Overcoming Santa Photo Phobia

Santa has arrived at most local shopping centres, but for many children, meeting the jolly man in red can be a traumatic and distressing experience.

Karen Spitzer is the child psychologist at Kids First Children’s Services in Brookvale.

She says that many parents, keen to relive the tradition of their own childhoods by having their child meet and have their photo taken with Santa, forget that a fear of strangers is a normal part of a child’s development.

“Many kids are reluctant to sit on the lap of a stranger – especially when he wears an odd red suit and has a long white beard,” she said.

In order to avoid a meltdown at the mall, Karen suggests that parents prepare their child in advance for their visit to Santa.

‘Before you ask your child to approach Santa, make a few trips to see him so that your child can observe him from a safe distance.’

‘This way your child will see how he interacts with other children and understand what is expected of the experience without having the pressure of actually having to approach him.’

Karen says that modeling expected behaviour also helps fearful children.

‘Sometimes kids just don’t know what to do or what to say when they meet Santa.’

‘Parents can help their child overcome this uncertainty by simply walking up to Santa themselves, shaking his hand and saying hello. This gives the child clues about what to do when their time comes.’

Finally, Karen advises parents not to force a child to approach an adult who frightens them.

‘We spend a lot of time talking to our kids about stranger danger, only to undermine that message when it comes to Santa.’

‘If your son or daughter really does not want to approach him, respect your child's innate sense of self preservation."

"This is their sense of self protection kicking in and in the wider scheme of things, this self awareness is something you will want to encourage as your child gets older." 

Karen says that parents should try not to feel stressed or embarrassed about their child's reluctance to sit on Santa's knee.

"Kids are kids and there’ll probably be a photo opportunity next year when they are a little older and better able to understand what it is all about.’