DR. BRETT SCHMOLL
OFFICE: FACULTY TOWERS 201A
OFFICE HOURS: TUE AND THU 12-1
OFFICE PHONE: 661-654-6549
BASICS OF THE COURSE EACH WEEK
These are time sensitive. You do not receive credit if you write them after the deadline each week. Furthermore, if you are in the habit of writing everything on Saturday you will not receive full credit. Why? There would be no time for others to interact with your writing. Write early; write often! Right? Right!
First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words) which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question. Each week, you must do the blog entry with enough time left in the week to be able to enter into dialogue online with your classmates. Write, reply, write more, reply more, and then write and reply more.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the SATURDAY (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. This entry should be a long paragraph. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESPOND TO OTHER STUDENTS' PART THREE EACH WEEK.
The argument of believing in Santa Clause as “healthy” is primarily built upon the assumption that he symbolizes positive things. This article points out that Santa stands for tradition, imagination and giving to the unfortunate. However, I think that Christmas has traveled far from the idea of being selfless. If anything it is more about consumption than ever before. I feel that in today’s society, Santa is merely a product of materialism. Kids see him as the man that will bring them toys. Furthermore, the idea of this myth developing a child’s imagination seems farfetched. Children are fed an image of how he looks and dresses. Not much is left open for interpretation and imagination. I think imagination stems from abstract games, reading books without pictures and creating a world of your own. I realize that this sounds syndical, but I do find tradition, imagination and a giving heart important. I merely do not see Santa Claus as promoting any of these qualities.
I think believing in Santa Claus Is not a very harmful thing for kids. I remember a time when I was five, I believed in Santa Claus then I got over it really fast when my older sister told me he wasn’t real. I remember crying to my mom asking if it was true or not and then she told me it wasn’t true. I remember being disappointed and mad at my sister for telling me. It never harmed my thinking in believing in myths, I think it made me more of a kid who liked making stories in my head. I knew they were not real but it was just the fact that I had an imagination. But I don’t think that Santa Claus is anything like St. Nicholas. I never remembered thinking that Santa Claus was a good man because he was giving toys to the people. What I don’t like now is that Santa Claus is being used to sell more on Christmas. Nobody seems to care why Christmas was really made in the first place. Now it’s all about Black Friday and so on which is a bit sad.
I believe that having children believe in Santa is a good thing. Every child deserves to feel the spirit of the holidays. Kids should be encouraged to have imaginations and believe that all things are possible even Santa. Believing in Santa is one of the main memories of a kid's childhood. The whole idea that there is a Santa that goes around giving kids toys and gifts if they are good can also help parents as well because then they can use the Santa story to make sure that their kids are good kids. I don't think believing in Santa as a kid does any harm. I believed in Santa and when I found out the truth it didn't do any harm to me. Writing letters to Santa Claus and making him cookies is something every kid should get the chance to do because the kids will be making memories. I think that kids should be able to believe in Santa and any mythical character as long as it is not doing them any harm. At the end of the day no one is harmed by believing is Santa and nor is anyone being harmed by not believing the story of Santa. I know for a fact that when I have my own kids I will let them believe in Santa and all the other mythical characters as well because I believe its a part of being a kid. At the end of the day everyone is different and allowing kids to believe in Santa is a choice that should be made by that child's parents only.
I believe that it is completely okay for children to believe in Santa Clause. Like Dr. Matthew Lorber said, its about having an imagination and having an imagination is beneficial for all children. Having an imagination is an amazing thing, especially currently since there really is not much room for imagination due to television and technologies. Believing in Santa or the Tooth Fairy gives children the idea that there are benefits for behaving well. When my teeth would fall out, my parents would tell me I had to be good for the whole week or else the Tooth Fairy wouldn’t visit (I know most kids just get a visit from the Tooth Fairy that same night their tooth falls out, but I guess my Tooth Fairy just had a different schedule). Also getting gifts from Santa was another incentive to behave and be nice to my sister, which was sometimes very hard, but for gifts from Santa I would do anything. I think some people would call this “bribing” children to be good, but I personally like to think of it as rewarding them for being good kids. It also teaches kids that if they are good and behave well that good things can be the result. I know that when my husband and I have kids and they get old enough to know who Santa Clause is, we will bring that tradition into our home. My mom still writes “From Santa” on some of my gifts and I am 20 years old! Its just a family tradition and I will definitely bring this tradition into my family.
I believe it is good for children to believe in Santa. Like the article said, it helps with their imagination. Adults even use their imagination, which helps people come up with the concept of television and all the new technology that we have now. Many adults don't use their imagination anymore which is very sad to think about. Another good reason would be that the child can think and process if Santa is real or not on their own, which is going to need to be developed sooner or later. The aspect of goodwill and kindness is a great trait to keep a hold of, especially since the world can be nasty at times. I see more positive qualities to children believing in Santa than the few negatives that are given.
I do not see any harm in children believing the existence of Santa. Like other fairytales or mythical figures, Santa is an inspiration to the youth. Children use their imagination and believe in things that are not real all on their own, so it would not be like the parents are lying to their child purposefully. If we hinder the imagination of children early on, it may have adverse affects in the future. If we did not have imagination as adults, many companies that we rely on for our technology needs today would not have even started. Also, Santa is a huge part of Christmas tradition and he helps parents teach their children as well. Children will do anything to stay on the "nice" list and off the "naughty" list so that they can receive a present from Santa. It may seem like bribery but if we really think about it, lessons taught to children are accomplished by giving them special treats or praising them. Even though I am not a child anymore, I still believe in Santa. My parents did not even have to tell me he was not real. I found out myself and still chose to believe in him. Not necessarily a physical Santa, but the idea of someone who brings happiness to people all around the world.
