The Easter Bunny Is (Not) Real!

When I was growing up I was told from the start that Santa, the Easter bunny, and the tooth fairy were all imaginary. Since last weekend was Easter, it got me thinking again about how I’ll raise my kids, and what I’ll tell them. I’ve gone both ways on the issue, and although admittedly I lean more towards telling them the truth, I like the idea and fun associated with these stories.

When I’ve told people that I’ve known as long as I can remember the truth about these classic kid conspiracies, the reaction I get is that I was robbed of a key part of my childhood. I completely disagree. I think it helped me understand early that I shouldn’t blindly accept everything I’m told, gave me a more accurate world view by helping me understand magic isn’t real, and gave me more confidence in the word of my parents.

The other side of this is also compelling. There is a perception people have of these characters personifying innocence, and encouraging imagination. Why force a kid to think like an adult when they are kids? Shouldn’t we embrace childhood fantasies in an effort to give our kids the best and most enjoyable childhood they can? Kids are kids for a short time, let them live like kids. You don’t tell your kids the whole truth right away about things like violence in the world and sex, so why isn’t a hiding the truth about holidays to enhance the kid’s life ok? I don’t know if there are stats, but I’d wager that most people who were raised believing in Santa think it added to their childhood experience. Doesn’t that make the lie worth it?

I don’t think that if you’re telling your kids the Easter bunny exists that you’re being dishonest or a bad parent, but at the very least this “white” lie seems to encourage a distorted view of the world to your kids. So is the magic of a childhood Easter and Christmas worth the lie? As I stand now I’m not sure I’d be able to tell it to my kids were I to ever reproduce.

Spring Updates

How long has it been? 5 weeks? Yikes. For the few of you still checking in on me here, thanks. I don't have a good excuse for my silence as of late. Yeah, I've been super busy the last month with work and school, but I've also managed to find time to watch the latest episodes of 24. In short, there is no excuse. I'm here now, hopefully that counts for something.

First, I'd like to comment on the events of last weekend. I had one of the best weekends I've had in months last weekend with a couple old buddies from my hometown that made the drive to visit. It had been a long time since we last had some real in depth conversation, and it was interesting to think about how much each of us has and continues to develop. They seem to be under the impression that I've changed the least. I've given that some more thought, and I think I've changed plenty over the past 10 years, but in less visible ways. I've become very confident in who I am and why, MUCH less frugal, more directed, and place a higher value on my friendships (although due to school, less time). There have been other negative changes, but nothing I'd share with the world on a blog. Anyway, the short of it is that it was one of those rare moments when guys actually connect with each other in a meaningful way outside of smashing beer cans on our heads, something which is also greatly needed.

St. Patty's day was a blast! I've never actually celebrated St. Patty's before, well, on second thought I think I attended a work friend's party one year. Anyway, my girlfriend's mom drove in and we went out for dinner and went out to see some live music and bust a move. I know partying with the girlfriend's mom doesn't sound very cool, but it was actually an amazing night. It was another chance to connect with her mom and talk, something we get to do once in a while, but distance usually prohibits.

There have been a lot more development as of late, and I wish I could share them all with you, alas, time is always a constraint. I'll get you all updated eventually.