Category: ChildhoodQ&As

My Daughter Is Being Bullied because She Believes in Santa

Published : Dec 01, 2025
By Dr. Ana Aznar

“My 6 year old daughter is getting bullied at school because she still believes in Santa Claus, flying reindeer, Christmas elves, Mrs. Claus, magic in general, the whole shebang… She absolutely loves this aspect of the season, but she’s also miserable and comes back crying every day because of this. What can I do that won’t burst her little magic bubble yet, but also protect her? is it possible to do both?” 

santa-christmas-believe-magic-children

Research shows that most children find the truth about Santa around age 8. So, your daughter is showing typical and normative behaviour believing in Santa.  

You need to validate her feelings: “I understand you are upset because children are teasing you. It is wrong to behave that way”. And then practice with her how to react to them. Ideally, she does not want to give the bullies a big reaction, because that will reinforce their behaviour (I know this is really difficult for a 6-year-old). You can roleplay the situation, and she could practice saying something to them like: “You can believe what you want and I can believe what I want” or “OK, I am going to play”.  

I would also talk to her teacher, so she is aware of what is happening. Bullying should not be happening, and it should be dealt with straight away. Ask your daughter who is doing the bullying, and when and where it is happening.  

Finally, reinforce her social relations. Have friends over for playdates. Having one good friend will make her feel much stronger and confident.  

I hope this information helps. It breaks my heart to think of your little one being bullied because she believes in Santa. I hope she has the most wonderful Christmas.  

Ana  

Dr Ana Aznar 

Related articles:  

Santa and the Psychology Behind It 

How Can We Stop Bullying in Schools as Parents? 

Christmas and Mothers’ Mental Load 

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Comments
Cristine
2025-12-01 20:28:00
Экономические новости мира:
цены на нефть.

Here is my web-site university of salford careers
Cristo
2025-07-29 12:20:59
Amazing, thank you so much for this blog.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-04-25 07:23:36
Hola Ana,
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Dr. Ana Aznar
2025-03-31 19:41:20
Qué ilusión tu mensaje, Pia! Gracias a tí por leernos.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-03-28 10:13:56
Querida Ana,
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
Armani
2025-03-06 09:31:35
This is ethically wrong and I don't think it's worth the damage it will ultimately cause to the relationship. And the issues it will cause for the one being spied on. Just don't do it.
Meghan
2025-02-07 21:26:19
Is there a printable version of the article? I am a school based mental health professional and would like to share it with parents.
J
2025-02-03 10:52:04
This is such a great writeup. I think too often we get caught in a rutt of trying to categorise everything. Our daily lives are kind of dictated by categories and labels, certainly in a digital world.

I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.

Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.

Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.

Again, great writeup!
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-13 12:51:46
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Ana
Robert Eisenbart
2024-09-10 00:43:07
Great Article! I'm a retired FNP. Years ago I taught a STEP program to parents via family court cases. I now have a daughter and her man disciplining three children 4, 8, and 10. The 10 year old has ADHD and my personal diagnosis is she's also Oppositional/Defiant. I believe the OD came from harsh discipline. All they seem to do is punish and threaten physical punishment. They say positive reinforcement didn't work however they tried it for about 2 months and then went back to punishment. I can't reason with them as "they are the parents"!! is all I hear. They all live with me and have since the oldest was about 2. Sadly I can see the other 2 developing issues like anxiety and aggression as well. Trying to show them another side of adult supervision when I have them but frustrating.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-02 20:48:07
Really glad you found it useful! Thank you for being here and for your comment.

Ana
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-05-17 09:55:58
Hi Donna,
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Donna
2024-05-17 09:49:36
Love Zara’s ways of teaching for both parents & kids! Also so helpful. We want more!! (Please!) :D
Ana Aznar
2024-05-08 07:24:31
We are glad you found the content useful! Many thanks for being here.
Ana
Cristoj
2024-04-09 18:20:19
Great article!!!
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