I believe that the belief of Santa Claus is healthy depending on the approach. The issue with society today is that we introduce our children to adulthood way to soon. This sometimes is out of our control, when you think about the level of support the child has, there comes a question to their youth; for example, a child within a family with traditions and morals can introduce the concept of Santa with innocence. Whereas, a child in an unsupported situation can only believe what they know, or what they have learned from their surroundings. I stand strong on keeping a child as a child for as long as the world permits it. With imagination and creativity, stories and myths, there comes a sense of upward thinking and truth to a child. I come from a world of culture and traditions, the stories and experiences told are passed down through generations. The myths that were told were of a simple person giving gifts with texture, color, to support or impose the importance of that myth, in order to get the message across. Think about it, as the story teller, would you rather just pass the information across as facts, or would you rather tell a story that defies all the odds and explains triumph with a moral message. It’s like the movie “BIG FISH,” The story of a son trying to learn about his dying father through the stories and the myths he told about his life (Director Tim Burton, 2003). There is a dying father who tells his son about all the adventures he experienced within his life and all the friends he made along the way. It’s a must see to understand the importance of believing something and keeping the innocence.
I believe that the belief in Santa Clause is a positive outcome for children because like the reading said it helps create a creative mind and helps children follow their beliefs. Children have the tendency to not believe things but with reassurance and help from parents, it helps them believe in their beliefs more and creates a better lifestyle for the child. Kids need to believe in things and learn how to follow their beliefs because if not, they will tend to not believe things people say and assume they are always right. This is similar to religion and the faith that people have. Kids learn to believe in their faith starting with Christmas and Santa Clause.
As a child growing up, I did believe in Santa Claus, the naughty and nice list. You can even say, as a child raised in a big family, it got me to behave majority of the time. With that said, I believe that children’s belief in Santa Claus is not harmful at all and that indeed it is a good belief. Although it may be seen as a fictional myth, it cannot harm children that do believe in a Santa Claus because its parental choice, if they decide to inform their children or not. As a Santa Claus believer as a child, it did me no harm to believe in him. As a matter of fact, looking back at it I think it only made my holidays spiritual and exciting because as a kid that’s how you see life. Life as a child is all about imagination, fairytales and exploring beyond reality; it’s what helps a child grow and achieve bigger goals in life. If one is taken away from fairytales and wonders, then what is left in life? Maybe now as a grown up one may think all those fairytales were a waste of time. But if one truly thinks about it, in reality these fantasy myths are what has brought you to this point in life.
I strongly encourage anyone at any age to utilize his or her imagination to their best ability. It's perceived to be socially acceptable for a child to have a wide imagination, and bizarre for an adult to have eccentric ideas. This may be because we perceive adults as mature figures and able to differentiate what is a myth and what isn't. So, I think it's healthy for children to believe in Santa. I feel that it is appropriate for them to believe in fictitious characters because it exercises the developmental process in the brain. Also, it is good for them to increase their creativity. There's always going to be a point when they stop believing that Santa exists, however, I don't think that we should discourage any child from believing in what he or she wants to. If anything it would most likely crush the child's spirits.
As a child, I believed in Santa clause. From reading the article, I think that believing in Santa can be good for children. It teaches children to believe in something bigger than themselves, even if it does use an imaginary being to do so. I also think that, belief in Santa encourages children to behave for at least part of the year. If allowing your child to believe in Santa Clause in the spirit of St. Nicholas, inspires good behavior, I have no problem with that. Imagination in children is great. Who wants a dull child with no imagination? Imagination in children is a sign of normalcy. Imagination inspires children in ways that reality cannot always do. In turn, I believe that belief in Santa is a good thing for children.
Children love Santa or the spirit of Santa. It has been around for decades and children like it. It is a good and healthy choice to let them believe about Santa because they imagine a jolly man who will bring them presents. It does encourage children to behave better and to be good among others. Most children figure out that Santa doesn’t exist by the age of 9 or 10 or even before then so there isn’t a reason to ruin it for them. The Christmas season is probably the best time of the year for many people and especially for children, they should be able to enjoy it and celebrate it and be happy during that month of December. Children look up to Santa and enjoy his make-belief stories such as that he spends the whole year making toys and that he comes down the chimney and eats cookies if the family lets cookies out for him. It is not harmful for children to believe in this man who brings joy and happiness during that month. Children are just using their imagination and feel happy about this man. When the time comes, they will figure out that this man doesn’t exist and they will carry on with their life and live a normal and healthy life, nothing will change. So, children should enjoy this fictional character and what her represents until they figure out that it is really a myth. Once they figure out that he is fake, then it just means that they have crossed over a new phase in their lives.
I believe that the belief in Santa Clause is a good thing for children. The article has a lot of psychiatrist explaining that portraying Santa Clause as a Myth or not is up to the parent and either way it's healthy. As a parent I will let my child know that Santa Clause is real and even if the child learns that Santa Clause doesn't actually fly around in a sleigh being pulled by reindeer; I will tell her/him the story of St. Nicholas. I am thankful that I believed in Santa Clause as a little kid and don't even remember when I found out that Santa Clause was not real. However, I did find out about St. Nicholas and was thankful for that knowledge. The psychiatrist were right about the fact that Christmas is the spirit of giving and families getting together to enjoy the holiday spirit. As I said on my blog my best memory for holidays happened on Christmas and it's a moment that I'm always going to remember. I actually feel sorry for kids who do not believe in Santa Clause because it's supposed to be synonymous with Christmas.
