Psychologists explained whether belief in Father Frost (Ded Moroz) can harm a child

Belief in Father Frost (Ded Moroz) does not harm a child's psyche and can play an important role in their emotional and cognitive development if adults support it carefully and honestly.

Specialists from Perm Polytechnic University reported this to "Gazeta.Ru".

According to experts, belief in a fairy tale character helps children develop imagination, emotional regulation, and a basic sense of self-worth. It also contributes to forming concepts of goodness, justice, and care.

"From a psychological perspective, belief in Father Frost is an important stage in a child's development. Immersion in an atmosphere of joy forms the basic need of 'I am good,' which underlies positive self-esteem and psychological well-being," said Olga Yurieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology and Political Science at PNIPU and Candidate of Psychological Sciences.

According to scientists, this tradition has not only psychological but also cultural and social significance. It creates a sense of generational continuity and unites the family through shared emotions and rituals.

"For parents, belief in Father Frost becomes a tool for care and creating warm memories. This is significant for both children and adults themselves," noted Mikhail Sukhoguzov, assistant of the Department of Philosophy and Law at PNIPU and clinical psychologist.

From the perspective of developmental psychology, the need for magic is normal for early childhood - approximately until the age of five. During this period, a child does not yet have a clear distinction between reality and fantasy, and magical thinking naturally interweaves with games and everyday life.

Children's reactions to "revelation" can be different. For 3-4 year-olds, Father Frost often causes fear, and recognizing a parent in him can, on the contrary, reduce anxiety. For other children, an unexpected disclosure of the secret can cause confusion or an emotional reaction.

Specialists consider 9-10 years to be the most appropriate age for an honest conversation, if the child has not asked questions themselves. At this age, it's important to emphasize that Father Frost is a symbol of the holiday and family tradition, and that the "magic" was created by parents out of love.

Experts warned that what can be traumatic is not the fact of revealing the secret itself, but the behavior of adults. A particularly dangerous practice is denying the obvious - for example, convincing a child that a disguised father "was not dad."

"Such behavior can resemble gaslighting and undermine basic trust in loved ones, increasing anxiety and internal conflict," explained Mikhail Sukhoguzov.

At the same time, specialists emphasized: refusing to believe in Father Frost from the beginning is also an acceptable parenting option.

"If a family immediately says that Father Frost is a symbol of the holiday, and gifts are a manifestation of the love of relatives, this does not deprive childhood of magic. It is simply created in other ways - through shared rituals, care, and creativity," noted Sukhoguzov.