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¡Mama Mía! I have a friend who refuses to “lie” to her children by telling them “crazy stories” of the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, you name it. She makes me feel terrible about perpetuating those myths; but I love those holiday memories from my own childhood and want to share that joy with my own kids. Who’s right?
Hang on sister! No one is “right” when it comes to how to raise children. Each and every one of us mamas out there has to do what works best for our own families and sometimes that may mean making unpopular decisions. Do not feel bad because your friend doesn’t want to participate in one of childhood’s greatest myths, just be clear on what you are doing and why.
First of all, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and all those other holiday mascots are simply mythical characters. They are not part of some great conspiracy to mislead children into believing in things that aren’t really there, and you are not lying to your child by carrying on the traditions of these characters. According to Tony Jurich, a Kansas State University professor of family studies and human services, “…the Easter Bunny is a myth that gets passed down, and a myth is a story about the way we see and feel about the world. It says more about the way we interpret and feel about the world than it ever says about the reality of the world.”
The mythical nature of these characters is what makes their stories and traditions so exciting for kids and the adults who play the part. A real-life fantasy is lived on Easter or Christmas morning and that’s a magical moment to share with your children no one should deprive you of because they themselves perhaps don’t share those same fond childhood memories. Whatever the rationale for not passing these myths down to their own kids, don’t let those naysayers deprive you of some of those most joyous moments of childrearing.
Remember dyed eggs, plastic grass, fuzzy chicks and yummy treats also have a greater meaning: The celebration of spring all around the globe. People have been celebrating spring’s arrival with a variety of traditions for thousands of years, so you can always take a stance in that direction with your friend if you still feel uncomfortable. For a closer look at the religious and cultural roots of the holidays visit www.christianitytoday.com or go to the Nevada County Library in Truckee to read some books about spring celebrations all over the world. Enjoy Spring — and the Easter Bunny. Especially if he brings a basket full of your favorite chocolate goodies!
If you have a parenting puzzler for Mama Mia at the KidZone Museum in Truckee e-mail info@kidzonemuseum.org or call 587-KIDS.
Hang on sister! No one is “right” when it comes to how to raise children. Each and every one of us mamas out there has to do what works best for our own families and sometimes that may mean making unpopular decisions. Do not feel bad because your friend doesn’t want to participate in one of childhood’s greatest myths, just be clear on what you are doing and why.
First of all, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and all those other holiday mascots are simply mythical characters. They are not part of some great conspiracy to mislead children into believing in things that aren’t really there, and you are not lying to your child by carrying on the traditions of these characters. According to Tony Jurich, a Kansas State University professor of family studies and human services, “…the Easter Bunny is a myth that gets passed down, and a myth is a story about the way we see and feel about the world. It says more about the way we interpret and feel about the world than it ever says about the reality of the world.”
The mythical nature of these characters is what makes their stories and traditions so exciting for kids and the adults who play the part. A real-life fantasy is lived on Easter or Christmas morning and that’s a magical moment to share with your children no one should deprive you of because they themselves perhaps don’t share those same fond childhood memories. Whatever the rationale for not passing these myths down to their own kids, don’t let those naysayers deprive you of some of those most joyous moments of childrearing.
Remember dyed eggs, plastic grass, fuzzy chicks and yummy treats also have a greater meaning: The celebration of spring all around the globe. People have been celebrating spring’s arrival with a variety of traditions for thousands of years, so you can always take a stance in that direction with your friend if you still feel uncomfortable. For a closer look at the religious and cultural roots of the holidays visit www.christianitytoday.com or go to the Nevada County Library in Truckee to read some books about spring celebrations all over the world. Enjoy Spring — and the Easter Bunny. Especially if he brings a basket full of your favorite chocolate goodies!
If you have a parenting puzzler for Mama Mia at the KidZone Museum in Truckee e-mail info@kidzonemuseum.org or call 587-KIDS.