Believing in Santa Claus is good for children! My niece once asked my son, “did you know Santa is like God?” His response, “Yes, I know. Because they both know if you’re naughty or nice.” Santa helps children exercise the belief in hope, excitement and most importantly accountability. As they wake up Christmas morning, and rush over to the gifts under the Christmas tree, with a quick glance over at the empty plate of cookies and missing milk, they hope to get their favorite toy from Santa. Throughout the year parents remind them that they should behave or they may receive coal in their stocking. So, before Christmas they try to remember if they were naughty or nice. What this tradition teaches them is accountability. Parents can use the Christmas tradition as a tool for teaching accountability as long as the children believe in Santa. Believing in Santa also teaches children to have hope. They hope that they behaved well enough to earn a good gift. In life it is like thinking of the glass half full. Hope is like having a positive attitude of what a future outcome may be. As adults, we hope we interviewed good enough for the job, we worked hard enough for a raise, or we may finally get that promotion. Believing in Santa invokes a positive thinking thought process. Throughout life thinking positive and working smart not just hard, I believe, helps create new opportunities. If there is no hope, there is no vehicle for advancement or success. Nurturing a child’s imagination when it comes to believing in Santa can benefit them in the future as adults.
I think believing in Santa Clause is a good thing. The reason why is because it helps children with their imaginary skills. It gives them something to look forward on Christmas morning. I don’t think we should ruin that for the children. They go to school and work hard all year so Christmas is a time for them to relax and be kids. The kids are only little for so long so why not let them believe in something that is myth for season. The spirit of Santa Clause gives the child excitement during the holidays. That I agree with the post that Christmas is helping people out. It helps out the children out that cannot afford gifts. For example, programs like the toys for tots give gifts to children who are in unfortunate circumstances. These gifts are usually given by Santa Claus. Santa Claus spirit is alive. However, like the article posted that parents should not force children to believe. Although, I do remember being a child and my mom used to say, “those children who do not believe do not receive”. Looking back at this, I think she said this because of my younger sister. Santa Claus is a part of the holiday spirit and gives children something to connect to for during the holidays.
Honestly I believe that there is no harm in children thinking that Santa Claus is a nonfictional character while they are still early in elementary. It is healthy for a child to have a wide imagination and Santa Claus can easily be a positive role model in a child’s life. Santa Claus also known as the ol’ Saint Nick is viewed as a man who takes care of the entire world for one day by putting the exact gifts that each child wants under the Christmas trees in their houses. There are many different stories about Santa and his hard working elves that will definitely excite the imagination of a child from the age of 0 to 9 years old. The brain really begins to think critically after the age of 10, and our imaginations slowly fade away as life becomes full of reality. We can’t stay young forever so children deserve to use their imaginations as much as they can. Some may argue that teaching children to believe in Santa Claus is a bad thing because it takes glory away from Jesus’s special day. Many Christian people believe that Santa Claus is another character used to distract today’s youth from religion. Personally I think that religion should always be enforced but Santa Claus is a wonderful fictional character for the children. Teaching kids about Santa Claus isn’t a bad thing if it is used to enhance the imagination of children, but Santa can for children if it distracts them from their religion.
I think letting children believe in Santa Claus is fine as long as you don’t prolong it once they start to question and even say that they don’t really believe in him anymore. I’m not sure when it happened for me, but I think I might have been about eight or nine when I stopped believing. Once that was over it became all about Jesus Christ-given that I’m Christian. Of course I had already known about Jesus and that Christmas was his birthday and we were supposed to celebrate his birth, but as a child, believing in Santa Claus was just so much more fun. Maybe it was due to the fact he brought gifts? I’m not sure. It’s a fantastical thing-believing in someone who can give gifts to the entire world in one night. The thought of such a concept is awe inspiring, really, that so many people that you may never know can get gifts at ‘about’ the same time as you. Knowing you’re all worthy of such a thing. Which relates to Christ, I suppose, in how he’s supposed to give his followers the gift of eternal life? Beliefs are things that motivate people to keep going when everything else seems to be worthless. Without a belief I’m not sure what we would have to go on whether you’re grown or still a child. So I suppose I’d have to stick with the fact that believing in Santa as a child is fine.
I believe that there is nothing wrong about children being told about Santa Clause. Young kids have a all kinds of things around them that might not be totally real. I know many parents that lie to their kids about other things that wont bring the child anything good. I think its ok for children to think that they will be rewarded for behaving or doing something good. The myth of Santa Clues also can show a young child about sharing and giving to people who are less fortunate. When I was growing up my parents never cared to mention to me about Santa Claus because they felt that Santa was taking away from what the holiday was all about. So at a young age I was responsible for breaking the bad news to my friends. Santa Claus can also be a good thing for little kids because it also teaches them a lesson about how some things in life aren't really what they seem. But until they realize the truth about the situation I don't think there is any harm with telling children about Santa clause because they can learn that if you are good that you will be rewarded by some creepy old guy that breaks into houses by the cover of night. Personally I don't think I will tell my kids about Santa Clause but I don't see the harm if others do. I think that also goes for the tooth fairy, Easter bunny, and all the other made up things that we have created. Merry Christmas
I don't feel there is anything negative about the santa myth. How bad does it really mess with a child's mind? It never messed with mine or had ever caused me any deep condusion as a kid. Why is it so wrong to be rewared for good behavior? Not only that, but it's fun for the parents to watch thier children open gifts or participate in giving. I know Santa isn't the real meaning of christmas but children at a super young age don't comprehend the whole religous meaning really easy so I feel the Santa myth is just for fun and family enjoyment. It's part of the imagination of a child. Let them live! It also becomes tradition for children to pass on. I don't think there is a huge difference in behavior between a child that believes in Santa and one that doesn't. Usually if a child doesn't, they are probably more mature anyways and know how to behave. Santa is not the dictator of behavior year round. The parent or guardian is.
