You head out this holiday season, hoping to get that perfect photo of your child sitting on Santa's lap. It will be a sweet, lasting memory of a wonderful Christmas moment. Well, don't count on it.
Dr. Jennifer Snyder with Memorial Physician Services-Koke Mill says children don't always cooperate.
I would say most children between the ages of 1-3 have some sort of fear or apprehension in regards to Santa," Snyder said. Reasons can be the unfamiliar setting, Santa being a stranger or even separation anxiety.
But she has some tips. She recommends familiarizing your child with Santa by reading books or watching movies that project him in a positive light. The more you talk about Santa, the more comfortable a child will be.
Also, consider a trial run. Let your child see other children sitting on his lap without applying any pressure for a photo that day. She even suggests having the parent sit on Santa's lap first to show it's OK.
If your little elf won't cooperate, Snyder says not to punish or make them feel bad. She says it's a developmental stage they will outgrow.
