From whom? Santa isn't real... *cries* Now who will punish the wicked!?

Answer: The parents with the coal.

I think being fired is a bit excessive.

Not really. Not only should she have realised that most 8 year olds do believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, it's also not her place to say so.

It's her job to teach kids, Not keep their dreams alive. She can't be fired for something so stupid.

41, It's her job to teach kids, not ruin their childhoods...

#49 Everyone has to learn it's not real unless they never believed in the first place so it's not that big of a deal. Almost everyone went through it and most people can't even remember being told they aren't real. It's not going to "ruin there childhood" to cry for a few days.

#52 It's the parent's choice for when a child should be told Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and such aren't real, not the teacher's. Also, getting excited every Christmas morning because Santa came is a huge part of everyone's childhood that, in this case, is now ruined.

In my experience and opinion, when most kids learn that Santa isn't real they're already old enough to have pretty much figured it out for themselves. That softens the blow. 8 year olds are in the thick of believing. Not believing in Santa won't ruin their childhood but it cuts a fun tradition short and robs them of 2-3 magical, Santa-filled Christmases.

Maybe it is the parents choice but how many parents tell their kids? Very few. It's always kids at school or an older sibling or someone else just accidentally says something. It's not a religion or anything so it's not even a big deal. #61

When I was young, I too believed in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. But for some reason, I found the idea of an Easter Bunny rediculous.

Wow! Who shit in your cornflakes this morning.

I agree that fired is a bit excessive, however, the teacher could have asked how many people in the room believe in Santa, and then if there was no one, assign that paper. If there were still people who believed, the assignment could have been to write why they believe Santa is or isn't real.

That wouldn't work because no one would raise their hand and possibly be made fun of

67 same with me! I thought it was just ridiculous to think that a giant bunny came and hid eggs in my backyard :s

I was never told that Santa was real and looking back, it made things awkward when other kids said, "Santa brought me this." I did not feel so excited for Christmas because I did not go to church, wait up for Santa, or really have a lot of the holiday cheer. It only became worth it when I didn't break down into tears when I was 10 and my cousin discovered Santa was not real. I however think that if a child believes in Santa, it is not your place to take that joy from them. I had imaginary friends and when my cousins told me they were "not real you baby" it ruined a lot of the joyful games I played. I missed the exciting belief in the imaginary. So, while I do not think the teacher should be fired for telling them Santa is not real, she should be spoken to and not allowed to continue the assignment. An appropriate holiday assignment would be "What do you love about the holidays" and "What do you want for Christmas." Unless she works at a Christian school, it is not the teachers job, or place, to question the beliefs a child has. Instead, the teacher should follow the curriculum and teach what the school assigns her.

66 is right that it's usually other kids. I don't know if I was just sheltered or what but I never even heard the word "sex" until some kids who were like 8 and 9 said it. It's the same with Santa not being real; I overheard it when I was around 10 or 11. There's a good chance it was the same kids both times because I remember overhearing it on the bus home from school.

52- Everyone may have to learn, but nobody said when. I was 11 until I found out that Santa wasn't real, but I still keep the spirit of Santa alive every year. I know it's just my parents, but when I go to sleep on December 24th, I still get excited for Santa in the morning.

#131....So telling a kid about Santa, creating all the memories, anticipation and happiness isn't worth it because when they find out they will cry for a bit and be a little sad? Oh God forbid a child is sad about something!!!! You said it isn't worth it to "ruin" their childhood? That's way extreme. Yes, it's your opinion, but really? Exaggeration much?

The easterbunny tradition with my family was actually like santa claus on christmas. Except we had to find our baskets with "grass" (confetti). it was very fun

I hope you don't breed...

50- Why? Because 18 expressed his or her opinion? It would be the parent's decision to tell the child that Santa is real and to decide when the child is old enough to know that he isn't. And yes, it may not be 18's place to say "You should have told her by now", but don't comment with a remark like "I hope you don't breed." Get real. If 18 had children and decided to burst their "Santa bubble", in no way does that make 18 an unfit parent.

My parents told me Santa was not real my whole life. I never believed in him. I think I turned out okay. My cousin's believed Santa was real, and my aunt got arrested for child abuse last year. I have never been hurt, gone hungry, or been without my basic needs. While I would have liked to take part in a lot of the holiday traditions and felt a little left out, I respected that my parents never lied to me and always told me the truth of a situation. So, just because 18 does not believe an eight year old should still believe in Santa, it does not make her a future terrible mom.

What does Santa Claus have to do with child abuse? Telling children that Santa Claus is/isn't real has nothing to do with domestic disputes. You have no logical point. Also, how is telling a child that Santa Claus is real lying?

Looking back, that made more sense in my head. What I was thinking in my head was this. People I know make it sound like it is abuse if your child does not get to believe in Santa. My family taught me it is lying to tell a child that something exists when it does not. Saying Santa is real is lying, and one of the worst kinds in my mind, because you convince them magic is real then take it away from them. I understand it is cute to watch children get excited and spend time waiting up for Santa... But, would it be funny if I told someone very young that their deceased family member would be visiting them once a year and then telling them I lied because it was "cute" and part of a holiday tradition. I don't think they are on the same level, but to people like my parents that is what they believed. Why tell your child someone magic is giving them presents when you can tell them, "Mom and dad love you enough to work extra hard to get you the presents you want." With my aunt, I was just pointing out that people saying people are horrible for ruining Santa, and that the teacher needs to be fire/assaulted/yelled at for it... well, my parents ruined Santa for me very young by not letting me believe in him. While I appreciate it now, was awkward for a long time. My aunt let my cousins believe in Santa but also abused them. So not having santa does not make a person a bad parent/teacher/adult.

Exactly, 163. My parents never encouraged the belief of Santa Clause, and that was just fine because at least I was not devastated to find out that he did not actually exist. Again: doesn't make someone an unfit parent.

133- What does your Aunt being arrested for child abuse have to do with children believeing in Santa Claus?

And technically Santa Claus is/was real. Saint Nicholas. Known for his generosity, especially during the holiday season. Sure, his asked didn't fly, and he didn't go into houses in the night, but Santa Claus was in fact a real person, I see little harm in carrying on his spirit of generosity, whatever you reach your kids about him (traditions vary county to country)

Then, secretly give the teacher a nice gift on your own, and your kid will get an easy A. You are an evil genius!!

Understanding how you became a straight A student. (: Personally, I'd rather prove to her that there isn't a tooth fairy. . . with a punch. :P