I think believing in Santa is healthy for children. Believing in Santa gets children to use their imaginations and creative thought. Not to say that children who do not believe in Santa do not have a thought process in the imaginative world, but it is nice for children to believe in something that a wide range of other children believe in as well. I think it also gives children a simplicity view on right and wrong. It teaches morals to children who may not be able to fully grasp the concept yet in a real setting. It helps children to think creatively and later, critically. I think it serves a really good purpose when the child learns to determine what is real and what is not. It helps the child to become a free and creative thinker. I think believing in Santa gives children hope and joy during the holiday season. I was not taught about Santa when I was a child, so when I heard my friends talking about Santa I waited until Christmas a searched under the tree for a present from Santa and did not find one. I was really disappointed and then realized that Santa was not real, but for a brief moment I had hope that there was someone who would recognize what a good girl I had been that year and would reward me for it. I think believing in Santa is not only fun for children, but works as a great moral compass to guide them to live within social norms and follow social influences.
I don't see any harm from believing in the story of Santa Clause. I mean they're kids, I say let their imaginations go crazy! On a more serious note though, the story really does instill good values into children at a young age. Selflessness and generosity are two virtues that we should all carry proudly, so I see no problem in letting kids get a head start on developing that trait. At a simpler level I also think that it's great family fun. Though the children aren't aware of the game they're playing along with, it gives them something to look forward to throughout the holiday season, and I'm sure there's nothing that pleases a parent more than to see their kids so excited for such an occasion. But, once they get old enough and start staking out the Christmas tree every night leading up to Christmas day, you may have some explaining to do...
I think believing in Santa Claus is not good for children. I understand how this can teach kids to be good and nice to their brothers and sisters and other people, but kids can take this the wrong way. I say that because this myth shows kids that if they are good then they get rewarded with things that they want and they get a lump of coal or nothing at all if they are bad. And as they grow up these ideas stay and grow and think that if that every time they do something good they should get rewarded. Eventually they will end up thinking that they will get everything they want when they ask for it. I have noticed that these kids would act horrible up until Christmas so they can get presents. And why would this happen? Maybe because the previous year they acted the same and still got presents and believe that as long as they behave before Christmas they will get presents. I have seen this happen with some of my younger cousins. I don’t want to be a father, but if I ever change my mind I will be sure to not tell the kid about Santa Claus.
However untrue the story of Santa Clause may be, it does provide children with benefits. The Santa myth can help develop the imagination of young minds. It allows them to think beyond their capacity to imagine the wonderful accomplishments Santa Clause provides. It can also improve a child’s behavior by being taught that boys and girls are rewarded for good behavior as opposed to being punished for bad behavior. It will work favorable at home and especially in public settings. It can help them re-think an action before following through with an unsavory one. The Santa myth has the ability to open the young minds of children and allow them to think not only of Santa Clause, but of other possibilities as well. The door to creativity can begin to open as they begin to think about the feats Santa Clause overcomes and the generous task he performs for the children of the world. The Santa myth can the development of imagination, creativity, behavior, and allow them to visualize a world beyond their own.
I really believe that Santa Claus can be a good thing for children but I also believe that parents take advantage of it and use it against their children. A lot of the time parents forget to recognize when their children are doing something good and tell them that they are doing a great job and are going to be on Santa's nice list. Instead the parents always recognize when the child is doing something bad and tell them that they are not going to make it on the nice list, lowering the child's self-esteem.
Allowing children to believe Santa Claus is real, is a good thing. As a parent I would say Santa is used as a tool for behavior and structure. You can explain what is expected out of your children regarding their behavior and if they are good they get a gift from Santa. It is fun for them and can be an effective tool when parenting. Children believing in Santa is basically a reward system, which is something I use with my son all year long. Additionally, Santa Claus and Christmas is one of the most exciting things I can remember as a child. It is something I would anticipate all year long and when the time of the year finally came I would get an indescribable feeling of excitement and happiness. You get a special feeling when you believe someone came in your house and left you gifts because you were well behaved. The myth of Santa also teaches children good values, like, the gift of giving. These are all things I would not want my children to miss out on because I believe there is a good message behind Christmas and the myth of Santa.
I can't say I have a single memory of the mythical man named Santa Claus. I do however remember having a strong belief in the tooth fairy. Being a troublesome child, I must have figured it was easier to receive rewards by simply losing a tooth than having to be nice all year long. For me Santa Claus is just a tradition. I don't think believing in Santa is necessarily good for children, but it can create good memories for them. But I definitely agreed with the statement by Lorber, "Parents should ask themselves whether they're perpetuating the myth to make their child happy or merely for their own enjoyment." Some parents do go to the extreme and can become irate if the truth about Santa Claus is revealed prematurely. I have not instilled the belief of Santa Claus in my son but if he comes home one day talking about this awesome man named Santa, I'd defiantly go along with the myth just for fun.
I strongly believe that believing in Santa Clause is not good for all children. One reason why I think having children believe in Santa Clause is bad is because you are teaching your children to be disappointed in the future. When they are older and they finally realize that Santa Clause is fake, they would really heart their hearts. They will become very disappointed because they will realize that they were believing in a lie. Who knows they might go into a great depression and when ever Christmas comes around, they will grow to hate it and will not have the Christmas spirit anymore. Another reason why I think it is not a good idea to let children believe in Santa Clause is because when ever the children go to school, there is a strong possibly that they will be bullied at school. I remember when I was younger there were things that I believed in and the other children did not. So what would happen was they all used to make fun of me and say really mean things. I do not want any child let alone my child to have to go through what I went through when I was younger. And lastly, the reason why I really do not want my children or children at that to believe on Santa Clause is because it is bit healthy. Since they are children they are still growing and they do not need the stress to see if Santa Clause will be coming or if Santa Clause will not be coming to their house. Having stress in your life can cause many health problems and can produce gray hair. You do not want your child to have to be stressed out on a small think like Santa Clause. It is not a good thing to let children believe in Santa Clause.
