TA informed class about the man in red

[fleecesmum]

So, my 8yo comes home with the tale that during afternoon prayer time a child in class asked to remember Santa in prayers. The class were then informed by the TA that Santa is a fictional character. Am I completely wrong to be angry about this? My child is quite upset, and I feel that to disclose or not should be the parents choice. Anyone else had to deal with similar?

Not TAs place to reveal truth about FC.

I'd be fuming.

I had to take a year 5 child aside last week to have a quiet word with him about not spilling the beans which was bad enough - but an adult!

I would be furious. My 7 year old still absolutely believes and my 10 year old says she does - although am fairly confident that she doesn't...

What a horrid thing for a teacher to do

could you say that the TA was right somewhat, and that Santa lives in the North Pole during the year, and only comes out at Christmas Eve, so al these other Santas are stand ins, and maybe this is what the TA was referring to?

Honestly, honestly?? You do want honesty, right?

yabu, my children get indoctrinated about FC at school, we never taught them the Santa/FC myth. We weren't interested in it. The school adults around them talk about FC constantly. So then Dc came home & say that there is a person called FC because all the other children and (seemingly) adults believe. Even though I try to gently say otherwise, DC are adamant about Santa existing. So I have learnt to roll with it, even though it's not something I would choose to teach DC.

If i have to put up with that, well... I can't muster much sympathy. How do you think Jewish, Muslim & Jehovah's Witnesses kids cope? You've already told your child a range of myths to do with FC, just invent one more to smooth this crisis of doubt over.

Some of the older ones at my sons school announced to the little ones that Santa wasn't real. Much upset was caused, my retort....'He only exists to/for those who believe'.

This idea can be seen/ reinforced if you wish, in many of the wonderful childrens films like the one with the train in, I'm so bad with names, the Santa Express/ Christmas express/ North pole something. Only those who believe can here the Christmas bell ring.

Hear not here, sorry!

SNORT
Santa's a fictional character, but they're all praying?!

I don't think it's ok that she did that, but the irony's killing me

LePrune, that tickled me too. Sorry.

Can you change the title? A teacher didn't inform the class that Santa isn't real - that bit is fictional too.

I'm not particularly religious but it's a christian school therefore they say prayers, the point being; should I choose to tell my child that pink monkeys creep in nightly to check that she is sleeping, then as her parent, that is my choice, provided that what I'm saying isn't harmful to her. As a responsible adult I wouldn't dream of telling someone else's child that their parents are lying to them!

Children don't stay innocent for long these days and I just think it's a shame that this person chose to ruin what is in effect a harmless fantasy for every child in the class- and probably for a lot of their younger siblings too!

That's outrageous! I don't go cats bum face over many things but seriously I would be doing an "up-the-school" mum stomp over that one! Bet the teacher was mortified!

IT WASN'T A TEACHER!!!!!!!

But I can see why you thought it was - given the erroneous title.

Love that! leprune

I think suggestion that FC is only real to those who believe is a great one.

Also think it was sweet that your child wanted to pray for FC - that shows a great deal of consideration - the poor guy travels all about.

Now you cynics out there - and those wishing to follow FC/ Santa's exploits - may I introduce you to possibly the best use of government money (in this case US government) I've come across - and the whole world can benefit: Check out NORAD Santa www.noradsanta.org/en/

Satellite's track Santa's progress on Christmas Eve - with reports of sitings. Fabulous fun - even for the grumpiest Scrooge!

Hi there OP
First off, at TA.
Secondly, I am going to change this thread title if that's okay.
Preserving the mystery and all that.
Merry Christmas, one and all.
M Towers

feeni are you shouting at me?

Sorry should be reports of sightings (of Santa)....

There are also Christmas games on the website as well!

Thank you, Olivia

Sorry, planetpotty, was cross because I had already pointed out it wasn't a teacher once and was totally ignored.

Am over it now

Have some .

Omg Feeni- lil bit pedantic there...

I am aware the woman is a TA, however as far as my child is concerned she teaches the class and is therefore a teacher. Thus the post was titled "teacher told..."

Your child is not an MN poster, as far as I am aware, fleecesmum. To the whole of MN, a teacher is a teacher and a TA is a TA. Expect complaints if you choose to confuse the two, since they are separate entities. Sometimes their qualifications overlap, but mostly they are separated by at least a QTS. And some sense, in this particular TA's case.

If we are going to be pedantic shouldn't the title now read 'Apparently TA informed class about the man in red'? After all OP hasn't told us she has confirmed that this was said.

With 'allegedly' in brackets.