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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Curval on December 04, 2002, 10:18:22 AM

Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 04, 2002, 10:18:22 AM
Santa Claus...the Easter bunny...the tooth fairy are all innocent little white lies we tell our kids.

Should we be doing this?  

We teach our kids that they should not lie...yet we lie to them every Christmas, Easter, and each time a tooth falls out, and only tell them the truth when they are "old enough".  Usually it isn't even the parents that inform them of the non-existance of these myths.

How does this affect the teaching of morality to our children, particularly in relation to religion?  We tell them lies about Santa et al...do they by chance lump God in the same category?  

Your thoughts?
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: LePaul on December 04, 2002, 10:22:07 AM
...what do you mean "no Santa Claus" ???

You mean I'm being good for nuthin!!    :P

Curval, did beleiving in Santa and the Easter bunny traumatize you at a later date?  No?  Well....enjoy  :)  The "Santa's Watching" bit is great to shape kids up this time of year!
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: midnight Target on December 04, 2002, 10:27:05 AM
After buying a house last month, I told the kids Santa died.
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 04, 2002, 10:30:24 AM
Quote
Originally posted by LePaul
[BCurval, did beleiving in Santa and the Easter bunny traumatize you at a later date?  No?  Well....enjoy  :)   [/B]


Dunno man...not saying I'm traumatised by it, but I am extremely sceptical about religion...is this the root of my scepticism?  I don't know..maybe.

My parents lied about Santa...when they told me about God I probably rolled my eyes and went.."rrrriiight..just like Santa."
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Ripsnort on December 04, 2002, 10:31:48 AM
Its not lying.

They eventually find out that Mom and Dad are indeed Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the Tooth Fairy (okay, so I'm NOT the tooth fairy...but I play one at night occasionally :D )

Oh, and I play God once in a while ..."Golly-geemit! Who left my tools out!  I'm going to send you to the moon!"
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 04, 2002, 10:36:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripsnort
Its not lying.

They eventually find out that Mom and Dad are indeed Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the Tooth Fairy (okay, so I'm NOT the tooth fairy...but I play one at night occasionally :D )


ahhhhh...good answer, except every year there is a funny guy in a red suit that claims to be Santa, so it is still a lie.  A little white lie admittedly..but a lie nonetheless.
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Ripsnort on December 04, 2002, 10:39:23 AM
My kids know that the "guy in the red suit" is playing "halloween" a wee bit later than most.  The real McCoy comes down the chimney and you never get to meet him until you realize one day that Mom and Dad are your true "Santa's". ;)
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: capt. apathy on December 04, 2002, 11:02:04 AM
don't forget to tell them about the elves.

the elves do recon for santa.  there is no way santa could cover all the houses if it wasn't for the elves.  they arive ahead of santa and prep the LZ.  make sure the dogs not in the living room, check for alternate entrys if they don't have a chimney, make sure the milks not soured, & most important of all to check for naughty little boys and girls who try to stay awake and see santa at work (absolutly forbiden).
 
 thats why the elves have their special pointed shoes.  these are used to kick the eyes out of bad children who try to stay awake and see santa.  (this also explains why sometimes these shoes are drawn with little balls on the toes).

for some reason getting the kids to go to bed on time was never an issue at our house. some christmas eves they where in bed by 7:30 all on their own
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: miko2d on December 04, 2002, 11:05:43 AM
When did the Santa myth originate? 300 years ago? What was the state of knowlege of an average family then?

 I bet everything a common man knew about the world in general (outside details of his craft which could be extensive but not sutable for children stories) could have been written on one dull page - and he had no idea there is something else to be known. So they resorted to fantasies and myths to keep children's curiosity and thirst for wonder satisfied.

 Now the life is so full or wonder and mystery and facination, that it just does not make sense to waste time with stupid myths - which would have long died like other ones if not kept alive by commercials.

 I'd say - do not "lie".
 Explain to kids who St Nicolas was and how we selebrate him by having actors dress in red suit. That makes quite a facinating story by itself.
 Children have no problem enjoying tales while realising those are not reality, so your children should still be able to enjoy the deers and other parafernalia and festivities associated with the Santa story.

 miko
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Ripsnort on December 04, 2002, 11:07:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by miko2d
When did the Santa myth originate? 300 years ago? What was the state of knowlege of an average family then?

 I bet everything a common man knew could have been written on one dull page - and he had no idea there is something else to be known. So they resorted to fantasies and myths to keep children's curiosity and thirst for wonder satisfied.

 Now the life is so full or wonder and mystery and facination, that it just does not make sence to waste time with stupid myths - which would have long died like other ones if not kept alive by commercials.

 I'd say - do not "lie".
 Explain to kids who St Nicolas was and how we selebrate him by having actors dress in red suit. That makes quite a facinating story by itself.
 Children have no problem enjoying tales while realising those are not reality, so your children should still be able to enjoy the deers and other parafernalia and festivities associated with the Santa story.

 miko


Good post!  Good plan too!
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Ripsnort on December 04, 2002, 11:09:43 AM
Incidently, this link is  a good one for small children, read it to them as Miko suggests:
http://www.cptryon.org/prayer/child/nick.html
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: poopster on December 04, 2002, 11:25:26 AM
Quote
yet we lie to them every Christmas


I have two grown children, a grandson and a grandchild on the way.

There is a Santa Claus.