Yes, it’s good for children to believe in Santa Claus. If you’re a parent having your children believe in Santa Claus can actually help you instill values and help you explain to them the really meaning behind Santa Claus. You can explain to your children that Santa Claus actually went around helping the poor. Also letting children expand their imagination is good. However, when children get older they will realize that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that’s when parents need to step in an explain to them that Santa Claus isn’t real that way children won’t take it too hard.
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ReplyDeleteThe argument of believing in Santa Clause as “healthy” is primarily built upon the assumption that he symbolizes positive things. This article points out that Santa stands for tradition, imagination and giving to the unfortunate. However, I think that Christmas has traveled far from the idea of being selfless. If anything it is more about consumption than ever before. I feel that in today’s society, Santa is merely a product of materialism. Kids see him as the man that will bring them toys. Furthermore, the idea of this myth developing a child’s imagination seems farfetched. Children are fed an image of how he looks and dresses. Not much is left open for interpretation and imagination. I think imagination stems from abstract games, reading books without pictures and creating a world of your own. I realize that this sounds syndical, but I do find tradition, imagination and a giving heart important. I merely do not see Santa Claus as promoting any of these qualities.
ReplyDeleteI think believing in Santa Claus Is not a very harmful thing for kids. I remember a time when I was five, I believed in Santa Claus then I got over it really fast when my older sister told me he wasn’t real. I remember crying to my mom asking if it was true or not and then she told me it wasn’t true. I remember being disappointed and mad at my sister for telling me. It never harmed my thinking in believing in myths, I think it made me more of a kid who liked making stories in my head. I knew they were not real but it was just the fact that I had an imagination. But I don’t think that Santa Claus is anything like St. Nicholas. I never remembered thinking that Santa Claus was a good man because he was giving toys to the people. What I don’t like now is that Santa Claus is being used to sell more on Christmas. Nobody seems to care why Christmas was really made in the first place. Now it’s all about Black Friday and so on which is a bit sad.
ReplyDeleteI believe that having children believe in Santa is a good thing. Every child deserves to feel the spirit of the holidays. Kids should be encouraged to have imaginations and believe that all things are possible even Santa. Believing in Santa is one of the main memories of a kid's childhood. The whole idea that there is a Santa that goes around giving kids toys and gifts if they are good can also help parents as well because then they can use the Santa story to make sure that their kids are good kids. I don't think believing in Santa as a kid does any harm. I believed in Santa and when I found out the truth it didn't do any harm to me. Writing letters to Santa Claus and making him cookies is something every kid should get the chance to do because the kids will be making memories. I think that kids should be able to believe in Santa and any mythical character as long as it is not doing them any harm. At the end of the day no one is harmed by believing is Santa and nor is anyone being harmed by not believing the story of Santa. I know for a fact that when I have my own kids I will let them believe in Santa and all the other mythical characters as well because I believe its a part of being a kid. At the end of the day everyone is different and allowing kids to believe in Santa is a choice that should be made by that child's parents only.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is completely okay for children to believe in Santa Clause. Like Dr. Matthew Lorber said, its about having an imagination and having an imagination is beneficial for all children. Having an imagination is an amazing thing, especially currently since there really is not much room for imagination due to television and technologies. Believing in Santa or the Tooth Fairy gives children the idea that there are benefits for behaving well. When my teeth would fall out, my parents would tell me I had to be good for the whole week or else the Tooth Fairy wouldn’t visit (I know most kids just get a visit from the Tooth Fairy that same night their tooth falls out, but I guess my Tooth Fairy just had a different schedule). Also getting gifts from Santa was another incentive to behave and be nice to my sister, which was sometimes very hard, but for gifts from Santa I would do anything. I think some people would call this “bribing” children to be good, but I personally like to think of it as rewarding them for being good kids. It also teaches kids that if they are good and behave well that good things can be the result. I know that when my husband and I have kids and they get old enough to know who Santa Clause is, we will bring that tradition into our home. My mom still writes “From Santa” on some of my gifts and I am 20 years old! Its just a family tradition and I will definitely bring this tradition into my family.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is good for children to believe in Santa. Like the article said, it helps with their imagination. Adults even use their imagination, which helps people come up with the concept of television and all the new technology that we have now. Many adults don't use their imagination anymore which is very sad to think about. Another good reason would be that the child can think and process if Santa is real or not on their own, which is going to need to be developed sooner or later. The aspect of goodwill and kindness is a great trait to keep a hold of, especially since the world can be nasty at times. I see more positive qualities to children believing in Santa than the few negatives that are given.
ReplyDeleteI do not see any harm in children believing the existence of Santa. Like other fairytales or mythical figures, Santa is an inspiration to the youth. Children use their imagination and believe in things that are not real all on their own, so it would not be like the parents are lying to their child purposefully. If we hinder the imagination of children early on, it may have adverse affects in the future. If we did not have imagination as adults, many companies that we rely on for our technology needs today would not have even started. Also, Santa is a huge part of Christmas tradition and he helps parents teach their children as well. Children will do anything to stay on the "nice" list and off the "naughty" list so that they can receive a present from Santa. It may seem like bribery but if we really think about it, lessons taught to children are accomplished by giving them special treats or praising them. Even though I am not a child anymore, I still believe in Santa. My parents did not even have to tell me he was not real. I found out myself and still chose to believe in him. Not necessarily a physical Santa, but the idea of someone who brings happiness to people all around the world.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the belief of Santa Claus is healthy depending on the approach. The issue with society today is that we introduce our children to adulthood way to soon. This sometimes is out of our control, when you think about the level of support the child has, there comes a question to their youth; for example, a child within a family with traditions and morals can introduce the concept of Santa with innocence. Whereas, a child in an unsupported situation can only believe what they know, or what they have learned from their surroundings. I stand strong on keeping a child as a child for as long as the world permits it. With imagination and creativity, stories and myths, there comes a sense of upward thinking and truth to a child. I come from a world of culture and traditions, the stories and experiences told are passed down through generations. The myths that were told were of a simple person giving gifts with texture, color, to support or impose the importance of that myth, in order to get the message across. Think about it, as the story teller, would you rather just pass the information across as facts, or would you rather tell a story that defies all the odds and explains triumph with a moral message. It’s like the movie “BIG FISH,” The story of a son trying to learn about his dying father through the stories and the myths he told about his life (Director Tim Burton, 2003). There is a dying father who tells his son about all the adventures he experienced within his life and all the friends he made along the way. It’s a must see to understand the importance of believing something and keeping the innocence.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the belief in Santa Clause is a positive outcome for children because like the reading said it helps create a creative mind and helps children follow their beliefs. Children have the tendency to not believe things but with reassurance and help from parents, it helps them believe in their beliefs more and creates a better lifestyle for the child. Kids need to believe in things and learn how to follow their beliefs because if not, they will tend to not believe things people say and assume they are always right. This is similar to religion and the faith that people have. Kids learn to believe in their faith starting with Christmas and Santa Clause.
