Parents of the Year
We were never given a manual on how to parent. It is easy to get overwhelmed to know the right thing to do. There is so much contradictory information out there and everyone has their own advice. Parenting is a rewarding but messy, confusing, infuriating, guilt-inducing, and overwhelming journey. While it's easy to get lost, Andrew Stewart, a real dad, and Dr. Caroline Buzanko, a real mom, child psychologist, and parenting expert (who also happens to be married to Andrew) will help you get back on track. In each episode, Andrew and Caroline have open and honest chats about everything parenting. Join them in honesty, laughter, and tears (Caroline is a bit of a cry baby) as they help you navigate this journey of parenting. And, every so often, you may get some gems of expert advice. Our goal is to make your parenting journey less stressful, more forgiving, and more awesome. Please join us every Wednesday for new episodes of Parenting of the Year.
Parents of the Year
193. What Should You Say When Kids Ask About Santa?
Should parents “tell the truth” about Santa… or keep the story going?
In this Parents of the Year holiday episode, Andrew and Caroline unpack what kids actually need when they start questioning Santa, how to respond without shame or panic, and how to turn the moment into something that builds kindness, generosity, and family connection.
They talk about following your child’s lead, keeping your tone warm and honest, and shifting the story from “Is Santa real?” to “What does Santa stand for—and how do we carry that forward?”
Homework Ideas
Prep your “Santa questions” script
Be prepared so you don’t freeze:
- “What do you think?”
- “What makes you wonder that?”
- “What does Santa mean to you?”
- “In our family, Santa is a story about generosity and giving.”
Plan the “invite them in” transition (kids who are figuring it out)
If your child is questioning or knows:
- “You’re old enough to be in on it now.”
- “We keep Santa going to make it special for little kids.”
- “Want to help us do one small ‘Santa job’ this year?”
Santa job ideas: choose a toy donation, deliver treats to helpers, set out a surprise note, wrap one gift.
Pick one “Santa = generosity” tradition
- donate a toy together
- write a thank-you card to a community helper
- do a “secret kind act” day
- make a small treat drop-off
Goal: keep the meaning, not just the myth.
If your kid asks directly: don’t over-talk
Try:
- “That’s a smart question.”
- “What do you already believe?”
- “In our family, Santa is part story, part tradition—and the giving is real.”
Keep it short. Let them lead the pace.
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