What to do about Santa Claus? Tough Call

The young children in your life are most likely at the top of your shopping list. Science tells us that fewer toys is the better option in terms of creativity and development, but what about toy safety? Don’t assume a toy is safe because it comes from a manufacturer you know, or because the packaging says so. Below you’ll discover what to watch for—hazards you probably haven’t considered.

Read down for a discussion on the dilemma of what to say when your child asks, “Is Santa real?” And, you’ll find two gift ideas that just may work for several people on your list.

Wishing you a happy festive season,

Susan

What many toy manufacturers don’t tell you!

What many toy manufacturers don’t tell you is precisely what you need to know. Investigate carefully before you buy the toy your children or grandchildren beg for. Fortunately, World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) does much of the scrutiny for you. Their warning toy list exposes dangers that are not always obvious at first glance: suffocation, choking hazards, promotion of violence and bullying, potential eye injury from projectiles, inappropriate age ranges (as in photo above) and other potential risks you might be unaware of.What to look for is explained on W.A.T.C.H.’s 10 worst toys of 2024—some from brands you trust. Become a savvy shopper for all the toys you’re considering this year and in the future.

Click to see the list

Should you “spill the beans “about Santa Claus?

Now? Next year? Best age? There are the benefits of believing in Santa Claus. But does perpetuating the Santa myth erode parent-child trust? Still wondering? Check out Should Parents Go Along With the Santa Myth?

Gift Suggestions

...and just a little bit of shameless promotion.

For the people-pleasers in your life. Help them break free with The Book of NO. A friend emailed this note a few days ago: “Sent your BOOK OF NO to someone just now…for the Umpteenth Time, I might add…it’s such a great gift for many that I know.” Buy it on Amazon

For the parents on your list, Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day will make their lives easier with 500+ simple ideas to fill their children’s memory banks—broken into short timeframes, weekends, holidays, birthdays, sick days… Judy Blume says, "Little Things... promises--and delivers--a treasure chest of ideas to build cherished memories and strong family connections. Keep this book close by."

Thank You for Reading

You can catch up on my most recent articles on Psychology Today.