Oh man. Of course you got the creeps after what you'd just heard. My heart sunk into my stomach reading your words. The workshop took something parents dread and fear and put Santa's face on it.  My mind would have gone back to the workshop at that moment too. I will say I know a man who was a Santa for years. Heart of gold. His wife was Mrs. Clause.

As to your question, I already limit what joys my kids can experience on the basis of what people may do. I can't bring myself to do it based on what people may be thinking. They'd never see the light of day if I did that. I will definitely use caution and limit who has access to my kids. But we'd never let our kids come in contact with anyone if we allowed ourselves to wonder what others may be thinking. I can't know the person's mind and I'd hate to assume someone was this or that based on their profession. I can weigh their actions though. Santa has access to kids. So do teachers. That would be a great way for a pedophile to be near kids. Not trying to freak you out more, but it's true. Do we not send our kids to school on the chance someone in the school is a pedophile?

Lisa

My Blog:  http://www.RecruiterUncensored.blogspot.com

Looking for a job?  Check out my Meetup:  http://www.Meetup.com/LansingGoGetters

It would be interesting to know if the malls do any kind of background checks on their Santa's.  Especially in the wake of the post office's program in North Pole, Alaska being canceled because an offender was identified there.

Have you ever watched "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"?  There's a song in there that talks about "come and sit on my lap today, a kiss for a toy".  I was completely blown away at that line!

Andrea

Mama to Sam (aka Duck--webbed toes) and Henry (aka Turkey--he's my butterball)

http://meyouandduckytoo.blogspot.com

Andrea,

it looks like they don't check  on Santas. Santa's story came up at the workshop as an example bcs one of the victim's parents recognized him on the picture.

Lisa,

I hate to think about teachers in this light, and so far I would trust my kids to all the teachers they have had. It's either you have trust or don't.   Santas more popular, more joyful little fellows and they are seasonal, too. Just thinking about all that cheer and all that dirt makes me nautious. 

"All you need is love".

Mom to 2 wonderful kids

I'm quite surprised that Santas don't have to have a background check.  As a school employee, I had to have one done through the state, including fingerprints.  I know I've been a reference for my neighbor because she volunteers at her church Sunday school.

There are creeps everywhere, but most people are good and honest and wouldn't do that to a child.  If you're taking your child to see Santa, you'll be right there.  I assume that a creepy Santa wouldn't be so stupid to try anything with Mom right there.

Cat - Mom to Paige & Zoe
SAHM? Ask me about MOMS Club of Lansing, Holt, Grand Ledge, Dimondale & Potterville

Momegranate, I definitely choose not to think of teachers in that light also. We'd be paralized with fear if we considered all of the ways people have access to our kids.

I guess for me the Santa thing is a controllable issue when it comes to protecting my child. There is no way a pedophile could harm her in the minute or two my kids are on his lap with me right there. We as parents are more damaged wondering if that person is thinking things than our child is. What people may or may not be thinking in their heads about my child can't be a concern. In truth, there is simply no way to know. I don't think background checks on Santa's would change anything. Those only address those who have been caught to date. I don't think it would be worth the expense of background checks when these Santas never have a moment alone with a child. Unless I'm missing something.

Lisa

My Blog:  http://www.RecruiterUncensored.blogspot.com

Looking for a job?  Check out my Meetup:  http://www.Meetup.com/LansingGoGetters

It is creepy.  We don't do Santa, but for other reasons.  We still do presents- I'm not the Grinch after all!  But I honestly don't think my son is missing out on much, if that helps.  To each their own.  You have to do what makes you feel comfortable and SAFE.

                                                                <>--<>--<>  Libby  <>--<>--<>

I am not at all surprised that they don't do background checks on santas. I mean honestly it is retal, they wouldn't pay their employees mininum wage if they didn't have to. I have never liked mall santas or bunnies.

LibbyLou, we don't do santa either and my mom and I are at oods about it. I have various reasons about it and we talk alot about Saint Nickolas but not Santa. I don't think my daughter is missing out at all. But it definitely keeps us off the hook from mall lap santas.

A bright idea can help light the way!

Add me to the list not doing Santa.  We know who he is but focus on Jesus.  Our parents were a bit disappointed, but it's not like they're really apart of our Christmas morning thing.  We treat Santa like any other character.

Cat - Mom to Paige & Zoe
SAHM? Ask me about MOMS Club of Lansing, Holt, Grand Ledge, Dimondale & Potterville

Our parents, well my husband's mom to be exact, were really disappointed and almost offended at first.  But when I explained my reasons to them and held my ground they eventually got over it, and realized it really didn't make much of a difference when it came to celebrating the holiday.

                                                                <>--<>--<>  Libby  <>--<>--<>

 I'm not at all worried about santas.  I can't imagine someone leaving their kid with the mall santa- you go, sit on their lap and leave.  I really don't see the issue unless you're leaving your kids with them and who does that?

Most abuse happens from people we love and or trust. That's the real issue.  It's very easy to think of these boogey man types, but they're rarely the ones who actually hurt us or those we love.   I know many people who were abused by people their parents trusted or loved- step-parents, uncles, parents, doctors, priests, and siblings.  I think it's good to be wary, but it's best to really consider the people who are around our children when we're not.