It appears I still have Santa believer's here. (as most of their friends are too) 2nd graders, age 8.

What age/grade does this usually stop?

~Chris
Bradley, Erica and Adam (9-2-01)

Mine are believers too. They will be 8 this month. We took them to see Santa just before Thanksgiving and DH and I just stood there in awe. I got a little teary as he asked them what they wanted and talked about school and being good. They were so quiet and answered each question with one word answers. One DS was as stiff as a board. Didn't dare move a muscle! LOL I told DH this may be the last year they really believe this lie we have been telling! LOL


Terri~
12/21/01 at 33 weeks

My guys are not sure - most of their friends do not believe. It seems that while they mostly do not believe, they get wrapped up in the season and play the game that Santa will be coming. I am reluctant to tell them otherwise and still skirt the question when they ask directly. (Santa is the spirit of giving and generousity...). I have a patient that felt very duped by her mom as she did not tell her until much older and she believed for a long time. On the other hand, I remember my mom telling me (I asked point blank) and I was HEARTBROKEN! Not sure where we will go with it this year.
Suzanne
Proud mommy to Seamus, Brendan and Casey 4/17/00

9 year old boy- naive and sweet and trusting
7 year old girls- mix of realism and a bit of understanding of fantasy/reality, and a love of all things fantasy. A couple of my more practical and logical girls have probably figured out a few things. There has been talk.

But here's a converstation as the kids are watching too much TV with too many cheap, over-priced toy ads and perusing the TRU ad. They are making lists for Santa.

DD: Mommy, do you want to see what's on my list?
Me: Sure.
DD: It's a <insert toy name here>.
Me: Can I see in the ad, I don't think I've ever heard of that.
Me: Oh,that's pretty cool, but it's awfully expensive.
DD: We can just ask Santa for it, and we can get it for FREEEEE.
Me: Honey, I think Santa has a budget too.

Have I just dashed all hope? Seriously, we are going to WDW right before Christmas and they know that mom and dad aren't getting them much under the tree. But Santa will still come, and their tastes are getting quite expensive.

MonsterMom6
10 year old ^b^ b twins @ 30w5d (1 survivor) and
8 year old gggg quads @ 32w0d

Monstermom we have had the exact same conversation when my boys asked for $100. Lego toys! LOL When they said they would just ask Santa I told them that Santa has a LOT of kids to get presents for so he has to stay on a budget! LOL

Too funny huh?!


Terri~
12/21/01 at 33 weeks

My kids are also in 2nd grade and don't have a doubt that there is a Santa. I also was wondering when kids usually figured it out. I thought they would still believe in 2nd grade, but I am surprised that they are not questioning it at all.

When it comes time, obviously, I plan to "straighten them out" about the North Pole story, flying reindeers and the elves, but I want them to understand that Santa (St. Nicholas) was a real person that did wondeful things and started the tradition. As time has gone on, people continue the work of "Santa" by working as his elves to spread the joy of Christmas. And that now since they are old enough, I hope they will also enjoy, and participate, and spread the the "magic" of the season as Santa's new elves.

That's my plan anyway. It works out perfect in my head, we'll see how in goes in real life.

Kelly
Ben, Jack & Drew 05/28/02
Charlie 07/06/06
Aunt to: Liam, Aidan & Connor 03/05/08
www.outnumberedmommy.blogspot.com

My 8 year old dds who are a few months older than your kids and in 3rd grade still believe. My 10 year old (in 4th grade) still somewhat believes, but my 11 year old (6th grader) stopped believing by 4th grade. -- Gloria


Mom to five girls: ages 11, 10, and 8/8/8

We finally told our children last year after Christmas. The oldest was in 6th grade and still vehemently believed! Sweet, but it was time to know the truth. Child #2 has questioned since 1st grade, and has known for a couple years. The triplets believed, but opted to tell them last year. Weird, but we won't do Santa this year, or ever again.


Tracey
Michael, Soccer Dude (13)
Francesca, Classical Guitarist (12)
Matthew, Slide Tackle Soccer Dude (10)
Alexis, Cheer Chick (10)
Gabrielle, Sassy Gymnast (10)

Host mom to exchange students:
Johannes, Germany (18)
Torunn, Norway (21)

We wont confirm or deny and evade in a nice joking way. My DD is totally on to the whole thing but loves asking questions and trying to trap us into a direct answer. Not much from the other guys. We have not visited Santa for at least one year, maybe two. And we never did the list thing. I think they don't believe really but they like the idea. They still like to put out the cookies and milk and the carrots for the reindeer. I dont plan on doing anything different, they'll figure it out.

Nancy

mom to beautiful BBG triplets, born February 2002 at 33 wks, 4 days

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