insightful stories, questions, and answers from parents and experts alike. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Jan Alwyn Batara

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Parenting
  • /
  • Did you know that lying to your kids about Santa affects them negatively?
Share:
  • Baby skin: How to maintain smoother skin for babies?

    Baby skin: How to maintain smoother skin for babies?

  • Top 10 Baby Diaper Brands Recommended by TAP App Moms

    Top 10 Baby Diaper Brands Recommended by TAP App Moms

  • Best Newborn Clothes That Are Comfy and Affordable

    Best Newborn Clothes That Are Comfy and Affordable

  • Baby skin: How to maintain smoother skin for babies?

    Baby skin: How to maintain smoother skin for babies?

  • Top 10 Baby Diaper Brands Recommended by TAP App Moms

    Top 10 Baby Diaper Brands Recommended by TAP App Moms

  • Best Newborn Clothes That Are Comfy and Affordable

    Best Newborn Clothes That Are Comfy and Affordable

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.