to “put away” childish things… like believing in Santa Claus and fairy tales.

IOW… maybe it’s OK or beneficial for children to believe in or have faith in such stories if it helps keep them in line or protect them to where they eventually grow up and understand that they now have to face reality and take responsibility for their own life, happiness, behavior and safety. Of course, they may then find it helpful or useful to encourage or let their children then believe in the same stories they learned that served to instruct or instill fear, obedience, trust… in their parents until they are able to navigate life as grown adults.