For many a holiday tradition is having your child’s picture taking with Santa Clause, but many children won’t set foot near the bearded bearer of gifts due to crippling fear and anxiety. Dr. Jennifer Snyder, Pediatrician at Memorial Physician Services had some tips for parents to help their children overcome their fear of Santa.

Snyder said there is nothing wrong with being in the picture with your children if it helps with their Santa anxiety.

Snyder also said it’s not a good idea to punish your child or make them feel bad if they are afraid of Santa, saying how it’s a common developmental phase that children usually grow out of.