When Do Kids Ask If Santa Is Real?

Updated on December 04, 2009
M.D. asks from Hurst, TX
6 answers

My oldest son is in the 4th grade and just turned 10. I'm surprised he hasn't asked about Santa yet. At what age do kids typically ask about or learn from their friends that Santa isn't real?

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

Most likely he already knows... but won't tell you.. I think usually around 1st-2nd grade they find out from their friends. I remember my middle son was in either the 4th or 5th grade and was tired and in a bad mood. I don't remember all the conversation but he was pushing my last nerve and and I said something to him like "What, do you really think there is a tooth fairy and Easter bunny"; and with a serious sad look he said, you mean they aren't real? Then months later we were talking and he said he already knew but he as mad at me... I really thought I burst his bubble... My parents would hide most of our presents and when we woke up on Christmas morning the tree was full of them until I left home...

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I'd say that the average is about 7 or 8. Mine asked at this last easter. She's 8. I found out when I was 8 too.
Let him believe as long as he wants! It's just a little more magical when you do. :)

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T.C.

answers from Dallas on

He probably already knows, but here's how we handled it.

At that age, he also understands that their are multiple names for lots of objects. I told my girls that "Santa" was just another name for "I love you". And that as long as they believed in "Santa" then he'd come to our house. Now, they are grown "18& 21" and wrap everything, but we still have at least ONE give from "Santa".

:-) T.

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V.B.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter is in the 3rd grade and just asked this year. I don't know if it was because of friends or not, she never said. But I was honest with her. She still isn't sure if she wants to believe me so she is going to write a letter to Santa ( not telling me what it says) and if she gets what she asked for then she will still believe if not then she will know for sure. I thought that was fair. But had she not asked me I would have let her believe as she wanted. I see no harm in it. Hope that helps.

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V.P.

answers from Dallas on

It depends on the child. Our oldest knew when she was 5-6 (she's super bright and more serious to begin with - never really got into imaginative play, etc.)

Our younger daughter is 8 and still doesn't know. She's loves to play with dolls, stuffed animals, etc. (ie she's really into imagination, pretend play, etc.)

On a separate note, my 8yo got an American Girl doll catalog in the mail this week and began mentally "shopping." Finally, after she told me "No, I want this." about 20 times, I said, why don't you make a list and figure out how much the things you want cost. A half hour later, she came to me with a calculator and her list and simply said "$1,014.??" WHAT!?! When I explained to her that that was too expensive, she said, "Oh, you don't have to get it mama, I'll ask Santa." Now I've got to figure out how to explain Santa economics to her!

Good luck!
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E.C.

answers from Dallas on

Mine asked last year (she was 5) and I detoured the question. She has known the Easter Bunny isnt real since I think before last Easter so she was maybe 4 1/2.

I think I was in 2nd when I found out.

E.

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