We don’t follow the traditional Elf on the Shelf Rules in our house. Yes, we have an elf who the kids named Peppermint, but he doesn’t report back to Santa if they’ve been misbehaving or bickering with one another.
Because let’s be honest, the threat of having Santa (aka Mom and Dad) take away presents is an empty threat and nothing more. I’m not really going to take away presents and I don’t want to get in the habit of empty threats over a stuffed doll the kids believe to be watching their every move.
Actually, I don’t want to be in the bad habit of throwing out threats of any kind.
THE JOYFUL JOB OF AN ELF ON THE SHELF
He creates fun and spreads joy.
He plays hide-and-seek and each morning the kids – when I can remember to do it the night before – try to find his new hiding spot. All of it is purely for fun and nothing more. Isn’t that the best part of the holiday magic?
Not some tattletale Elf and trickery to get our kids to behave.
This year, when Peppermint has the kids racing from room to room trying to find him, I decided wanted to add something more… something with purpose.
I CAUGHT YOU BEING GOOD NOTECARDS SPREAD POSITIVITY
For the past few months, our family has been focusing on three things: build our children’s confidence, using constructive praise when we see opportunities for it and most recently, simple acts of kindness.
I may be on a mission this holiday season to be more purposeful with gifts, but I am always trying to be purposeful in how I parent and talk to my kids.
This is why, I created the 40 Elf on the Shelf Notes to print, cut out and accompany our elf. (I also made a neutral holiday version that don’t need an Elf on the Shelf.)
The purpose of the notes is to point out and reinforce positive behavior, kind gestures and characteristics.
It’s not about having perfect, impeccable behavior at all times; but rather praising little acts of kindness, hard work, sweetness, love, generosity and when your kids make good choices.
Download 40 Elf on the Shelf “I Caught You Being Good” Notecards
*Printing Suggestion: For optimal impact, print on cardstock or photo paper and full color.
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I agree 100% Corinne, the elf on the shelf can definitely be a both fun and educative lesson indirectly for children if used rightfully ! Hopefully parents around the world use it wisely !
Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂 It has been so hard to find another parent who wants to use the Elf on the Shelf tradition in this way. I am so glad to have found this post! My girls love their elf (Lucy DooDoo, a combined naming effort between a 6 year old and 18month old), and the last thing I want is to have guilt overshadowing the joys of Christmas. Reinforcing positive behaviour has worked so well for us. I also find that it helps me to keep a positive outlook, and I’m far less stressed out, as I focus much more on noticing their good choices, than pointing out their mistakes.
Thanks so much 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful Christmas xx
Hi Mel, I love that we’re on the same page about keeping the Elf tradition alive but using positive reinforcement. My kids get so excited to see the Elf year after year. I hope your girls love the cards this year! Merry Christmas