I have a mommy friend who doesn't believe in sugar-coating anything with her kids. Before they hit kindergarten, they were up on every single danger that lurked beyond their front door. And mythical, make-believe icons like the Tooth Fairy -- forget about it. When they lose a tooth, they have the option to save it or drop it down the drain. Her take: kids need to be prepared for the real world. Why delay it with silly fantasies.
I'll admit, her philosophy will save her from the inevitable breakdown that happens when children finally realizes there is no Santa. But I'd rather my little ones live in ignorant bliss for as along as they can. I'm not saying fib about everything -- just a few very specific things.
Here are 5 lies parents should tell you kid:
- Santa DOES exist. Every kid should believe St. Nick, the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and every other wonderful, magical creature that does nice things for them is real. Soon enough they'll be smacked with the fact that very few people do anything nice for free.
- It doesn't matter if you win or lose. This is about teamwork and good sportsmanship. Of course it's bull crap but they don't need to know that until after high school. As adults, it's all about winning -- winning that promotion, winning that eBay auction, and so on.
- There are no such things as monsters. Fact of the matter is, they do exist. They are just of the Jerry Sandusky variety rather than Freddy Krueger.
- Honesty is the best policity. Oh the irony. While this old adage is true, we grown-ups know it's not possible to be truthful all the time. Kids shouldn't lie but we have to. Are you really going to tell your boss he's incompetent or a party host that her dinner was disgusting?
- Love is more important than money. Well, love doesn't pay the rent and you definitely can't eat it. So while love should be more important than money, the almighty dollar is just as key to survival. But kids don't need to know that until college!
More from The Stir: 33 Ridiculous Lies Kids Believe Are True
Do you believe in telling kids little white lies? What fibs have you told your child?
Images via Orin Zebest/Flickr
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Comments 49
I couldn't imagine my childhood without the anticipation and happiness I got from believing in things that weren't real. And I was never horribly broken up when I found out Santa, Easter Bunny, etc weren't real. I don't think I will ever have such a pure belief or investment in a fantasy as I did with those characters. Kids will have plenty of time as adults to be jaded about how incredibly "real" the world is. Give them time to believe in something silly. I mean, really, sometimes I still wish an owl would show up with my letter to Hogwarts.
I would have hated having parents that hated encouraging my imagination.
Wow, I can't believe all the hate for this article. I agree whole-heartedly. Part of the magic of being a child is believing in the unknown. Fairies, dragons, witches and wizards, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny...all harmless, FUN things for kids to believe in. And though there is that stereotype of a brokenhearted 6-year-old coming home and crying because he just found out Santa doesn't exist, most kids come to the conclusion on their own without help and aren't upset about it. I could not imagine a childhood without imaginary creatures. Are you guys also going to discourage your child from having an imaginary friend?
As for the rest of them, they are true...if you're a mature adult. A game doesn't always have to be about winning. Sometimes it's just a game, and the game with friends is the fun part. Honesty IS the best policy. People respect and trust people who are honest. They distrust and gossip about people who lie. And love is always more important than money. You don't want to encourage your child to marry someone for their money, or not to marry someone they love because they might be working a lower-wage job. So long as they HAVE a job in this economy says something, and things can always change.
You need money to survive but if you make your career your life, you are sacraficing your family relationships. To ME love IS more important than money. You can't take the money with you after you die but you can die without regretting that you spent your whole life worshiping material things.
Also, I'll give my children gifts but I'm not going to tell them Santa or anything else is real. As for the Easter Bunny..not everyone is Christian.
im sorry moms, but have you ever thought, well my parents lied about santa so ill lie to them? kids will lie no matter how much you enforce honesty, its a part of growing up! i lied saying a was sleeping over a girlfriends house so i could stay up and play dungeons and dragons all night with my boyfriends and friends instead. my daughter will beleive in santa, tooth fairy ect., and when she learns they arent real ill tell them how even though santa isnt real, hes alive in us, her aprents, and in her when she gives gifts. why ruin imagination cuz your worried about a few tears? kids cry anyway lol
and love is more important than money. yes money buys you things and gets you along in life, but love is what makes life worth living whether you love your cat or siginicant other.
I still believe in Santa, it's just magic and everyone around me does too. It wasn't a horror when my daughter found out, we all kept the spirit alive. Now the Easter Bunny is totally stupid.