When do you say is a good time

I had this exact same discussion with my 8yo daughter a few days ago. She told me that the kids at school said that Santa isn't real and it's the parents that put the presents under the tree. She then looked me in the eye and asked "do you put the presents under the tree?" I have always told my daughter I would never lie to her, so I just sat there in silence looking at her. She then says "i'm right aren't I mum?" and then we discussed it. She seemed excited about the fact that for 8 years, I was able to keep that secret from her and she was ok with the whole thing. I did tell her however that it is her secret with grown ups and older kids and that she isn't to spoil it for other kids and she's fine with that. I think children find out in their own time and there is really no need to sit down with them and actually "break" the news to them. Just be honest with them when they do ask.

I killed Santa for my almost 9 year old this year. He asked me last year if Santa was real because kids at school were saying he wasn't. I told him last year Santa was real, but I don't think he really believed me. I think when a child starts to question it is the right time to fess up.

i agree with sunshine because the world could use a little bit of magic once in awhile. my daughter is 11 and even last year, she still put out milk and cookies for santa. i think in most kid's cases these days, older kids tell them that santa isnt real (we made sure our older daughter didnt tell our younger one though!)

Let them believe in Santa as long as they choose to. They will eventually figure it out. Let them have a few years of kid fun since society is making them grow up so fast, they loose so much of their childhood years and experiences and such. I have never understood why people think they have to tell the kids about this at whatever age. Kids are not stupid. They will eventually figure it out, but in the meantime, they have had some fun, made some wonderful childhood memories and were allowed to be a kid for a little longer!

Honestly I'd just as soon let them figure it out on their own. Sometime between 8 and 10 they will anyway, especially if there are older siblings!

I would have to agree that no earlier than 10 is what I would do. Some of my kids have believed in Santa until they were about 12. At that point I then explain that everyone can be a Santa. Because Santa was a man that gave gifts to the little boys and girls. And that that is exactly what we do.

I say let them believe as long as they can. There is always gonna be an older kid that ruins it for little ones. I don't see the problem in believing in him.