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ReplyDeleteAs a child growing up, I did believe in Santa Claus, the naughty and nice list. You can even say, as a child raised in a big family, it got me to behave majority of the time. With that said, I believe that children’s belief in Santa Claus is not harmful at all and that indeed it is a good belief. Although it may be seen as a fictional myth, it cannot harm children that do believe in a Santa Claus because its parental choice, if they decide to inform their children or not. As a Santa Claus believer as a child, it did me no harm to believe in him. As a matter of fact, looking back at it I think it only made my holidays spiritual and exciting because as a kid that’s how you see life. Life as a child is all about imagination, fairytales and exploring beyond reality; it’s what helps a child grow and achieve bigger goals in life. If one is taken away from fairytales and wonders, then what is left in life? Maybe now as a grown up one may think all those fairytales were a waste of time. But if one truly thinks about it, in reality these fantasy myths are what has brought you to this point in life.
ReplyDeleteI strongly encourage anyone at any age to utilize his or her imagination to their best ability. It's perceived to be socially acceptable for a child to have a wide imagination, and bizarre for an adult to have eccentric ideas. This may be because we perceive adults as mature figures and able to differentiate what is a myth and what isn't. So, I think it's healthy for children to believe in Santa. I feel that it is appropriate for them to believe in fictitious characters because it exercises the developmental process in the brain. Also, it is good for them to increase their creativity. There's always going to be a point when they stop believing that Santa exists, however, I don't think that we should discourage any child from believing in what he or she wants to. If anything it would most likely crush the child's spirits.
ReplyDeleteAs a child, I believed in Santa clause. From reading the article, I think that believing in Santa can be good for children. It teaches children to believe in something bigger than themselves, even if it does use an imaginary being to do so. I also think that, belief in Santa encourages children to behave for at least part of the year. If allowing your child to believe in Santa Clause in the spirit of St. Nicholas, inspires good behavior, I have no problem with that. Imagination in children is great. Who wants a dull child with no imagination? Imagination in children is a sign of normalcy. Imagination inspires children in ways that reality cannot always do. In turn, I believe that belief in Santa is a good thing for children.
ReplyDeleteChildren love Santa or the spirit of Santa. It has been around for decades and children like it. It is a good and healthy choice to let them believe about Santa because they imagine a jolly man who will bring them presents. It does encourage children to behave better and to be good among others. Most children figure out that Santa doesn’t exist by the age of 9 or 10 or even before then so there isn’t a reason to ruin it for them. The Christmas season is probably the best time of the year for many people and especially for children, they should be able to enjoy it and celebrate it and be happy during that month of December. Children look up to Santa and enjoy his make-belief stories such as that he spends the whole year making toys and that he comes down the chimney and eats cookies if the family lets cookies out for him. It is not harmful for children to believe in this man who brings joy and happiness during that month. Children are just using their imagination and feel happy about this man. When the time comes, they will figure out that this man doesn’t exist and they will carry on with their life and live a normal and healthy life, nothing will change. So, children should enjoy this fictional character and what her represents until they figure out that it is really a myth. Once they figure out that he is fake, then it just means that they have crossed over a new phase in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the belief in Santa Clause is a good thing for children. The article has a lot of psychiatrist explaining that portraying Santa Clause as a Myth or not is up to the parent and either way it's healthy. As a parent I will let my child know that Santa Clause is real and even if the child learns that Santa Clause doesn't actually fly around in a sleigh being pulled by reindeer; I will tell her/him the story of St. Nicholas. I am thankful that I believed in Santa Clause as a little kid and don't even remember when I found out that Santa Clause was not real. However, I did find out about St. Nicholas and was thankful for that knowledge. The psychiatrist were right about the fact that Christmas is the spirit of giving and families getting together to enjoy the holiday spirit. As I said on my blog my best memory for holidays happened on Christmas and it's a moment that I'm always going to remember. I actually feel sorry for kids who do not believe in Santa Clause because it's supposed to be synonymous with Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBelieving in Santa Claus is good for children! My niece once asked my son, “did you know Santa is like God?” His response, “Yes, I know. Because they both know if you’re naughty or nice.” Santa helps children exercise the belief in hope, excitement and most importantly accountability. As they wake up Christmas morning, and rush over to the gifts under the Christmas tree, with a quick glance over at the empty plate of cookies and missing milk, they hope to get their favorite toy from Santa. Throughout the year parents remind them that they should behave or they may receive coal in their stocking. So, before Christmas they try to remember if they were naughty or nice. What this tradition teaches them is accountability. Parents can use the Christmas tradition as a tool for teaching accountability as long as the children believe in Santa. Believing in Santa also teaches children to have hope. They hope that they behaved well enough to earn a good gift. In life it is like thinking of the glass half full. Hope is like having a positive attitude of what a future outcome may be. As adults, we hope we interviewed good enough for the job, we worked hard enough for a raise, or we may finally get that promotion.
