When to tell your kids about Santa Claus, Toothfairy, Easter Bunny?

[geonagual]

I, for one got this one knocked out many years ago.

As soon as both of my daughters where able to understand(around 3 years old). I told them that all of those characters are made up and that parents lie to their children about them existing. I also told them that I wanted to tell them the truth about this to show them that I would never lie to them.
I believe that has helped them alot. They really like telling their friends now that their dad told them Santa Claus was a fraud when they were 3. Plus, back then, they felt like they had the inside scoop.

HAHA! Do you think I was wrong?

geonagual Reviewed by geonagual on 01-23-2007. When to tell your kids about Santa Claus, Toothfairy, Easter Bunny? I, for one got this one knocked out many years ago. As soon as both of my daughters where able to understand(around 3 years old). I told them that all of those characters are made up and that parents lie to their children about them existing. I also told them that I wanted to tell them the truth about this to show them that I would never lie to them. I believe that has helped them alot. They really like telling their friends now that their dad told them Santa Claus was a fraud when they Rating: 5

[budsmoker only]

i found out when i was in 5th grade.. but i think you shouldnt tell kids until later because its fun for them.. or at least it was fun for me.. but idk.. when i have kids it might be different..

[stinkyattic]

I think you should tell about the tooth fairy after the last tooth.
About the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus when you think the kids are old enough to understand the traditions that they are symbols of- conversation like this-
"honey you know the story about the 3 wise men?"
"yes mommy! They brought gifts to baby Jesus!"
"So do you know why we give each other gifts at Christmas?"
...blah blah blah and then the inevitable...
"but I thought Santa Claus brought the gifts!"
"Santa Claus is a symbol.. you know what that is?"
..then more blah blah...
"Santa Claus is easier for kids to understand and I thought you were old enough to understand the REAL reason we give each other presents!"
All in all, making your kid feel all proud that they can grasp an abstract concept like that.
Just my few cents!

[JunkYard]

My son told me that santa wasn't real in form of a question. When they ask, I guess it's time to be truthful? If not, then I wouldn't let it go on too awful long, but that's just me.

[dutch.lover]

Here's a little story about my experience with all these made up "people":

I found out about the toothfairy because I happened to lose a tooth on a night that a babysitter was looking after me...when there was no loonie under my pillow the next morning I knew something was up. I confronted my mom and she confessed to everything. Here's the best part, I looked deep into her eyes and said "But Mom, you taught me never ever to lie"...!! She said that that broke her heart (we laugh about it now), serves her right for lying all those years! lol. I don't know how old I was at the time though...young enough to not remember most of that story however

[halo]

I know a kid who is 16 and still believes in Santa Claus. I never asked him about it but my mom and his mom are good friends. His mom is crazy over protective and wont let him get his liscence and a bunch of other stuff. According to her he still believes in St. Nick. I dont know if its true or not. Honestly it wouldnt suprise me. He isnt retarded or anything just kinda naive and believes everything his mom says.