at what age should you tell your kids about santa?

Ryan - posted on 03/06/2013

My oldest daughter is 5 1/2 and she figured it out on her own. She knew that Faries aren't real, and she figured out the Tooth Fairy, and the EB shortly after. Then a few days ago she told me that she thought we were Santa, I tried to play it off, like the others TF and EB, but she was pretty persistant, and wouldn't let it go. She had figured it out, and told us that she knew. I tried often to ask if someone told her, but she consistantly said no one told her (she doesn't know any older kids). My wife and I have done a masterful job of keeping up the stories of Christmas, and haven't had any slip-ups. While I'm dissapointed, I have to say that I am a little proud of her that she logically reasoned through it, and came up with it on her own, and so very early. She is very smart, but emotionally less mature than other kids her age. Now I am trying to manage her not telling her 4 yr old little sister, and everyone in her class.

Shannon - posted on 01/07/2013

I never really planned on when to tell my kids. I was always too scared they'd be upset. But guess what? As they get older they figured it out and weren't upset. Don't feel pressured to tell them if you think it'll hurt them. My mother never told me and now youngest is 11 and she knows. She just assumed it was something like how a halloween costume is for halloween and that it was fun christmas costume. And basically...it is. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for. Don't worry.

Ariana - posted on 01/03/2013

Never. Never have that conversation.

You know why you should never do this? Because they'll all figure it out on their own. And even when they're figuring it out sometimes kids like to allow themselves to believe santa is real even when they know he isn't.

I mean I was 10 and 'believed' in santa even though I knew it wasn't true. Telling them santa isn't real shatters everything, you're taking away their magical beliefs in christmas and everything. Letting them figure it out on their own gives them the opportunity to hold onto their childish ways a little longer until THEY'RE ready to give it up.

The best thing is that if they ever ask you 'is santa real?' or w/e just say Do you think he's real? and if they say yes then say well I guess he is then. If they say no then just say well if you don't think he's real try not to spoil it for your sister/brother other little kids etc, but don't even say 'you're right' or w/e just accept what he/she thinks. Don't shatter their little christmas spirits because you feel there's some right time they should know. We all figured it out on our own and so will they.

Melissa - posted on 01/01/2013

Never! I refuse to ruin it for them. My son figured it out about 10 but he still plays along for the younger kids. I think they have such little innocence these days they should keep what they can as long as possible.

Cecilia - posted on 12/29/2012

My kids always knew. They also always knew their friend's believed in santa and they shouldn't tell them. Some people tell me i'm wrong for it and i stole away the magic of Christmas..,, Really??? I didn't know that the meaning of Christmas was some man breaking into your house and leaving you things..

The reason why i did it was because i didn't want to confuse them with my own white lies while i tell them there is no good lies.

Waffles - posted on 12/24/2012

Iam 12 and I fuguierd it out whn Iwas 1

Amanda - posted on 12/24/2012

I found out when I was 4 , no one told me, I just saw that Santa gave me the same gifts that were hidden in my parents closet and the extra room, but I have a friend that couldn't figure it out until they were 15, tell the, by 10-12, or they'll fake until that age which I did.

Karen - posted on 12/24/2012

Ive taught 4th and 5th grade for years and many of those children still believe in Santa. Please don't ruin it for them. Them them figure it out on their own.

Katelyn - posted on 12/24/2012

I am sooooooooooooooo mad that my parents lied 2 me about santa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sonja Nyed - posted on 12/24/2012

im 22 and my mom told me at 11

Ryan - posted on 12/24/2012

I was 10 when my mum told me

Christina - posted on 12/24/2012

santa give you 1 prsent when you are 9 years old. lt is true.

