What is Elf On The Shelf?
Elf on the shelf is a popular holiday tradition that has been around since the early 2000s. The tradition involves a small elf coming to visit a family during the holiday season and “watching” the children in the home to make sure they are behaving. The Elf on the Shelf is meant to be a fun way to get children to behave during the holidays and is a great way to get them involved in the season.
Parents usually place the Elf on the Shelf in a visible spot in the home and then tell the children that the Elf is watching them and knows when they are naughty or nice. This can help children to remember to be on their best behavior during the holidays. The Elf is usually moved around the home each night and children are encouraged to look for the Elf in the morning. This can also help children to practice patience and anticipation as they wait to see where the Elf will show up each day.
How Does Elf On The Shelf Work?
The Elf on the Shelf works by giving children an incentive to behave. Parents can explain to their children that the Elf will be watching them and will report back to Santa each night. This can help children to remember to be on their best behavior, as they know the Elf is always watching. In addition, parents can also use the Elf on the Shelf to reward good behavior, such as by moving the Elf to a new spot and leaving a small treat for the child.
Parents can also use the Elf on the Shelf as a way to teach their children about consequences. If a child has been naughty, the Elf can be moved to a spot that reflects the bad behavior. For example, if a child has been fighting with their sibling, the Elf can be moved to a spot that is “tired” from all the fighting. This can help children to understand that there are consequences for their actions.
What Are The Benefits of Elf On The Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a great way to get children involved in the holiday season and to help them to remember to be on their best behavior. It can also help to teach children about consequences and the importance of following rules. In addition, the Elf on the Shelf is a fun and interactive way to get children excited about the holidays.
The Elf on the Shelf can also be used as a tool to help parents to explain difficult topics, such as death and divorce. By using the Elf on the Shelf, parents can explain difficult topics in a way that is easier for children to understand. This can be a great way to help children to process difficult topics and to learn important lessons.
Tips For Using Elf On The Shelf
When using the Elf on the Shelf, it’s important to remember to be creative and to have fun with it. Parents should also make sure that they don’t use the Elf to punish their children. Instead, they should use the Elf to reward good behavior and to help teach their children important lessons.
When using the Elf on the Shelf, parents should also make sure to involve their children in the process. Parents can ask their children for ideas on where to place the Elf each day, or they can challenge their children to find the Elf each morning. This can help to make the Elf on the Shelf a fun and interactive experience for the whole family.
Conclusion
The Elf on the Shelf is a popular holiday tradition that is a great way to get children involved in the holiday season. It is also a great way to teach children about consequences and the importance of following rules. When using the Elf on the Shelf, it’s important to be creative and to have fun with it, and to make sure to involve your children in the process.