teacher sacked for telling children that Santa does not exist

[wannaBe]

here

I think that you can tell when they want to know.Mine all went through a time of not really believing but wanting to, and asking questions, which I played along with. When they asked me outright I told them the truth because they were ready. They were quite happy to keep it up for younger DCs because they enjoyed it so much, they wouldn't have wanted to spoil it. You can't tell a whole class because you think they are old enough-you take the lead from them and it is very pesonal.

Lemontart, I so agree. My seven year old is starting to ask questions, but I am evasive only because I KNOW he wants it to be true and would be upset if I was to be assertive about it being a story. when he asks if it is true, I will tell him.

Anna : "All these FC haters who want their children to know the "truth" - do you never go to the cinema/read a novel/watch a series on TV?"

Yes but that's my point.

DS1 was telling me that he knows FC is the same as semething on TV or in a book.

He said it with a big smile on his face. It's FUN to him but that doesn't mean I have to try and keep up some illusion - he has enough imagination to do it himself.

He has been excited for weeks about Christmas but is loving all the decorating, having family over etc.

He's quite at people asking him if he's given Santa a list etc.

My 7 yr old believes! And my 10 yr old is mighty convincing that she still believes. I love the fact that their imagination is allowed to be indulged at this magical time of year. Its fun! And harmless, IMO, so I would be upset if a teacher said such a thing. Let them be children that little bit longer!

I think that DS sort of found out from other kids at school. He asked me, in a roundabout way, if FC was real. I said that I didn't know but I was sure that he only brought stockings to those that believed in him.
Because he is a canny lad, DS still 'believes'. As does DH, and he's 45!

FFS it's not a lie. Most kids are capable of understanding the concept of fantasy and pretending by aged 3. It's creating a fantasy world for them

My DSS definately believed in FC at 7 and he was in an innercity school where most of the kids believed too.ie