| Try Therapy for a Change copyright 2011 Antonia Caretto |
| www.BeTreatedWell.com |
| Antonia Caretto, Ph.D., PLLC (248) 553-9053 |
Belief in Santa Claus peaks at age five, with 83% of kids vouching for the reality of our recent visitor. As young as age three children understand the distinction between what is real and what is not yet only 70% of them believe in Santa because the ability to use logic to verify Santa’s existence is not yet developed. By age five and until ages seven or eight kids can be persuaded by “evidence” such as the magical appearance of presents and the equally magical disappearance of the cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. However, five year olds can’t distinguish what is unlikely and what is impossible. By age nine children have that ability and hence only a third of them still believe Santa is real. This ability to use fantasy to imagine events and people we don’t directly experience is developmentally important. Make believe and imagination are crucial in a child’s capability to learn about past events and consider future possibilities. Children without the ability to imagine the other person’s experience may not develop an understanding of social interactions. But belief in Santa is not required. Bedtime stories, imaginary friends, playing dress-up and other types of fantasy also rely on the same skills and foster creativity. |
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