[juju]

I think what he means is that a lot of heartache and trauma could be solved by simply telling kids the truth in the first place.

Whit probably agrees that learning the truth is good. But why lie to children and put them in a fantasy world, only to crush their dreams later and cause unneccessary psychological damage?

I'm reminded of the fact that people always laugh at children's ignorance. "Ohh, it's so cute! He doesn't understand.. he's a fucking moron.. hah hah hah hah!"

Perhaps that's part of the problem.

Before Sarah was born, my wife and I actually discussed the myth of Santa Claus and whether or not to tell her about it. The idea had really never occured to me. But when Kathy asked me about it, I checked the values that I tell myself I subscribe to, and said in shock, "I can't lie to my kids!" But then she went on about how I'd ruin the fantasy of childhood, and how believing in Santa Claus was one of her (and most people's) best memories. Realizing that she knew a lot more about child-rearing than me, I figured I was probably wrong and consented not to tell. You have to pick your battles, after all, and who wants to be seen as a bitter, crotchedy old man out to ruin a kid's childhood?