ReplyDeleteBelieving in Santa invokes a positive thinking thought process. Throughout life thinking positive and working smart not just hard, I believe, helps create new opportunities. If there is no hope, there is no vehicle for advancement or success. Nurturing a child’s imagination when it comes to believing in Santa can benefit them in the future as adults.
I think believing in Santa Clause is a good thing. The reason why is because it helps children with their imaginary skills. It gives them something to look forward on Christmas morning. I don’t think we should ruin that for the children. They go to school and work hard all year so Christmas is a time for them to relax and be kids. The kids are only little for so long so why not let them believe in something that is myth for season. The spirit of Santa Clause gives the child excitement during the holidays. That I agree with the post that Christmas is helping people out. It helps out the children out that cannot afford gifts. For example, programs like the toys for tots give gifts to children who are in unfortunate circumstances. These gifts are usually given by Santa Claus. Santa Claus spirit is alive. However, like the article posted that parents should not force children to believe. Although, I do remember being a child and my mom used to say, “those children who do not believe do not receive”. Looking back at this, I think she said this because of my younger sister. Santa Claus is a part of the holiday spirit and gives children something to connect to for during the holidays.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I believe that there is no harm in children thinking that Santa Claus is a nonfictional character while they are still early in elementary. It is healthy for a child to have a wide imagination and Santa Claus can easily be a positive role model in a child’s life. Santa Claus also known as the ol’ Saint Nick is viewed as a man who takes care of the entire world for one day by putting the exact gifts that each child wants under the Christmas trees in their houses. There are many different stories about Santa and his hard working elves that will definitely excite the imagination of a child from the age of 0 to 9 years old. The brain really begins to think critically after the age of 10, and our imaginations slowly fade away as life becomes full of reality. We can’t stay young forever so children deserve to use their imaginations as much as they can. Some may argue that teaching children to believe in Santa Claus is a bad thing because it takes glory away from Jesus’s special day. Many Christian people believe that Santa Claus is another character used to distract today’s youth from religion. Personally I think that religion should always be enforced but Santa Claus is a wonderful fictional character for the children. Teaching kids about Santa Claus isn’t a bad thing if it is used to enhance the imagination of children, but Santa can for children if it distracts them from their religion.
ReplyDeleteI think letting children believe in Santa Claus is fine as long as you don’t prolong it once they start to question and even say that they don’t really believe in him anymore. I’m not sure when it happened for me, but I think I might have been about eight or nine when I stopped believing. Once that was over it became all about Jesus Christ-given that I’m Christian. Of course I had already known about Jesus and that Christmas was his birthday and we were supposed to celebrate his birth, but as a child, believing in Santa Claus was just so much more fun. Maybe it was due to the fact he brought gifts? I’m not sure. It’s a fantastical thing-believing in someone who can give gifts to the entire world in one night. The thought of such a concept is awe inspiring, really, that so many people that you may never know can get gifts at ‘about’ the same time as you. Knowing you’re all worthy of such a thing. Which relates to Christ, I suppose, in how he’s supposed to give his followers the gift of eternal life? Beliefs are things that motivate people to keep going when everything else seems to be worthless. Without a belief I’m not sure what we would have to go on whether you’re grown or still a child. So I suppose I’d have to stick with the fact that believing in Santa as a child is fine.
ReplyDeleteI believe that there is nothing wrong about children being told about Santa Clause. Young kids have a all kinds of things around them that might not be totally real. I know many parents that lie to their kids about other things that wont bring the child anything good. I think its ok for children to think that they will be rewarded for behaving or doing something good. The myth of Santa Clues also can show a young child about sharing and giving to people who are less fortunate. When I was growing up my parents never cared to mention to me about Santa Claus because they felt that Santa was taking away from what the holiday was all about. So at a young age I was responsible for breaking the bad news to my friends. Santa Claus can also be a good thing for little kids because it also teaches them a lesson about how some things in life aren't really what they seem. But until they realize the truth about the situation I don't think there is any harm with telling children about Santa clause because they can learn that if you are good that you will be rewarded by some creepy old guy that breaks into houses by the cover of night. Personally I don't think I will tell my kids about Santa Clause but I don't see the harm if others do. I think that also goes for the tooth fairy, Easter bunny, and all the other made up things that we have created. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteI don't feel there is anything negative about the santa myth. How bad does it really mess with a child's mind? It never messed with mine or had ever caused me any deep condusion as a kid. Why is it so wrong to be rewared for good behavior? Not only that, but it's fun for the parents to watch thier children open gifts or participate in giving. I know Santa isn't the real meaning of christmas but children at a super young age don't comprehend the whole religous meaning really easy so I feel the Santa myth is just for fun and family enjoyment. It's part of the imagination of a child. Let them live! It also becomes tradition for children to pass on. I don't think there is a huge difference in behavior between a child that believes in Santa and one that doesn't. Usually if a child doesn't, they are probably more mature anyways and know how to behave. Santa is not the dictator of behavior year round. The parent or guardian is.
