Spreading the Santa Myth is Undermining out Children’s Trust in Parents Apparently

Professor Christopher Boyle of the University of Exeter, believes that parents are motivated by a desire to return to the joy of childhood rather than simply creating magic for their children.

“The morality of making children believe in such myths has to be questioned,” Boyle says.

“All children will eventually find out they’ve been consistently lied to for years, and this might make them wonder what other lies they’ve been told.

“Whether it’s right to make children believe in Father Christmas is an interesting question, and it’s also interesting to ask whether lying in this way will affect children in ways that have not been considered.”

From the University of New England, Australia, Dr McKay adds: “The persistence of fandom in stories like Harry Potter, Star Wars and Doctor Who well into adulthood demonstrates this desire to briefly re-enter childhood.

“Many people may yearn for a time when imagination was accepted and encouraged, which may not be the case in adult life.”