Cheating and Lying :
Children and Honesty :
Kids and Santa, the Tooth Fairy ...

Should you perpetuate myths that young children hear about Santa, the tooth fairy, the easter bunny, and other such inventions of the mind?

There is a lot of debate on this subject. Many feel it is a harmless illusion, like wizards or fairires or invisible friends. It is something that many children share, so to leave one child out would make them unusual in their group of friends.

On the other hand, many parents point out that a young child trusts his parents completely for honest information. When a child realizes that his parents have been lying to him for years, this can often be very traumatic. This also tends to happens at a tender stage in their development, when he is now ´choosing´ to follow his peers or his parents.

What path should you take? Sit down and think about what truly seems right to you. Do not choose a path just because "it´s what everyone else does" - decide what is really best for you, your family, and the way your family works together. If you decide to tell the myths, be sure to watch for signs your child is doubting, and prepare to handle that stage with love and understanding.

This tip was submitted by an anonymous visitor to our website.

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