While Santa may make many children happy, he can also make some cry. What you can do to help and why!#KidsAndFamily #News #Lifestyle #Christmas
Minnesota’s St. PaulMy best friend Sarah hates going to the mall to have photos with Santa every Christmas. Her youngest child, Mia, is afraid of the cheerful old man in the red costume, not because she dislikes the holiday spirit or customs. As Mia clings to her leg, eyes wide, too anxious to even look at Santa, much less sit on his lap, Sarah charms her with hot cocoa and promises of holiday gifts, making it almost a routine. For Sarah, getting a picture with Santa has turned into something of a nightmare.
You’re most certainly not alone if you’ve ever gone through something similar. It might be perplexing and a little awkward to watch your child hide or cry when Santa arrives. But what’s actually happening? What causes some children to cry while others impulsively leap onto Santa’s lap?
The Real Reason: Fear of Strangers
First of all, young children’s fear of strangers is quite normal. The cheerful man in the red suit with the white beard is a bit too much for Mia and many others to process all at once. A toddler who is accustomed to the peaceful, secure world of home and family may find Santa to be a large, noisy, and strange presence.
This type of stranger anxiety is more common in children under a specific age, usually under four. The fact that this large man in a bright suit is meant to be amiable is not always clear to them. Some children simply see Santa as a frightening stranger, and that is enough to make them want to avoid him.
Overstimulation and Stress
And then there’s the overpowering atmosphere of a normal mall over the holidays. Imagine crowded areas, bright lights, loud music, and the hum of animated conversation all around you. For children, this can be too much to bear, particularly those with delicate sensibilities. It is understandable that Mia and many other children become irritable and overstimulated. The mall is a flurry of holiday activity rather than a peaceful, quiet place, and the idea of sitting on a stranger’s lap may seem like the last thing they want to do.
Dealing with a weeping child at the shopping center is frequently about more than just Santa. It concerns the environment as a whole. That’s a lot for a child to process!
The Pressure to Perform
The pressure children experience to meet Santa should also be taken into account. For the ideal photo, parents (and maybe even well-meaning relatives) frequently urge their kids to sit on Santa’s knee. The issue? Some children simply aren’t prepared, and the stress of performing in front of Santa can cause tears and anxiety.
Imagine being a little child and being obliged to sit motionless and smile at a stranger while everyone else stares at you. It makes sense that Mia, like many other children, would prefer to stay away from it completely.
The Mystery of Santa
Children are still figuring out the whole Santa idea at some ages. Their uneasiness may be exacerbated by their uncertainties or concerns regarding his true identity. While some children may be a little dubious or perplexed by the idea of a mystical gift-bringer, others may be totally on board.
Seeing a huge representation of Santa in person can be a little unnerving for people who are doubting his existence. The fact that Mia may not even be certain she believes in Santa yet simply heightens the anxiety.
What You Can Do About It
What can you do, then, if your child is sobbing on Santa’s lap—or simply won’t sit there at all? Here are some pointers to help ease the process:
Allow them to come closer to Santa at their own speed. If they’re not ready, don’t make them sit on his lap. It’s totally acceptable if they feel at ease standing next to him.
Take pictures from afar. Try taking a picture of your youngster standing in front of Santa from a distance if they aren’t ready to sit with him. Even if you don’t get the traditional lap photo, you’ll still be able to document the moment.
Speak to Santa first. Have pleasant conversations about Santa in the weeks before your trip. Remind your child that he is a kind man who spreads holiday cheer and provides gifts.
Let them watch from a distance. Let your child observe other children sitting with Santa first if they are anxious. They may feel less anxious when they witness someone else having a good experience.
Don’t worry about getting the ideal photo. Keep in mind that the purpose of the holidays is to spread happiness, not to put children in awkward situations. There’s always next year if they don’t want to sit on Santa’s lap this year.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, it’s critical to keep in mind that not all kids will connect with Santa right away. It’s common for children to be wary, particularly when they’re still getting used to a world full of strangers and novel situations.
The good news is that as they become older, most children gradually overcome their dread of Santa. Therefore, if your child is struggling this year, just take a deep breath and keep in mind that they are not alone and will probably get over their difficulties on their own.
Take a Step Back
Your child’s fear of Santa does not indicate that you are a bad parent or that something is amiss. Since each child is unique, it may take them longer than others to get to know the big guy in red.
Instead of feeling pressured to live up to expectations, the holidays should be a time of love, joy, and memories. Therefore, step back, let your child experience the magic at their own pace, and remember that the holidays will still be fantastic no matter what happens! Happy Christmas!
Associated Subjects: Children and Families|Christmas
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