Is this a mean thing to do on Christmas Day?

[AFewScrewsLucy]

Imagine you are the parent here.

You have a 9 yo, who turned 9 in early October.
They still believe in father Christmas (yes, really)
They have asked for an iPad.
You've told 9yo you can't afford it, so can't have it.
9yo says "it's OK, Santa will get it for me" and then proceeds to tell everyone they know since November that they're getting an iPad for Christmas.
You are actually buying the iPad for them.
But, you have decided that to teach them to be more humble, you're going to pretend that Santa hasn't brought the iPAD when you all open presents in the morning. And you're going to "find" the iPad at the back of the tree at some point in the evening,.and give it to them then.

Full context, you also have a just turned 6yo and 7yo who will be receiving their Santa present in the morning. (Barbie Dream House and Switch)

What do you think? Mean? Or fine?

[AdventAdventure]

It's a pointless thing to do. It just reinforces the idea that Santa can bring everything. If I'd bothered to get the iPad I'd be making sure my child knew it was from me.

[FallingsHowIFeel]

@AFewScrewsLucy

I'm not the parent. Btw.
My friend is going to do this.
I'm trying to guage if my reaction/thoughts are "right". I'm thinking it's a fucking pointless and mean thing to do and the kid will be miserable and confused the entire day and will (quite rightly) be upset by it all and end up angry/crying etc
And probably never forgive or forget the "lesson".

You’re friends with someone that would do that to a child? Your friend is a cunt.

[username8888]

Mean

[ConnieTucker]

Youre right. Your friend is a wanker. Needlessly cruel behaviour designed to ruin a young child's Christmas. Id be watching her general parenting carefully.

[Marblessolveeverything]

Please seriously ask yourself why you feel this is even an option for you?

Because to me it is such a d**k move that I would question your moral compass. Christ a nine year old and one that believes , start with the savings for the therapy they will need.

[Remagirl]

Ffs you need help!

[hauntedvagina]

Mean. The only thing this will teach them is that when they were younger, their mum could be a twat.

[Andsoforth]

Mean.

A simple “Santa doesn’t bring electronics/screens or Santa doesn’t bring things parents don’t approve of” would have sorted this out.

I think this parent could really do with getting some support or attending a parenting course. That’s a terrible decision.

[SilverGlassHare]

Mean. What lesson are you trying to teach him? It’s not like he’s 13, doesn’t believe and so is trying to manipulate you!

[Persipan]

And this is why I maintain that Santa brings stockings and not proper presents, which are from actual people.

[AFewScrewsLucy]

@ThatshallotBaby

No you can’t do this. Hope all goes well.

Oh, it's not me.its a friend of mine. I sat in stunned silence when I heard the plan. I then doubted myself and thought I'd get some unbiased opinions before trying to "intervene" and convince her it's a fucking awful idea.

[LouLou198]

It's mean and unnecessary. He's 9 for goodness sake. Have you told your friend what you think?

[Unikeko]

Mean - doing that is just a massive power trip

[LizzieSiddal]

Show your friend this thread! She’s a mean cow to even think about doing this!!

[Sprouttreesareamazing]

Imo pointless letting dc believe if Santa isn't going to deliver the goods...

[Notaninterestingfact]

You nasty!

[IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads]

Mean

All it will achieve is a sulky 9 year old.

[saltofcelery]

Mean.

This is why we just do a small sack of presents from Santa and the rest from us. If we can't afford a big present, they don't get one. They know the rule is no animals, expensive presents or large presents.

[MrsKrankyPants]

Bloody hell!! Very mean!!!

[WhistlingInWhistler]

The child will remember it for the rest of their life probably. My mum used to be really mean 'to teach me a lesson'. I never loved her. Does your friend really want that?

[ShadowPuppets]

Haven’t read the thread except OP’s posts, but surely when the DC finds out about FC they’re going to realise that their parent was really mean to them? Aside from the general meanness that seems like a good reason not to do it

[Evasmissingletter]

Horrible bullying behavior. Imagine how upset the child would be. Why on earth would anyone think this is a good idea. Children don’t need to be taught a lesson how to be humble on Christmas Day .

[RandomPerson42]

That is nasty

[Smileandtheworldsmileswithyou]

No, don’t do this to your 9 year old child on Christmas Day.

[Hollyhead]

Mean