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5 Lies Every Parent Should Tell Their Kids
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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the4mutts
Jespren
femaleMIKE
I grew up in a family like your friends. I had plenty of imagination.
jessicasmom1
I won't ruin my childs childhood ... let the imagination grow wild they are too soon to find things out anyways.
quirkychic
that whole santa thing is retarded..i always knew he wasnt real. people need to stop perpetuating dumb things like the tooth fairy and santa. your kids will be fine
Anna Potts
oh please thats why every one gets a trophy in baceball good work you all win! gag me god what happened to sports the point is to win!
#iRiotGirl
AnonyMOUSE715
Michelle Street
I think this is completely ridiculous. I may indulge my children about Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, but I make SURE to do so in a way that I can say later that "Daddy and I are Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy", and it will not be a lie and will make sense. Even if sometimes it DOES matter that you win, when my son plays TODAY it doesn't matter if he wins or loses. I do NOT tell my sons that there are NO monsters, but I do them that there are NO MONSTERS IN OUR HOUSE, and none like the movies they have seen. I have told them some about the real monsters and why they are monsters. HONESTY IS the BEST policy. You can avoid pointing out hurtful facts without lying, but if someone asks you a direct question, be as polite as possible while TELLING THE TRUTH. And finally, LOVE IS DEFINITELY MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY. Whoever wrote this, you need to rethink your morals, and you absolutely do not need to be giving moral advice or advice on how to raise kids or be a friend.
LucretiaMcEvil