Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

do you go into Sants Grotto with your children?

48 replies

carlajean · 11/12/2013 13:49

We had our church bazaar recently, with a Santas Grotto (the converted store room). One dad insisted on going in with his 2 daughters. AIBU to think he was being over-protective?

OP posts:
kinkyfuckery · 12/12/2013 17:55

What's the point in taking the kids to see Santa if you're not there to see the light in their eyes?

Original poster
carlajean · 15/12/2013 23:16

sorry - I forget about this thread. In response to the poster who asked what my take on it was...it looked odd to see a dad and 2 daughters just about crammed into the converted storage locker and I was wondering why he felt he had to go in. and no, I didn't ask him. I started the thread just to see people's take on it.

OP posts:
MrsUptight · 15/12/2013 23:28

I expect he wanted to hear what "santa" said and what his DDs said too....I go in....I wouldn't dream of not.

FortyDoorsToNowhere · 15/12/2013 23:30

I do because i like seeing the excitment in my DC face and give me an idea for presents.

BrianTheMole · 15/12/2013 23:30

Yes of course. I want to see the santa experience and take the obligatory photo :-)

Bogeyface · 15/12/2013 23:32

I am a hoverer. I dont go in so much as hang around in order to make sure that DD4 doesnt burst into tears, and that the other DC dont decide that this is the perfect time to put in their order!

We dont do Xmas lists, never have. We do surprises so when Santa pushes for an answer I may make eye contact and say something that steers Santa in the right direction.

I dont think he was BU at all.

differentnameforthis · 16/12/2013 00:25

Erm...no, not being over protective. Looking after his children perhaps?

MiaowTheCat · 16/12/2013 08:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

neepsandtatties · 16/12/2013 08:45

At our school fete, parents had to go in. Our Santa was not CRB checked (he was someone's Grandpa who stepped in at short notice) but if children are accompanied by a parent then Santas do not have to be CRB checked.

But irrespective of that, I can not think of any reason why a parent would choose NOT to go in with their child! You want to reassure them if they are shy, you want to listen out for any present requests, you want to take a photo, you want to enjoy the magic. It would be very bizzare in my mind to send a child in by themselves!

Joolsy · 16/12/2013 08:59

I always go in, it's a nice experience to share with your children, even if it is in a small space.

Minnieisthedevilmouse · 16/12/2013 09:02

Yeah let's just dump defenceless kids with any random adult and shut the cupboard door.

Muppet op. Truly.

craftynclothy · 16/12/2013 09:14

Of course I go in. I can almost guarantee that one of the kids will suddenly think of something she actually wants for Christmas when she sees Santa even though we've been asking her for weeks

Tailtwister · 16/12/2013 09:27

Yes, I would go in. It's just nice to see them meet Santa and sometimes they need some reassurance depending on their age.

DrinkFeckArseGirls · 16/12/2013 09:28

Minnie or rather dump the kids with the defenceless Father Christmas... Grin

Athrodiaeth · 16/12/2013 09:57

I would go just to help the conversation along. My son might bolt in fear, or talk about OH WOW YOU HAVE A RED TENT THE TENT IS RED IS IT RED DO YOU HAVE A REINDEER and if I'm there, I can encourage a more relevant meeting.

Who doesn't go in? What Scrooge doesn't want to see a child talking to Santa?

Chivetalking · 16/12/2013 10:01

I don't but then they're teens and twenties now so I wouldn't expect to Grin

Back in the day it never crossed my mind not to. What a bizarre notion Confused

WinterWinds · 16/12/2013 10:08

I've never known parents not to go in with their child.

I remember being taken to a department store Santa as a child and I was bloody petrified. I'm glad my parents were there to reassure me.
I took dd to see Santa at the school fair when she was 5, all parents went in as the children went in in small groups. Santa was the head teachers dad and really looked the part. It was lovely to see all the children chatting with him and each child got a photo taken with him plus a present. DD was in awe. I wouldn't have missed that for the world.

WilsonFrickett · 16/12/2013 10:08

I go. There is usually a 'surprise' present request when he sees 'real Santa'. Bless. Wouldn't actually miss it for the world...

Ev1lEdna · 16/12/2013 10:32

Some kids are nervous around strangers, why wouldn't he go in with them? I would go in with mine. In fact every time I have been parents go in with their children. Wouldn't you prefer it that way? No problems then, no ambiguity, no crying, children are comfortable - I'm confused as to why this is an issue for you OP.

teenagetantrums · 16/12/2013 10:54

I think you have to go in in most places? most children stop believing at what age 7/8? so what Santa wants to be responsible for a crying 4 year old?

NotYoMomma · 16/12/2013 11:05

I went in with 22 mo dd. she was saying 'santa' and smiking but was nervous to go in so I did and Sat next to him and then she gladly came in and Sat on my knee Smile

TeamSouthfields · 16/12/2013 11:13

Ofcourse u go in there... Why wouldn't you?

the man.is a stranger?
would u leave ur child with a stranger in the park?

mumeeee · 16/12/2013 11:13

When my DDs were children (they are in their 20"s now), I always went in with them,

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread