Santa Claus: A Fun Holiday Tradition or a Harmful Lie?

Is Santa Claus a fun holiday tradition or a harmful lie?

Critics of Santa argue that using a fictional character to judge behavior and the idea of a naughty and nice list is not only ineffective, but moreover teaches children to behave only to avoid being on the naughty list. And this messaging may even have a negative impact on children in the longterm.

Many parents are worried. So what does the research tell us? Does Santa encourage good behavior? Is it lying to encourage a belief in Santa? Will children be upset when they find out the truth? And can parents encourage children to believe for longer?

Let's find out!
 
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Parenting Translator is hosted by Dr. Cara Goodwin and is produced by Earfluence.

Dr. Cara Goodwin, Ph.D., is a child psychologist and mother to three children who "translates" research on parenting and child development into information that is accurate, relevant, and useful to parents.

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I’m Dr. Cara Goodwin, child psychologist and mom of three.

Parents, here’s the problem. We face questions each moment of the day about what is best for our children but we lack the time to research each and every question we face. My primary goal is to get research-backed information into your hands that is accurate, relevant, and helpful.

As a parent of four young kids, I am definitely “in it” myself. Parenting Translator is where we share all the research that is important to me as a psychologist and mom and explain it in an unbiased way that can change your life and your kids’ lives today.