This is the first year we’ve done Elf on the Shelf. I admit that before we started, I thought all my friends who were getting way into it were a little nuts. It’s just a doll, I thought. But now I get it. We’ve been putting Elfy (that’s what the kids named their elf – original, right?) in all kinds of naughty scenarios.
My 5 year old asked me with a frown, “Why would Elfy want to take my money?!” Hmm, I guess I should have thought that one through. I just told him that Elfy was being funny, but my 5 year old still thinks Elfy is out to get his money.
This morning, the boys woke up to Elfy drawing faces on their picture hanging up in our dining room with, GASP, permanent marker. I didn’t have an Expo pen so I used a Sharpie. I’ve heard it’ll come out with rubbing alcohol on Pinterest – let’s hope that’s not a rumor, otherwise I’ll need to buy a new glass for this frame.
Anyone else starting Elf on the Shelf this year?
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
In general, I don’t understand why the elf should be doing naughty things. It is cute and often funny – but it doesn’t make sense to me if he is supposed to be checking on the kid’s behavior how he can get away with pulling pranks. I think it can come back to cause problems later if your kids do not understand that those pranks are actually not allowed or encouraged.
I guess it depends on how you handle the situation. Does the elf eventually get a talking-to from Santa and buckle down? Do you use it as a conversation starter about what pranks are funny and what are mean?
I really like the idea of the elf leaving small surprises and doing nice things- even silly things that are sweet in nature. I just think it sets a better tone for kids to be motivated to behave….
I am just curious as to how you are going to handle that trouble-making elf.
Kari, I’m so glad you posted this. I admit I was getting caught up in the fun (for grown-ups) and hadn’t really thought about the long term. My kids woke up the next day asking why Elfy would do that. We turned it into a lesson by telling the kid that even elves make mistakes and we had a talk with him to make sure it doesn’t happen again or Santa would find out. So now Elfy is just having good, clean fun.
Sounds like you handled it well!
Kari recently posted..Mommy to Elodie’s Gift Guide: Cups Cooking Classes
You know Barry Jingles will make his appearance very soon. He always shows up after our oldest has his birthday. He is a naughty little elf but the kids think he is great. Last year we made a photo book of all the days he was with us. A fun little keepsake for the kids to look through all year and keep his memory. Have fun! Our BJ makes xmas so much fun!
What a great idea to create a photo book of elf hijinks. Maybe you could do a guest post for DMWM to showcase it? Yes, please?!
I still have a few years before my little one will understand. I am not real sure we are going to try. I am not sure I would be able to keep up with it everyday. lol…
April Harvell recently posted..Love of my Life!!!
We don’t have an elf yet but I’ve been thinking about it. My kids are old enough but not too old yet.
Dina recently posted..Book Give Away: Saving Each Other: A Mother-Daughter Love Story by Victoria Jackson and Ali Guthy
Haha! Looks like you’re having some fun with it.
Asianmommy recently posted..“The Adventures of Anna & Mei Ling: Super Sundae"
Hi! I didn’t realize we had both written about the Elf experience this week
Here’s my latest (related more to diversity): http://wp.me/pMkfH-mT
Enjoy!
I came from Mom’s Mingle, following on G+. Would love to have you follow me back.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Debi @ Adorned From Above recently posted..The Three Kings Journey Matthew 2:1-2