If you really think there isn't, thats truely sad, I feel for you.
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: midnight Target on December 04, 2002, 11:35:11 AM
Check out the NORAD Santa tracker site.

http://www.noradsanta.org/
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Sox62 on December 04, 2002, 11:46:59 AM
You could always save money at Christmas by showing your kids this....
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: whgates3 on December 04, 2002, 11:47:15 AM
we should lie to children if it in some way can assist us in taking their money
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: john9001 on December 04, 2002, 02:53:55 PM
if there is no santa , then where did all the gifts marked "from santa", that i got as a kid  come from ? they had to come from somewhere, i still get some "from santa" gifts.

some times i play "santa " and give cash to street people at xmas, but i lie to them, i tell them it came from god.
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Sandman on December 04, 2002, 03:17:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by whgates3
we should lie to children if it in some way can assist us in taking their money


Yep... lie to the kids... lie to the wife... it's all about keeping everyone happy. They can't handle the truth. :D
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Thrawn on December 04, 2002, 03:46:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
some times i play "santa " and give cash to street people at xmas, but i lie to them, i tell them it came from god.


You think you're god?
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Sandman on December 04, 2002, 03:47:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Thrawn
You think you're god?


He can't be. I am.
Title: Re: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: funkedup on December 04, 2002, 05:35:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Curval
Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?


How else would I get laid?
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: whgates3 on December 05, 2002, 12:49:20 AM
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL OLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLO LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

i should shorten that to LOLSBUIP (laugh out loud - stop breathing - urinate in pants)
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: SaburoS on December 05, 2002, 04:10:56 AM
Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?

For all you parents/adults out there, let me ask you this if you say all lying is bad:

Your young child, nephew, niece, etc gave you a piece of 'art work' that they worked hard on that wasn't so good.

Do you tell the truth and say it's not good?
or
Do you lie and say it's a wonderful work of art and you'll treasure it?
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Leslie on December 05, 2002, 05:26:33 AM
That's a tough question Saburo.  Probably the best way to handle it is, to look for awhile at the drawing and say, hummmm.  Then ask them about it, and they will tell you what's going on in the picture.

Even children can detect insincerity, if you just look at it quickly and say, "That's a nice drawing."  Or that's a beautiful drawing/picture, what is it?  Or worse, "That's a good picture of a cow."  ...When it's supposed to be a horse.

Saying you like it is judgemental.  Children see right through this as bogus.

Best thing to do is take some time to consider the artwork, and let them tell you about it.


Les
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: wklink on December 05, 2002, 06:01:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Leslie
That's a tough question Saburo.  Probably the best way to handle it is, to look for awhile at the drawing and say, hummmm.  Then ask them about it, and they will tell you what's going on in the picture.

Even children can detect insincerity, if you just look at it quickly and say, "That's a nice drawing."  Or that's a beautiful drawing/picture, what is it?  Or worse, "That's a good picture of a cow."  ...When it's supposed to be a horse.

Saying you like it is judgemental.  Children see right through this as bogus.

Best thing to do is take some time to consider the artwork, and let them tell you about it.


Les


Tell that to my five year old.  He draws some really interesting pictures, something akin to the cat barfing on a piece of paper sometimes.

I still say 'Awesome picture dude!!!!  What is it?'  He lights up with the complement.  You don't have to say it's ready for the art gallery but something positive is always necessary, particularly when they are small.

As for Santa.  It may be lying but you know what?  They are only young, innocent and carefree for once in their life.   Why destroy that at an early age.  Let the kids believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, whatever.  It seems that kids get older faster and more cynical even more quickly.  The age of innocence disappears rapidly these days, I don't believe in hastening it.
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Eagler on December 05, 2002, 07:31:41 AM
never ever lie to anyone about anything ....

... then you can change your name to Forrest Gump :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Re: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 05, 2002, 07:38:59 AM
Quote
Originally posted by funkedup
How else would I get laid?


Are there lots of weird guys sitting on porches playing the banjo where you live?:p
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Creamo on December 05, 2002, 09:31:05 AM
Tell that to my five year old. He draws some really interesting pictures, something akin to the cat barfing on a piece of paper sometimes.

I still say 'Awesome picture dude!!!! What is it?' He lights up with the complement. You don't have to say it's ready for the art gallery but something positive is always necessary, particularly when they are small.



Never Lie to Your Kids (http://www.ibosh.com/pix/Iam.htm)
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: funkedup on December 05, 2002, 09:36:46 AM
Curval I don't have kids.  Keep an eye on yer daughters!  :)
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 05, 2002, 10:29:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by funkedup
Curval I don't have kids.  Keep an eye on yer daughters!  :)


LOL...okay, but I have two sons..should I still keep an eye on them.;)
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Curval on December 05, 2002, 01:33:10 PM
Poopster...I guess you feel really sorry for this priest too:

http://www.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=71843&referrerid=4884
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: funkedup on December 05, 2002, 01:37:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Curval
LOL...okay, but I have two sons..should I still keep an eye on them.;)


LMAO!
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: Creamo on December 05, 2002, 01:53:44 PM
WOW! LOMAO! Incredible! WOW!
Title: Is it a good idea to lie to our kids?
Post by: funkedup on December 05, 2002, 02:01:22 PM
SHUDDUP AIRLINE RUINER!!

HOOPTY SMILEY

:p :p :p :p :p