Ask Our Expert - Dad Unsure How to Handle Santa Issue

March 18, 2010

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Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.


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Ask Dr. Needlman Dad Unsure How to Handle Santa Issue

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Needlman, I have a son who will soon be eight years old. He has not questioned the existence of Santa Clause. Is this normal? Should I tell him before he asks, or should I wait until he asks me? — Dan in Terre Haute, IN

ANSWER	June 12, 2001


Dear Dan, I don't know that there is a specific age by which a child should have asked about Santa Claus. Most have some ideas about the issue by the time they are in second or third grade, when they generally are more reality-oriented. Older siblings or the siblings of friends often enlighten younger children. Just because a child hasn't asked doesn't mean he doesn't have thoughts or perhaps even strong opinions on the matter. As a general principal, children ask about things when they are ready to hear the answers. With some topics (sex and safety, for example), parents may choose to start the conversations if their children haven't shown an inclination to do so. But I'd wait with the Santa issue until your son brings it up. — by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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