To ask why children don't sit on Santa's lap anymore?

[MmmnoodlesoupIsDueXmasEve]

Been to a few shopping centres recently and noticed that children sit next to Santa on a bench, rather than on his knee. Is this a new thing? Thought it was a bit sad!

because santa's a perv???
or because he doesn't want a wet knee from a frightened child?

elf and safety. obv.

Um... why do you think?

I would have thought it was fairly obvious!

Probably both, but more to protect him from being called a perv, given the nature of today's society.

Sad tho init

Ok, I get why sarcasmos, but is this done everywhere now ?

Loads of reasons but if I was Santa my top one would be to stop the little beggers pulling my beard.

It's a peeeedo emerjunceeee innit? Santa might be a raging pervert! The whole world has gone mad I tell ya!

To protect Santa I would say from any allegations.

To stop the over-excited little beggars weeing on his red trousers

Meh. The one I saw was in a small bauble-type thing in brent cross surrounded by elves and parents, what could he have done?

Sorry to be bah humbug here - but my pals grandchildren were indecently assaulted when visiting a store santa a couple of years ago. The two little girls told mummy, dreadful dreadful time for all of them. They were aged about 4 and 5, so too young to give evidence at court, but old enough to make clear to mummy and the police exactly what happened. As it's rare for children under 7 to give evidence, there was no prosecution as Santa denied putting his hands in their panties and there was no independent evidence. I know, I know, it's not what you want to hear itsnotahoover, but being Santa for a few weeks, it's just the kind of job that a pedophile would be delighted to get isn't it.

In Harrods, my DCs were wrapped in Santa's cape, which they absolutely loved. They sat next to him, rather than on his knee, but I don't think either party would have minded if they had climbed up. But, that's Harrods.

We stopped the kids sitting on Santa's lap where I worked.
Not because we didn't trust Santa - we were a small community where I worked and Santa was played by one of our staunch volunteers, known to us for 20 plus years, with grandkids of his own - I'd have trusted my dd with him in a heartbeat (he died two years ago. I was so very fond of him and I still miss seeing him). We decided best not to let kids on his lap though to protect him. There is a risk that someone will make allegations and we couldn't face the thought of putting him in that position.

lotsofdogshere where was Mummy when Santa was rummaging in their pants?

Is this really a question which needs to be asked?!

Lovelyladuree, what a horrible and crass thing to say.

My DD and her friend sat on Santa's knee but it was at a private party for kids that I organise at my work. I suppose if its in a public place like a shopping centre they have more rules and regulations.

I'm sure I remember reading in the DM somewhere, that it was more to do with childhood obesity than the peedos...?

Santa in the Art Gallery in Brum had my child sit on his knee when we visited Sunday.
I was quite surprised as haven't seen that done for ages.
He is a lovely Santa though and gives my little one an extra pressie as its also her Birthday.

Go to France children can sit on Santa's knee and give him a kiss. If parents are watching through the lens of their camera there is very unlikely to be anything untoward.

DD sat on Santas Lap this morning. There was a bench next to him, but being 2 yo she wanted a cuddle. I asked if it was ok before she clambered up.

I think it depends on the Grotto, but as I was right there I couldn't see the harm. I know we hear horror stories, like above but I hardly think that she was in any danger with me and DH next to her.

You can sit on Santas knee at the Trafford centre

Every Santa we've been to has allowed knee sitting