When did your children figure out that they don't really exist? I have an eight year old and a six year old and I think that this will be the last year for them. I think my eight year old is figuring it out. Would love to have one more year with my six year old but am afraid his brother will tip him off to the truth.

I guess it must have been around age 6, but I don't really know. If kids had any sense, they'd not let on that they know so that the extra benefits go on longer lol

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I guess it must have been around age 6, but I don't really know. If kids had any sense, they'd not let on that they know so that the extra benefits go on longer lol

Hehe That's very true! But I guess the draw to showing how old and wise they are is stronger than wanting the benefits. I think my daughter was around 6, too, although she claims she suspected around age 4 "because it just didn't make sense."

When myd aughtyer was 4 she figured it out. And was not disapointed. teh way she saw it Santa needed help. so we made a list and bought gifts so sanata woudlnot be embarassed that he forgot or lost a package.
Now that we are orthodox jewish we dont do teh santa thing.. instead we do the other holidays. BUt celebrate halloweenw ith all the fixins.

It was easier to handle her helpfullness than dissapointment........

I can see how it would be nice for them to find out. A lot less hassle on Christmas Eve that's for sure. I have since found out that my eight year old does know that we are Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Our kids believed in Santa Claus a couple of more years than we thought they would; maybe it just suited them to believe awhile longer. The toothfairy, easter bunny etc they figured out pretty quickly.

I told all my children that they didnt exist. I just couldn't deal with that heart breaking time when they find out on their own.

Mine recognise Santa in a picture but do not understand that he brings presents at Christmas. I am unsure of what to do really as I do not want to lie to them. I think I will just let other people tell them and not confirm or deny anything about it, therefore I will keep the magic alive but not lie to them.

My daughter still believes in them and I plan to keep it that way for a few more years. It is something I love sharing with her, because it is something that I shared with my family when I was a kid as well, and I recall how much fun I actually had those times of innocence so I plan to have my daughter enjoy it as much as she possibly can.

Awww, six years old is too young to find out about it, can't you tell your eight-year-old to keep it a secret from his brother?

I remember always having an inkling that it wasn't real. I think I heard so much paper rustling in my parents bedroom that I was suspicious. I was afraid to ask as I thought I would not get any presents if I didn't believe.

I also remember being excited about getting lots of presents rather than with the magic of santa.

We never celebrated Easter in our house although we did leave teeth for the tooth fairy.