Is the Easter Bunny Real – Pro Tips to Answer Your Kids

Easter mornings can be pretty magical when watching your children wake up to find that the Easter Bunny had come the night before and left them delicious treats and toys. But when they get older you just know the type of questions you are going to face on Easter. So when this time comes, how do you plan on telling your little children that the Easter Bunny is not real?

How to Answer When Your Child Asks If the Easter Bunny Is Real

If your child is asking you “Is the Easter Bunny real in real life?”, then here are some ways to have that conversation and let them know who is the real Easter bunny leaving all those treats for them.

1. Never Make It About You

Seeing your little one grow up can be tough and hard questions like “Is Santa real?” or “Is the Easter bunny real?” are signs of transition. When your child asks questions like these, you should not let your judgment be clouded by your wish for the child to always stay little and innocent. Children cannot stay young forever and moments like these are huge opportunities to help them take steps forward towards their adolescence in a completely honest way.

2. Honesty Is the Best Policy

You may wish to keep the belief alive, for at least a few more months, but if your child is asking you this question, then it must be because he heard it from other kids in his class who wanted answers to the same question. And, when your child asks you this question and you insist that the bunny’s existence is true, then you are only postponing the inevitable. Moreover, this is like a test. Every parent would surely spend a lot of time lecturing their children about always being honest, and now they are giving you a chance to do the same thing and be honest with them.

3. White Lies Are Okay Sometimes

You will mostly be able to tell if your child is actually ready to find out the truth about Easter bunnies. For instance, they may ask questions in a different way like “A girl in the class told me that Easter bunnies are not real. But that is wrong, right?” Questions like these would include the little one “checking in” on something they believe in completely. If you feel that your kid is not really ready to hear the truth, then it is okay to let them keep believing for a few more months. Your child will ask persistently and directly when he is ready for the facts, like “Is the Easter Bunny real? Yes or no”, and this time, you can tell him the truth.

4. Soften the Blow

If you just told your child the truth about the Easter bunny, but have younger children who still believe in it, then invite the older kid into something you could call “the adult club”. Explain to the child why he should not go and tell this to his younger sibling and that he is now part of keeping this bunny secret. Reinforce the importance of keeping this a secret and why it is a huge responsibility for him. This will help the older child manage his feelings about the truth and he will be excited to be part of keeping the secret and ensuring the magic stays alive in the family!

5. Trust Your Gut

If you are still not sure about revealing the truth, then don’t ask others, don’t search online- just trust your own guts. As a mom, you will surely know when the right time is and how the truth should be said. Just remember, no adult on this planet still believes in the Easter bunny, which means that everyone eventually found out at some point and still survived.

What If the Child Feels Cheated On Knowing That the Easter Bunny Is Not Real?

Myths and stories are important since it helps develop imagination in children. But children above five years of age should be exposed to the truth. If your child feels a little cheated on after hearing the truth, then do not worry, he is just a little disappointed and will get over it soon. You could put the news in a good way, like “The Easter bunny is like the other things you once believed in but now know is not real- like the monster under your bed”. You could then explain to him why you celebrate Easter and then assure him that this would not change any of your family’s traditions. Just remember to keep the conversation light and calm, since most children will get emotional only when you are emotional.

Children questioning the existence of Easter Bunny is actually a good sign since it shows growth. If he or she still believes in it even after a certain age, then it could be a sign of social-emotional immaturity, which you could discuss with his teacher or pediatrician.

Also Read:

Easter Gift Ideas for Children and Toddlers
Fun Easter Stories for Kids
Exciting Games for Your Kids’ Easter Party