Molly - posted on 12/24/2012

I'm 11 and found out the day after Christmas.... I still beileve:)

Cece - posted on 12/23/2012

defently not on cristmas eve i got told on cristmas eve and im 11 im still trying to find proof he is real

Maddi - posted on 12/23/2012

I am 10 uears old and my mom told me to beleive in the spirit of st.nick just dont break it to them too soon! Best wishes!;)

Madison - posted on 12/23/2012

santa is not real so my prents have been lieing well thats a bummer im only 11

Ron - posted on 12/23/2012

Dear Brianna,
I do not feel there is nothing wrong with a child believing in Santa Claus as Santa represents the generosity and kindness that we feel each Christmas. I would begin by reading your children a poem called "Teach The Children." Since my return from the Navy, I read this each and every year to remind my brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and cousins the true meaning of Christmas. Here is a link; Merry Christmas and God Bless You!!! http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.s...

Alannah - posted on 12/22/2012

When there mature enogh. Every child is diffrent. Let them come to you and ask. If they ask don't lie, unless there real younge. Don't take all the joy away from them. My daughter is 4 and some of her friends say theres no santa, she says "yes there is". My son is 10 and was heartbroken when I told him. He yelled at me and was crying. I cried too. Dont take away there happiness.

Margeret - posted on 12/22/2012

tell the 8 yr old but say to not tell the 6 yr old or she will get grounded there
:?

Janelle - posted on 12/22/2012

When they ask to know the truth tell them. Then deny the truth in a playful way come next fall. I sort of like to use Santa to stop all the "Can you get me?" and "I want for Christmas". I like to say "I don't know, you'll have to ask Santa." Its fun to watch the look on their faces as they try to decide if I'm really kidding or not. I like to keep it light and silly. But if my child asks me in a serious way for the truth, I'm going to give it to him.

Grace - posted on 12/21/2012

I'm 10 years old, i leaned myself when i was 9 so let them find out, or if they don't learn by the time they turn 12 tell them!

Rihanna Herd - posted on 12/17/2012

Wow Melissa vaccaro that's not good tell them because when he's turns 18 he probably will still believe in Santa clause and u girls need to take it serious there's kids that gets on here to

Lucy - posted on 12/16/2012

Hi Brianna Lindley. I have a daughter who is 12 years old, and we told her last year. She was upset at first, because she always loved Christmas Eve, and felt excited to wake up on Christmas morning. Telling your children at age 6 and 8 is too young. My daughter got over this, and handled it in a mature way. I also have a son, who is 3 years younger than my daughter, and she told him that she still believes, to ensure that he will still enjoy the "christmas magic" of santa like she did when she was his age. What i'm trying to say, is tell them at an age when THEY are ready. Right now is too early. This will be my daughter's first christmas knowing "the truth" , and I've noticed that she doesn't seem as excited about Christmas eve anymore, and can't seem to find that 'holiday magic" she used to believe in.

I hoped that this was helpful.

Larisa - posted on 12/13/2012

you meen santa ain't real?! im 11 btw

Chloe - posted on 12/11/2012

My kids busted me when one was 7,10, and 11.

They were not upset, they were actually glad, that they got the whole "Santa" thing was not real, but I was not planning to tell, my kids are gifted. I would let them find it out.

Lynn - posted on 12/10/2012

Here is an article answering that very question.....

http://www.perspectiveparenting.com/2012...

Cassie - posted on 12/06/2012

I think wait until they are about 11 and when they start asking about it tell them once the are 11 or 10

Marta - posted on 12/05/2012

In the Polish tradition Santa brings gifts on December 6th, on St. Nicholas' feast day, while "the Evening Star" brings gifts on Christmas Eve. To this day my mother addresses all of the gifts to us (myself, my husband, and my siblings and their spouses) and all of the grandchildren from "The Evening Star". As we open our gifts we say "Thank you, Gwiazdka!"--Gwiazdka translating to Star. As adults we know that this isn't true, that the giver is my mom, but it just makes the evening that much more special. Remember, Christmas isn't about the receiving of gifts, but about the joy of spending time as a family, and (for Christians) about celebrating the Birth and life of Christ. My eldest is 7 and I've been wondering about this too, but the more I think about it I realize that no one had to tell me that Santa Claus isn't real, or that the Evening Star is a myth it's just something I came to realize, and I think I will let the same happen for my kids. I will never ruin the joy of Christmas for them, and even as they grow up I will continue to address our Christmas presents to them from Santa; and when my mother becomes too old and frail or passes away I will take up her mantel and host a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner with gifts given from the Evening Star. After all Christmas is based on traditions and customs.

