Family Forum / Parenting / Mothers / November 2007

I think it depends on how you think she'll react.  My ds started
questioning it around the same age, but he really *wanted* to still
believe.... it was a fun fantasy to play out for us.

I always believed I got a couple more years of believing in Santa out
of him by explaining that the majority of the gifts came from mom and
dad, but there was always a special "Santa gift" for him.  I'd even
wrap it in different paper and slap a shipping label on it, LOL.

Anyway, he now tells me (he's 23 y.o.) that he simply humored me
because he saw how much fun I had with it.... not sure I totally
believe that, but it's his story and he's sticking to it ;-)

If you do choose to spill the beans you might ask her to keep it to
herself so the other kids can enjoy it a while longer.  Perhaps get
her involved in the whole Santa thing for your youngest, especially.

Nan

Amanda in Ohio--

I think you either have to tell the truth or, as Nan says, find a way
to "play with" the truth--by being neither entirely truthful or
untruthful.  My sons asked at ages 5 and 6, and just told the truth.
Didn't seem like any harm was done.  Will it "hurt" the littler ones
if she tells them, too?  How so?

Bonnie asked us that the other day and we told her Santa is just for
fun.  But We have never told her otherwise.

Tori