ReplyDeleteI think believing in Santa is healthy for children. Believing in Santa gets children to use their imaginations and creative thought. Not to say that children who do not believe in Santa do not have a thought process in the imaginative world, but it is nice for children to believe in something that a wide range of other children believe in as well. I think it also gives children a simplicity view on right and wrong. It teaches morals to children who may not be able to fully grasp the concept yet in a real setting. It helps children to think creatively and later, critically. I think it serves a really good purpose when the child learns to determine what is real and what is not. It helps the child to become a free and creative thinker. I think believing in Santa gives children hope and joy during the holiday season. I was not taught about Santa when I was a child, so when I heard my friends talking about Santa I waited until Christmas a searched under the tree for a present from Santa and did not find one. I was really disappointed and then realized that Santa was not real, but for a brief moment I had hope that there was someone who would recognize what a good girl I had been that year and would reward me for it. I think believing in Santa is not only fun for children, but works as a great moral compass to guide them to live within social norms and follow social influences.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any harm from believing in the story of Santa Clause. I mean they're kids, I say let their imaginations go crazy! On a more serious note though, the story really does instill good values into children at a young age. Selflessness and generosity are two virtues that we should all carry proudly, so I see no problem in letting kids get a head start on developing that trait. At a simpler level I also think that it's great family fun. Though the children aren't aware of the game they're playing along with, it gives them something to look forward to throughout the holiday season, and I'm sure there's nothing that pleases a parent more than to see their kids so excited for such an occasion. But, once they get old enough and start staking out the Christmas tree every night leading up to Christmas day, you may have some explaining to do...
ReplyDeleteI think believing in Santa Claus is not good for children. I understand how this can teach kids to be good and nice to their brothers and sisters and other people, but kids can take this the wrong way. I say that because this myth shows kids that if they are good then they get rewarded with things that they want and they get a lump of coal or nothing at all if they are bad. And as they grow up these ideas stay and grow and think that if that every time they do something good they should get rewarded. Eventually they will end up thinking that they will get everything they want when they ask for it. I have noticed that these kids would act horrible up until Christmas so they can get presents. And why would this happen? Maybe because the previous year they acted the same and still got presents and believe that as long as they behave before Christmas they will get presents. I have seen this happen with some of my younger cousins. I don’t want to be a father, but if I ever change my mind I will be sure to not tell the kid about Santa Claus.
ReplyDeleteHowever untrue the story of Santa Clause may be, it does provide children with benefits. The Santa myth can help develop the imagination of young minds. It allows them to think beyond their capacity to imagine the wonderful accomplishments Santa Clause provides. It can also improve a child’s behavior by being taught that boys and girls are rewarded for good behavior as opposed to being punished for bad behavior. It will work favorable at home and especially in public settings. It can help them re-think an action before following through with an unsavory one. The Santa myth has the ability to open the young minds of children and allow them to think not only of Santa Clause, but of other possibilities as well. The door to creativity can begin to open as they begin to think about the feats Santa Clause overcomes and the generous task he performs for the children of the world. The Santa myth can the development of imagination, creativity, behavior, and allow them to visualize a world beyond their own.
ReplyDeleteI really believe that Santa Claus can be a good thing for children but I also believe that parents take advantage of it and use it against their children. A lot of the time parents forget to recognize when their children are doing something good and tell them that they are doing a great job and are going to be on Santa's nice list. Instead the parents always recognize when the child is doing something bad and tell them that they are not going to make it on the nice list, lowering the child's self-esteem.
ReplyDeleteAllowing children to believe Santa Claus is real, is a good thing. As a parent I would say Santa is used as a tool for behavior and structure. You can explain what is expected out of your children regarding their behavior and if they are good they get a gift from Santa. It is fun for them and can be an effective tool when parenting. Children believing in Santa is basically a reward system, which is something I use with my son all year long. Additionally, Santa Claus and Christmas is one of the most exciting things I can remember as a child. It is something I would anticipate all year long and when the time of the year finally came I would get an indescribable feeling of excitement and happiness. You get a special feeling when you believe someone came in your house and left you gifts because you were well behaved. The myth of Santa also teaches children good values, like, the gift of giving. These are all things I would not want my children to miss out on because I believe there is a good message behind Christmas and the myth of Santa.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I have a single memory of the mythical man named Santa Claus. I do however remember having a strong belief in the tooth fairy. Being a troublesome child, I must have figured it was easier to receive rewards by simply losing a tooth than having to be nice all year long. For me Santa Claus is just a tradition. I don't think believing in Santa is necessarily good for children, but it can create good memories for them. But I definitely agreed with the statement by Lorber, "Parents should ask themselves whether they're perpetuating the myth to make their child happy or merely for their own enjoyment." Some parents do go to the extreme and can become irate if the truth about Santa Claus is revealed prematurely. I have not instilled the belief of Santa Claus in my son but if he comes home one day talking about this awesome man named Santa, I'd defiantly go along with the myth just for fun.
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that believing in Santa Clause is not good for all children. One reason why I think having children believe in Santa Clause is bad is because you are teaching your children to be disappointed in the future. When they are older and they finally realize that Santa Clause is fake, they would really heart their hearts. They will become very disappointed because they will realize that they were believing in a lie. Who knows they might go into a great depression and when ever Christmas comes around, they will grow to hate it and will not have the Christmas spirit anymore. Another reason why I think it is not a good idea to let children believe in Santa Clause is because when ever the children go to school, there is a strong possibly that they will be bullied at school. I remember when I was younger there were things that I believed in and the other children did not. So what would happen was they all used to make fun of me and say really mean things. I do not want any child let alone my child to have to go through what I went through when I was younger. And lastly, the reason why I really do not want my children or children at that to believe on Santa Clause is because it is bit healthy. Since they are children they are still growing and they do not need the stress to see if Santa Clause will be coming or if Santa Clause will not be coming to their house. Having stress in your life can cause many health problems and can produce gray hair. You do not want your child to have to be stressed out on a small think like Santa Clause. It is not a good thing to let children believe in Santa Clause.
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s good for children to believe in Santa Claus. If you’re a parent having your children believe in Santa Claus can actually help you instill values and help you explain to them the really meaning behind Santa Claus. You can explain to your children that Santa Claus actually went around helping the poor. Also letting children expand their imagination is good. However, when children get older they will realize that Santa Claus doesn’t exist and that’s when parents need to step in an explain to them that Santa Claus isn’t real that way children won’t take it too hard.
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