Children often ask tricky questions. Rohini tells us how to handle such situations, deftly. An exclusive for Different Truths.

When kids start asking questions, we feel blessed that their brain development is at the right pace. But what happens when they ask a question that is tricky. One very common question that they ask is, “If at all a Santa Claus exists.” Does anyone know the truth? Has anyone seen the original Santa? But as a parent, every Christmas we make sure that we become the mysterious Santa and shower gifts and candies to our kids. So, one fine day my munchkin asked me the same question, “Mama, is Santa Claus real?”

I instantly said, “Yes.”

“But Aadhya didi (my niece) said that there is no Santa Claus,” she replied.

Soon another question bumped “Mama, what about the Tooth Fairy?”

I was now confused, even I have never seen, and we know that the answer to this question must be a convincing one. Soon another question bumped “Mama, what about the Tooth Fairy?”

Now, I was totally lost. What should be my answer to her was my biggest headache and kids don’t sit at peace till they receive an answer. So, I tried to answer her through a story.

The man said that even he was alone and so they all should together celebrate Christmas.

“Come sit with me, I shall explain it to you. Let me tell you a story. A long time ago at

a distant land, there were poor kids who did not have mama and papa as you have. On Christmas, they were sitting in a sad mode when a man came to them in red clothes and white beard and asked them why were they sad? They said that that day was Christmas, and everyone was enjoying with their families and they were all alone. The man said that even he was alone and so they all should together celebrate Christmas. That man bought gifts, new dresses, and sweets for them. Late at night when they all had slept, he took off his beard and clothes to go back, but one boy woke up and asked him his name. He smilingly said, ‘Santa Claus’. Do you know who was that man? He had grown up in the same orphanage and then when he grew big, he went away to work. He knew the pain of the kids, so he had come back to make them happy.  So, whoever helps the poor and needy is called Santa Claus. If you also help, you shall be known as Santa for them.”

To my surprise, she heard the whole story without even uttering a single word. After a small pause, she asked, “But mama, I am not poor, so why does Santa give gifts to me?”

I was in a soup but had to answer her.

Oh gosh, now here was a twist. I was in a soup but had to answer her.

“Darling it is because, kids like you who get extra gifts can share with other needy ones,” I answered.

“Oh! I see,” she said it very thoughtfully, “so, who is Santa for me?”

“Sometimes it is Mama and sometimes it is Papa for you dear,” I smiled and replied.

Children are very receptive to stories.

Children are very receptive to stories. We should always try to tell them the real fact but through stories that can have some morale and they get convinced also.

Photos from the Internet