Some experts say Santa’s ‘naughty or nice’ list can be harmful to children

Some experts say Santa’s ‘naughty or nice’ list can be harmful to children

Posted on December 6, 2023

Mental health experts checked the “naughty or nice” list in a 2019 NAMI YouTube video, “A Mental Health Message from Santa Claus." In the clip Santa says, "I think I did this all wrong. It started with good intentions, a way to motivate behavior, to codify gift-giving, to streamline deliveries, but 'naughty or nice' — as if some kids don't have enough to worry about, only to have me judge them without context, without perspective, without any sort of doctorate in psychology. Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI CMO, tells TODAY.com, "How we talk to our kids is important and holidays are no exception." He adds: "Some children will internalize a black-and-white interpretation of their behavior, taking it to heart." Duckworth says the "naughty or nice" list tells children their behavior is forever. "Life is a continuous learning exercise," he says. "Hopefully there is nuance in how we talk to kids about making mistakes."