When a social worker and mom collide

I've shared this story with a few of you, and I thought I'd share it on here to remember the struggle.  With the new money system we have, the kids put some of their allowance into a donation fund.  As the holidays were approaching I asked the kids if they'd like to use their money to get presents for kids that do not get presents for Christmas.  They were agreeable, and AJ stated that, "Actually, Mom, every kid gets at least one present from Santa."  I'm already conflicted with lying about Santa but I especially did not want my kid thinking that every single kid out there gets a gift from Santa for Christmas.  That is wrong in so ways at so many levels.  So all I said to him was that his statement was not true, that not every kid gets a gift from Santa.  He didn't want to discuss it more.

I've talked to some people who support the idea that kids need to understand reality, and appreciate what they have.  Other people shake their head and tell me to let my kids be kids and not have them grow up too soon. 

I don't know.  I guess I feel like we are very privileged on so many levels, and I feel that it is my duty to at the bare minimum help my kids understand this privilege.  We have an upcoming surprise trip for the kids, and Russell and I are stoked to show our kids that there is a WHOLE other world out there then our comfy place on Harlequin Ave.  There are people that aren't able to drink their water, who live in buildings that resemble the forts that AJ and Ryker create in our backyard, and that NOT every kid has the toys that they do.  I'm looking forward to discussions we will have about all of our observations and experiences as we explore this new place.

So I'm not trying to rob my kids of the magic of Santa, or expose them to the harsh realities of life too soon--but I am playing a balance game to try and raise my kids with an understanding of the realities of all people.  It's tricky!

Love,
Momma