Does Your Child Fear Santa Claus?
Four Tips to Help from a Pediatrician
By Dr. Jennifer Snyder
 

[December 01, 2016]  SPRINGFIELD – All you want for Christmas is a picture-perfect photo of your child sitting on Santa’s lap to share with the world on social media, holiday cards and texts to grandparents.

Unfortunately, your child won’t set foot near the bearded bearer of gifts.

Dr. Jennifer Snyder, a pediatrician at Memorial Physician Services-Koke Mill, is a mom of a 3-year-old and a 16-month-old. She understands parents’ enthusiasm for holiday pictures, but as a physician, she also recognizes how some children experience anxiety over the much heralded meeting.

“Keep in mind, children might be afraid of Santa for a multitude of reasons – his beard, clothing, voice, size,” Snyder said. “Fears of Santa are normal in the roughly 1- to 6-year age bracket, so don’t be concerned something is wrong with your child’s development.”
Snyder shared some tips to remember before getting in line to meet Santa.

Familiarize your child with Santa by reading books or watching movies that project him in a positive light, she said. Make a wish list for Santa and take it to the mailbox. The more you talk about Santa, the more he will become a comfortable character.

Do a “trial run.” Go to the mall one day and walk by Santa. Let your kids see other children on his lap, Snyder said. Talk with them about who Santa is without any pressure for the child to sit on his lap that day.

Take one for the team and offer to sit on Santa’s lap first to show your kids it is OK. Not only will it be a fun photo op, but it may help reassure your children and lighten the mood, she said.

Never punish or make your child feel bad if they are afraid of Santa. Remember, this is a developmental stage they will eventually outgrow, Snyder said, and all children need to maintain an element of “stranger danger” in order to ensure their safety.

[Michael Leathers, Memorial Health Services]