To ask about children believing in Father Christmas, what age did they stop?

[NoKnit]

I have to ask as I am quite curious. What age did your child stop believing in santa?

The other week my 7 year old asked his Dad if santa was real and husband just told him no he isn't real although he shouldn't tell his little brother (who is 4). Although in fairness we could tell the 4 year old and he'd forget in a few minutes anyway

The thread about the 9 year old and his neighbour just got me thinking. We live in a country that doesn't really do santa, or does it their own way so it isn't a big deal to us. But I am pretty curious as to when your children stopped believing and if you think 7 is too young.

My 9 year old has started questioning. I just asked her what does she think as I don’t feel comfortable out right lying to her questions. So I think this might be the last year for her. Her sibling has no idea!

It goes to show how different children are. I’m not personally comfortable with artificially prolonging a particular age or stage, though. Once they ask outright, they deserve a truthful reply in my view.

My son got suspicious when he realised all the presents he got were for sale at Tesco. I think he was six or seven. He asked me if I was actually Santa and I said I was (and then said if he told his younger sister then this Santa would put him straight on the naughty list)! I think she did figure it out not long after from a combination of overhearing her friends and just thinking about it. I still give them gifts from Santa even now in their teens though.
I've heard some parents wonder if they should tell their children as they were about to start secondary and still believed. I always thought these kids must be either unbelievably gullible or just playing along.

My son is a science bod and has no patience for magic - he’s 7 this year and has informed us Santa can’t possibly be real for a number of physics based reasons .