I am a Liar, and proud of it.

Confession of the Week:  I am a liar.

At least that is what an adult (respected by my children) told them many years ago.  “Your parents are liars if they teach you that the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are real.”

Can I tell you how I feel about this?  First, let me tell you that instantaneously my children no longer were allowed to be around that individual for two reasons.  Number one, why would you set a child up to question the integrity of his or her parents.  Number two, it is none of your business and totally out of line!

Yes, I confess.  I taught my kids about the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy.  In my opinion, kids need to have fantasy to enjoy and grow with.  It is a natural part of childhood.  What is wrong with believing that there is something magical in the world?  Sometimes, it is all a child has to hope for.  The stories about these characters are heartwarming and innocent. They put smiles on the faces of both children and adults.  So do cartoons, and yet somehow we know the difference between reality and fiction.

I am okay with superheroes too.  Who couldn’t use a superhero once in a while?  And, I am okay with Halloween and dressing up as a superhero, or princess, or imaginary character.  I have heard all the arguments about what Halloween is really about.  How many people do you know that really celebrate Halloween as a satanic holiday versus dressing up and knocking on doors for candy.  When I was a kid it was actually called Beggars Night.

News Flash:  I have also taught my children about Angels, Demons, God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. 

If we take all the magic out of the world for children, what do we leave them with?  The reality that we all face as adults.  Couldn’t we all use a little belief in magic to get through a tough day once in a while?  Believing in magic only becomes a problem if it interferes with reality. 

The reality that you can teach your children is this:  Believe in magic.  Miracles happen.  Ask God.  Superheroes are real.  They may not always have super powers but they are real and we see them every day.  They are the policemen who protect us from criminals.  They are firemen who rescue us when a burning building is collapsing.  They are paramedics who answer emergency calls.  They are doctors and nurses who help us heal.  They are teachers, librarians, plumbers, electricians, etc.  (Please forgive me for leaving out your profession!!!!)  They are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  They are family.  Teach them to take one minute out of every day to thank someone.  That thank you can make each of us a super hero to someone who needs to hear those two words once in blue moon. 

Thank you!!!