As adults we understand that Father Christmas is a fiction. But it's a magical thing for a child to believe in, and we actively encourage the development of such beliefs. Not only are they exciting, but they are an essential part of growing up and starting to understand the difference between 'untruths' - whether that's talking animals in cartoons and books, or telling a 'white lie' to ease an awkward social situation.
As children get older they begin to appreciate the difference between fact and fiction. This is a gradual process and one where adult guidance is needed. 'There is a fine line between imagination and lies,' says Jennie Lindon, psychologist and early years consultant. 'It is a big thing for young children to realise and there is a blurry boundary between the two. Inadvertently, adults can also blur the boundary.
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