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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want to tell my ds (10) the truth about Fr Christmas and Easter Bunny?

64 replies

queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:35

I can't believe he still believes. I thought he'd find out by now, he is slightly innocent for his age.
It must be best to leave it.... but I wonder whether it's a bit mean, I don't want his schoolmates to laugh at him!
Break it to him or let him find out naturally?

OP posts:
kickingking · 26/04/2011 09:36

I would tell him tbh. I was the oldest child in my primary school to believe in Father Christmas and I was a laughing stock.

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:37

Thanks, I'm starting to fear that might happen!

OP posts:
Mutt · 26/04/2011 09:42

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

magicmelons · 26/04/2011 09:44

yanbu, you need to tell him.

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:46

No he really genuinely believes, I'm certain he does, he's completely invested and talks about how people who don't believe are odd.
It's not like I've set up the myth with intentional brainwashing.
Is mother better than friend is my question really. A kinder source of bad news. DH is a bit embarrassed for him and wants to unveil the stark truth!

OP posts:
petitepeach · 26/04/2011 09:47

He may already know or is pretty sure that he knows and is keeping up the pretense for both of you! My 8 year old still believes in father christmas etc and we have just had a visit from the easter bunny! She has asked a couple of questions and there are some kids at school who just love letting other kids know the 'truth'Sad but I think its lovely to have that kind of magic and innocence (I know some people don't agree) plus I think its a comfort thing and sets up family traditions for the future......I wouldn't blurt it out he probably has an inkling already.......I always say if you don't believe the easter bunny dosen't come...Wink also you are a long time a grown up..just my thoughts....

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:50

Petite, that's why I've hesitated.

He actually brought the subject up the other day and I neither confirmed or denied it, just said something obtuse while hoping someone else would break it to him. But I can't get away from that being a mean thing to do which I don't want to do.
But it's a bit pathetic of me, isn't it? It feels like me wanting to keep him my little boy. Maybe more loving to tell him, but not sure how, gentle hints maybe?
Can't see myself doing it however tough I talk on here Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:51

I'd love to know if anyone else was in the same position as me and what they decided to do.

OP posts:
changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 09:52

Rule in this house is you get told on your 10th birthday.

"Well, now you're into double figures....."

Obviously I'm a meanie lol

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:53

That is a good rule! Who does it, you?

OP posts:
Mutt · 26/04/2011 09:53

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changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 09:54

Yep. Take them off on their own up to their bedroom and tell them now you're big I have something to tell you.

Get them to buy into the whole keep the secret for the babies thing too Grin

I dunno, it just seemed like a good idea with DS and I kept it going.

DD2 will be 10 on her birthday Sad

Asinine · 26/04/2011 09:56

He is real, though, isn't he? It can't be your mum and dad, after all my mum still gets things in her stocking Confused

Mutt · 26/04/2011 09:56

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changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 09:57

My youngest BIL still believed when he went to secondary school and he got the arse ripped right out of him and I wanted to avoid that, so it seemed logical to tell them before big school.

I don't know why I decided 10th birthday but I think it's about the right time.

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:57

I DON'T WANT TO KILL THE MAGIC!
[bushock]
[busad]

OP posts:
sis · 26/04/2011 09:58

We were in the same boat and I told ds when he was in year 6 because I didn't want him to be the only child to believe in secondary school. I think we were talking about something related to it like believing in God and i steered the conversation onto Christmas and then onto Father Christmas etc.

changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 09:58

And I always couch it in "you probably already know and have worked it out for yourself but now you're in double figures...."

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 09:58

I sort of want to hire his 21 yr old cousin to do the deed.....

OP posts:
ajandjjmum · 26/04/2011 09:59

We were never big on the Easter Bunny, but Father Christmas was believed in implicitly by DC until they were Yr. 6. We told DS because his friends were telling him FC didn't exist, and he was arguing with them that he'd seen the real one, and he absolutely did exist. He's now at uni, but will tell you that it was one of the biggest upsets in his life - although he understands why we did tell him.

DD was told by a teacher at school, who said 'you're all too old to believe in Father Christmas now, so .......' - she was gutted.

OP - I really feel for you. We followed up the 'bad news' with the statement that we secretly still believed - as infact I do! Grin

changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 09:59

Having said all of the above, this christmas will be the last "Santa" christmas in this house and I am very Sad

ajandjjmum · 26/04/2011 10:03

changing
Although DC are now 17 and 19, they still have their 'stockings' from FC, with presents wrapped in different paper (why would he use the same as Mum and Dad?), and the labels written by a kind friend.

Every Christmas is still a Santa christmas here Grin

Original poster
queenceleste · 26/04/2011 10:04

I know he'll be really shocked also that we're such liars! Which we sort of are.

ds is certain he 'saw' Fr Xmas once too, he saw his red trousers and his boot as he left his bedroom!

[sigh....... ]
My mother looks at me as if I've created a monster lie and I deserve to suffer for it!

OP posts:
changingmynameagain · 26/04/2011 10:04

Oh mine still get Santa presents.

But I don't want to tell my BABY!!!!!

I am, clearly, a nutter Grin

Mutt · 26/04/2011 10:05

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.