Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy what happens when you forget how old they are

The first time we went to Disney, DS 3 got a present left in the hotel and we just shrugged and said we don't know who put it there. Fast forward 2 years, DS barely remembers the place but did remember the surprise present - so he told me what he hopes get left in his room this time, which is unusual he doesn't really ask for stuff, but he very deliberately did not say who was leaving it!! So not sure what he believes at this point or perhaps he just thinks we can get a message to whomever does this sort of thing!!!

I think in retrospect of why we stepped in it is that he revels in his imaginary worlds but comfortably asserts that it's his imagination at work, he is super proud of his elaborate imagination - and he knows books are not real characters. It's something about the tv, now I am wondering what he thinks about his favorite game on the iPad, world of goo!!!

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When we went to Disney World when DD (6) was 4 she told us that the characters weren't real because there's no way they could be, didn't stop her from hugging them and getting pictures with them though. She still believes in the Tooth Fairy, Santa, and the Easter Bunny, we think. There are certain things she'll say that makes you go "She doesn't believe" but I don't want to ask or anything in case she really does believe. She knows that the Santas at the mall and riding in parades are Santa's helpers (She told us this around 2 or 3) because he's so busy.


I always wonder how long until she doesn't believe in any of it if she even does anymore.

It's not uncommon for GT kids to believe in Santa so much, even at an "older" age, that they try to convince the non-believers (almost successfully). DS7 told me this year there were lots of kids that did not believe in him, but he did. And I truly believe that he will be 8 or 9, still trying to convince the non-believers.

Well, that is until his space/time logic kicks in, which is how I determined Santa, the person, was not real.

JJ'sMom, My dd, 19 tomorrow, was 11.5 and still believed. I finally told her b/c it was getting a bit crazy. She thought the amount of presents and quality were too much for parents to afford,so Santa must have been real...yep that couldn't possibly have been me driving 50 miles and spending my last $100 on the coolest ever karaoke machine, when she casually mentioned wanting one, the day before Christmas eve. It's amazing what we'll do for love.

DD has been questioning the reality of Santa et al. since 3, but when she finally wore me down to the point where I said, "OKAY, if you really want to know, I'll tell you..." she suddenly backpedaled and said "No! No! Don't tell me!"