Margeret - posted on 12/02/2012

youi can tell them when the 8 is 1o and the 6 is 9

Shelly - posted on 12/02/2012

age 11! Because they will soon find out in comprehensive school! every pupil in comprehensive know's its fake!:) My 11 year old daughter still play's along with younger children in the family!

Shelly - posted on 12/02/2012

Trust me with this one:- You will have to tell you'r kids around the age of 11, because no children believe when they get to comp, they grow old enough to understand, but still my 12 year old daughter (who found out last year) still play's along with the younger cousins, who still belive;

Anita - posted on 12/02/2012

They should believe for as long as possible. My daughter who is 10 now we had to tell the truth to her at 8 years old and she was really disappointed but a bully was teasing her constantly about her believing in Santa. We sat her down and let her know that the legend of Santa is true as many many years ago a nice old man use to give out toys to the less fortunate and the spirit of giving is still alive in all of us so we as parents continue the spirit of Santa when we give them gifts at Christmas. My family is catholic so we also have the reason we celebrate Christmas is because we are celebrating Jesus' birth and the three wise-men came to bear gift to Jesus at the stable where he was born. The tradition of gift giving continues today as we celebrate Christ's Mass ( Christmas). We told her we want her to keep the spirit of Santa alive so if there are smaller kids around she should tell them she still believes so they continue to believe for as long as possible.

Margeret - posted on 12/02/2012

i told my kids when they were 9

Margeret - posted on 12/02/2012

my kids are 10 i told them when they were 9 they are twins

Margeret - posted on 12/02/2012

my kids are 10 they are twins they once saw me givig presents!they were realy sad

Jeannie - posted on 11/25/2012

My kids are 15, 12, 11, & 9 and they all believe except the oldest

Chloe - posted on 11/25/2012

I have a 13 year old and a 10, I told them when they were 8. I thought they were mature enough and they wouldn't go spreading it around to the ones who dont believe. There you have it.

Vera - posted on 11/23/2012

My kid is also 8, and I was wondering the same thing. Some of his friends and classmates no longer believe in Santa and I don´t want him to be left behind. I guess the best thing you can do is to go along with it until you feel your child is ready to know the truth. Innocence in children is so rare this days and Santa is one of the things that keeps it alive. You can always tell them that Santa will exist as long as they want him to, but my guess is that at least for you eight year old, he´ll stop believing soon, two years tops.

Tammy - posted on 11/19/2012

Ok I have a 23,20 n 16yr old n from my own experience as a kid I will tell you never! Unless your a parent that can't do it! I think it is very selfish the reason some parents tell. I even heard a mom say we'll I don't want them to think Santa gets them beter gifts then I do!

Ok in my house growing up it was half n half n also even though the writing was the same my mom always had good reason- such as Santa needed help with wrapping etc...

Ok here is what our family says for a tradition n I just explained to my 9yr old step son because when he asked his mom she told him there wasn't because his Freind said so n she felt that she was lying to him!! (Side note its not lying its letting a kid be a kid) but never the less this is our tradition. It's in all old Xmas movies- Santa was a man that wanted to celebrate Christ bday. So he made toys n brought them to the village n the kids woke up to these every year of his life. But when he passed (because yes no one lives forever) he asked all stents to carry on his tradition. I explain it like say a dead president. You weren't around during his time but u still learn about him n your parents teach u about him because he is important n on money in some cases n there legacy lives on. N also explain Santa isn't just a person it's a feeling!

Kids that r in middle school will say to there friends they don't believe but at home will still believe, not only that but at a certain age they know the truth but still know that it's just as much for the parents that they believe as it was for the kid at a young age!!

At least that was me, I was old enough n knew but still let my mom go through it because she loved it! It was sad day when kids can no longer have imagination n exactly y they don't play cars, house, anything imaginary any more n go for video games!

