How old were your children when they found out Father Christmas wasn't real?

Our third child, a girl, was completely terrified at the thought of a strange man making his way down the chimney to leave presents and eat a mince pie. She was just two when we decided to tell her, as her older brothers were quite insistent and really concerned about her. The fourth child never believed. Still, they were all banned from discussing it with school mates who still believed. That terrified girl brought her kids up as non-believers, but strictly banned from spoiling the magic for others. There's never a worry about the tooth fairy, though!

I never told my kids that, it seemed to me crazy to tell them not to lie then lie yourself. It never hurt our christmases either

You mean? 😲 😥😥😥

My eldest son was eight and said that one of the boys at school had said Santa was not real and was it true. I explained in the nicest possible way and saw his face change, his reply was "now I know the truth does that mean I won't get any more presents?" I could reassure him that wasn't going to happen. The younger ones found out sooner of course having older brothers.

DD and I are at odds about this. DGC (twins), in first year of secondary still believe. (They are generally a bit young for their age). I feel she should tell them now because I don’t want them to be bullied about it at school. She is saying let them keep believing. Her children, her choice but I would do it differently.

Youngest son was 5 when he’s 7 year old brother threw his arms around him coming out of school and told him there was no Santa. He was so upset that he burst into tears. I remember thinking that the 7 year old had worked it out for himself but 5 was definitely too young. A teacher had told the whole class. I took it up with the school, apparently the teacher thought it a good idea to tell the whole class because one little girl asked her if there really was a Santa Clause. I remember being furious at the time.

I came home from school and told my older sister that the kids had been saying Santa wasn't real that it was mum and dad that left the presents. She told me that the kids were right, but I shouldn't say anything to my parents because you don't get as much when they find out you don't believe. I kept it going for a few more years much to my mum's delight. She was gutted the year I finally told her I didn't believe anymore. I think I was about 25....😂

I can remember as a child being very disappointed to find Father Christmas wasn't real..... not sure how old I was.

My granddaughter was always frightened of him and we had to promise her that he wouldn't even come in the house and would leave her presents in the front garden. In the end my daughter told her when she was only 5 and she was soooo relieved, bless her.

Sshhh! Don't tell them. I never did.

I seem to recall that it was my older brother, by 3 years, who told me that Santa wasn't real but I had actually worked it out for myself the previous Christmas as I was still awake when my Mum sneaked into my bedroom with a pillowcase of gifts. I never did let on as my parents always did their very best for us despite not having a great deal of money.
As a parents and eventually a grandparent I did try to keep the magic alive as long as possible but they children always knew the truth before going to secondary school.
Even now though, as a family, we encourage the importance of 'giving and sharing' far above 'receiving' as does a single parent neighbour of ours who leaves a little sweet treat at every house carefully wrapped along with a special greeting each year from herself and her children.

About 7 or 8. As FC had only ever done small stocking presents they weren’t in the slightest bit bothered so long as they still had stockings.

Who says he isn’t real? Of course he is!

What? Of course he's real.

DD2 was 11, first year at senior school when she had an argument at school. We thought we'd dropped enough hints for the transition 😂

In my experience boys take longer to figure it out than girls.

My daughter (9) came and asked me if he was real. I told her the truth, thinking she knew anyway but her face just fell with disappointment. I regretted my words right away as it was obvious we could have had another year of fantasy.

TBH I can't remember at what age Foxglove but it was something they worked out for themselves. DS being older knew before his brother, and as requested kept it to himself for as long as necessary.

Isn't real! Oh no!