I am the master.

Several kids were sitting at the art table looking at Lego catalogs on Friday.

I get the Lego Club magazines delivered to me here and take them to work for the kids.
They're free.
Free is a very good price.
:)

Jason* was pointing out at least one item on every page, saying, "I'm getting this and this and this and this..."

One of the other kids said, "That's going to be a LOT of money."

And Jason said, "But I'm going to ask SANTA. My parents won't have to pay for it."

And Liam* said, "There is no Santa Claus. Your parents are Santa. Don't you know that?"

Jason was angry. "Yes there is!! He brings me presents every year!"

Liam rolled his eyes. "It's just like God and Jesus. You probably believe in them, too."

Chaos. Everyone at the table was instantly arguing loudly and angrily.

And of course they looked to me to settle it.
As a group they all got up and walked over to me, still arguing.

"God and Jesus are real!" Jason said. "And Liam said they're not!"

Liam calmly said, "They're not."

Jason looked panic stricken."And then he said Santa isn't real, either!!"

Liam: "He's not."

And since they're in prison there (hahahaha), as the warden, I have the final say.

Here's what I said:

"There are some things I don't like us to discuss here. Personal beliefs are one of them. Personal beliefs are called personal because each person and family has their own beliefs. I think everyone believes differently about things like that, and that each family has to make decisions about those things on their own. So you're going to need to talk about this with your parents.

Now. Who wants to go to the gym?"

They all did.

But on the way up the hallway, Liam and Jason were still arguing.

When we got to the gym, I took the two of them aside and gently said, "You're not going to be able to change each other's minds, and I'd really like this discussion to be over so we don't end up with people taking sides and becoming angry at each other.
Can you do that, please?"

They agreed, and Liam extended his hand to Jason. They shook. Ran off to play.

This discussion or similar ones have happened a few times over the years.
I always handle it the same way.

There have been political discussions and questions as well.

I try to be casual and matter of fact about anything they ask me... I answer loaded questions like 'is there a Santa Claus?' or 'can I have a big piece of paper from the back room?' in the same tone of voice and with the same demeanor.

I strongly feel that 'my' kids need to see the same person every day, no matter how I'm feeling, no matter what's been going on in my life outside of work, no matter how hectic things get in the afternoons.

(And they do get hectic. Wow.)

I want them to be confident that our program is a safe and comfortable place for them and that no matter what the question or situation, that they can count on me to respect them, to listen to them, and to not shout or be angry or show any shock or surprise if they want to confide anything.

But I would LOVE to sit in on some of the dinner table conversations at their houses.

:-D