We r taking that from them! A patent should have reasons y the Freind at school says there isn't one- like the kid is just trying to get someone to say there isn't or is n prove it! It's a test n seems parents r failing!kids test us! My mom had an explanation for every question I asked! N I could do the same for mine n when they r the age they know for sure believe me they arnt keeping track of who got them the better present only u r doing that! It seems there is some kind of guilt in parenting if u can't give A Santa gift because u don't want him to get credit!!

For those families that are non Xmas celebrators the information of why some celebrate n how I explain the tradition goes to the parents may help explain it with out your child saying to a believing family's child.

Y r parents so afraid of kids finding things out like this from friends I have to say this is the least amount of your worrys. Have u started the drug, smoking, sex talks with your kids. Friends r were they learn these things n yes 5-9 is the age they r talking about it. Seeing older kids n I even have heard of 9-11yr old pregnancy is on the rise WOW!!

I'm not saying telling your baby's or not is going to help that but if u r gonna let them grow up to fast please do! To each there own but as u can tell I get fired up about this because I have a son that wasn't suppose to be here. He had a 1 in a million chance of surviving birth. He will be going off to college in less then 2yrs n I tell u I would love to have one of those Xmas mornings back!! Enjoy it!!

Chloestockton - posted on 11/09/2012

hello everyone im lisa stockton i have had 11 kids and a one day old baby and i cannot afforsd christmas and all my kids are saying they cant wait to see santa but im afraid he aint real how can i say he isnt real in a positive way ?

Ellie - posted on 11/09/2012

hahah i know i saw my mum do the letters that time when its nearly chirstmas x

Chloestockton - posted on 11/09/2012

helloooo ellie how r u xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chloestockton - posted on 11/09/2012

my child is happy that she will see santa on christmas and if she dosent see him i will feel bad i need help? x

Ellie - posted on 11/09/2012

i would say that i would tell my kid that santa is real when she is about 4 years old and i did...

so you tell your kids that santa claus is a magical man that gives presents to good kids and not give the ad kids anything..... okay well if you think its not good, give me a ring on my cell and then we'll talk it through

Chloestockton - posted on 11/09/2012

my little girl lexi is 4 and she is scared of santa but she can see him in her mind what should i do ?

Zelda - posted on 10/26/2012

The right age to tell them about is after they learn to read by themselves and start asking whether Santa is real. Let them read the unique children's Christmas picture book, "Tweens Santa Surprise" aloud to you. After they finish the short children's book, discuss with them about who could be a Santa's helper, a Secret Santa or someone who could be a sub-for-Santa. They can join in the fun.



This is a book only for children who can read, except in the case of someone else spilling the beans. Then this book will helpo them understand the truth and build trust between you and them.

Find "Tweens Santa Surprise" at amazon.com , Barns & Noble, many other sites and Kindle.

Merry Christmas!

Zelda Emerson

Lesa - posted on 05/08/2012

Don't lie to your kids in the first place. Then you will never be faced with the delima of how to tell them the truth.

Gabrielle - posted on 03/30/2012

Wait until they tell you. When the older one finds out though, make sure that they understand how great it is for their sibling to still believe in him, and that when it's their time they will find out too. Until then, Santa exists.

Tory - posted on 03/15/2012

My now 8 year old asked me the question last year. I didn't really give her a straight answer and asked what she thought. We managed to leave it at that. I was more worried she would tell her older brother and he would react badly. Now we've hit a point where he is turning 11 this year and most of his age group no longer believe. I don't want him to be teased as he can get very defensive if someone told him his mom was lying to him. Its a tough call but I think it'd be best hearing from me at this age so as to save the possible school embarrassment.

Jen - posted on 11/24/2011

We didn't, we let them decide on their own. I have 3 boys 11, 9, and 6 and last year the 2 older ones came to us letting us know he wasn't real. My hubby and I let them know they were right, and it was a cool moment where hey understood why certain kids get more then others, and why they don't get everything they ask for. As for their younger brothert they are very respectful, and have not peeped a word they actually pretend they still believe just for him, and I didn't even ask them to do that. I just don't think you should tell a child, they seem to be growing up to fast as it is let them come to you, and then be truthful if you feel like they are ready.