Why you could be terrifying children by using the threat of the naughty or nice list

"Children can take Christmas far more seriously than we imagine. For adults, the "naughty or nice" idea is a throwaway line we can repeat without thinking. For a seven-year-old, however, it can feel like a contractual clause with terrifying consequences. I hear many parents, including one parent of a seven-year-old this year say their child is suddenly frightened that Santa won't come because they "haven't been good enough"."

"Dr David Coleman explains how children can take Christmas very seriously and suddenly become frightened that Santa won't come because they haven't been good enough"

Children can take Christmas far more seriously than adults expect. Adults often treat the 'naughty or nice' idea as a throwaway line that can be repeated without thinking. For some seven-year-olds the concept functions like a contractual clause with terrifying consequences, causing sudden fear that Santa will not come because of perceived imperfections. Parents report children becoming frightened and anxious, worrying they have 'not been good enough.' Such literal interpretations can produce real distress and behavioral change. Recognizing the developmental tendency toward concrete thinking can help adults reassure children and reduce anxiety about conditional rewards.

Read at Independent