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2 . We forget what it ’ s like to be a child . We forget how it feels to be controlled – told what to eat , what to wear , when to go to bed . We forget what it feels like to be threatened and manipulated in such a way . Imagine , for a moment , how you would feel in their shoes . What if someone threatened to report all of your mistakes and shortcomings to someone whose opinion you highly valued ? Importantly , how would you feel toward the person making the threat ? Hurt ? Devalued ? Resentful ? Are these emotions we want to stir up in our kids ?
3 . The Santa threat taints the spirit of the holiday season , and with it , your child ’ s memories of Christmas with family . If you ’ re going to use Santa at all , let it be in the spirit of magic and wonder , not fear . Let their memories be of baking cookies with a loving parent to leave by the fireplace and of feeling loved and worthy of receiving good things .
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