A Christmas tide bearer of gifts, Santa Claus symbolizes the thrill of wide-eyed, childhood innocence. A Kansas State University instructor in family studies and human services offers some advice to weary parents. Ask the child if they think there is a Santa in the family, someone who is kind and giving.
Children grow up believing in many fictitious characters.
It is perhaps the values and character that Santa represents that should be considered. Values such as generosity, kindness and caring are wonderful for children to remember. They make the discovery on their own. Teachers should respond to the situation by acknowledging individual beliefs rather than promoting personal ideas, Hoover pointed out. Let the children talk and answer their own questions.