Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anna on February 28, 2011 at 1:21am

I believe that these kind of stories should be presented as fairy-tales only. It would be even better not to bother telling them these stupid stories at all. Better give chidren books in science. Teach them to question everything, be critical and sceptical

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Permalink Reply by Yahweh on February 28, 2011 at 10:13am

Shouldn't have to hide anything from children. They should have freedom of choice what to let go and what to keep even if it was really ridiculous.

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Permalink Reply by T A A on March 5, 2011 at 5:09pm

In literary speak, there's a fine line between myth - fairy tale - fiction literature

Santa and tooth fairy and easter bunny are not myths, they are fairy tales.

A myth is the object of dissension where different people ARGUE the case for its reality

 

There is nothing wrong with fairy tales, they allow young minds to be imaginative, which is an important component of learning. As long as no one argues they're real. People who argue such things are real end up in insane asylums, as should religious people!

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Permalink Reply by John Grimes on March 5, 2011 at 5:49pm

I think it's best to truthful with children.

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Permalink Reply by Reg The Fronkey Farmer on March 5, 2011 at 7:45pm

I suppose a good thing about Santa being “real” for a few years is that children eventually figure it out and get to think about why they believed in him in the first place. The moment of awareness can start a learning curve. They see it for what it really is. They are better able to distinguish a fairy tale from reality later in life.

 

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Permalink Reply by scLovely on March 5, 2011 at 8:38pm

I think it is only good for children that are also being taught a religion. When their parents break their hearts by telling them they believed in something that wasn't real and that they were lied to, they may be more skeptical about things. I can remember thinking -well if santa isn't real, are they gonna tell me god isn't real?- My brother said he thought the same thing. Hoping that it will make them doubt the existance of their deity is the only reason I would be for it. As atheists, I think that we should not lie to our children. If you do celebrate these holidays, your children will be just as happy with the toys whether you bought them or a fictional character bought them. It doesn't make the experience any less enjoyable and they will still have anticipation for christmas morning.

 

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Permalink Reply by Spencer on March 6, 2011 at 12:14am

That's quite a good point. I'd definitely tell kids the fairy tales, but purely in the context of a story; that is, telling them that it's not really true beforehand. Although, it might be hard to explain to them that most kids their age DO believe it literally.

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Permalink Reply by Cara Coleen on March 6, 2011 at 12:16am

Yeah well... you'll face the same problem when you have to explain to them that most kid believe God is real. And their parents, too. :)

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Permalink Reply by Cara Coleen on March 5, 2011 at 11:49pm

I asked my mom when I was six whether Santa was real, and she just said no... as if I'd asked her if she knew where my missing sock was. Casual. I wasn't phased. We still had fun with Christmas and acting like Santa was coming but knowing it was just my parents. It's fun as long as kids know it's pretend.

I think the problem is when parents insist their kids believe Santa is real, and are horribly offended if someone suggests otherwise. I had friends who were traumatized when they found out. It can be a game; it's easy for kids to play make-believe. It's difficult to overcome the betrayal of an outright lie and purposeful deception from someone you trust!

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Permalink Reply by Cathleen Sessions on March 6, 2011 at 2:32am

My, lets make childhood sterile and non-magical at all. 

Children like these things and then they learn to a) question the story and b) not to accept without proof what and adult says. 

 

My grandson sometimes while playing thinks that Spiderman is real but is skeptical about Jesus.  He doesn't want to hear that Spiderman isn't real, or the tooth fairy, or the Easter Bunny but has refused to go to church since he started thinking and asking about Jesus.  Which is fine with his Mom and I. 

 

I tell him I don't believe in that stuff but he has to make up his own mind when he is old enough to read and think about it.  He is rapidly learning to read. 

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Permalink Reply by M on March 6, 2011 at 6:15pm

I'm kind of like that, too.  I loved the magical belief when I was a child.  I think it feeds imagination and creativity.  I miss it sometimes as an adult.  Not in the way that I'd like to be delusional, but just that anything-can-happen kind of feeling I had as a kid. The world is big, wide, and interesting to a child.  The impossible is still absolutely possible.  We have Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy at my house, only I teach them the historical significance behind the traditions rather than full-on religious dogma.  I grew out of these things as a kid minus any trauma and with critical thinking skills intact.  I am not bitter because I was "lied" to.  I recognized it early on as a fun tradition meant for entertainment. 

 

Even now I tell my children, "I don't believe in god."  Not, "We don't believe in god," or even, "You don't believe in god."  I bring up points regarding religion for them to think about.  I allow them to ask questions.  I want them to think things through themselves.  I don't feel childhood fantastical traditions will cause any lasting damage to this process. 

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Permalink Reply by Cathleen Sessions on March 6, 2011 at 2:34am

Oh, and I like the fact that Spiderman and all the Super Heroes are more real and interesting to my Grandson than Jesus.  When I tell him Spiderman isn't real he just doesn't believe me.

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