A co-worker and fellow skeptic was telling me his 6 year old child still believes in Santa Claus.
I questioned why he would not teach his child that Santa Clause is a legend and fictional character, not unlike Captain America.
He returned that magical thinking is natural. But I wonder if it is.
Children are socialized to think magically from almost birth. Santa is the most heavily instilled. But superheros and children's science fiction is indistinguisable from magic. Only careful observation and explanation could tamp this trend. Could it be more natural for parents to desire their children retain beliefs that Daddy and Mommy are likewise superhuman?
I don't have children, but I do see my friends and family changing in strange ways as their children are born and grow.