Thankfully this wasn’t around when my boys were little. I wouldn’t have had it anyway because I know our cat would have gotten to it. I once played a game with them where each gift when opened told them where to look next. That ended in tears so never did it again.

I was worried about this too which is why I didn’t introduce him u til she asked. She had one at daycare and loved it and asked why we don’t have one so that was when I knew she would t get scared by him. Every kid is different and it’s important to remember to only do these things if you think your child is up for it.

I think it is all a matter of how you introduce these things. If you make out like it’s a creepy little thing that is spying on the kids, then maybe they might feel anxious about it. I have never had an issue with my kids. They genuinely love it, it’s a thing where they can’t wait to get up the next day and see what she is doing. Deep down they know it’s not real and that it’s all their parent’s creativity.

I’ve never done elf on the shelf. A key component of the Elf on the Shelf story is that children believe they will get better presents if the elf delivers a good report to Santa. With other words the elves are used to control a child’s behavior and the parents engage in empty threats.

As a mum of a three year old I totally understand that it freaked her child out. I have been gifted a few of these and never used them so glad I haven’t judging by this

I can absolutely understand this! The way some parents set the elf up in scary, mean and naughty situations would have creeped me out as a kid.

Not something I had to worry about with my kids as it wasnt a thing back then but its not something that I think i would have bothered with anyway. Its not something that I will do with my grandchildren either. If their parents wish to do it then so be it.

This idea wasn’t around when my children were little, and I am so pleased it wasn’t.

Not around when my kids were little but poor little girl.

We used to do it and my husband had so much fun coming up with ideas, but having a 12 yr old.. it’s not as fun as she knows it’s not real.

This is why I won’t do it, I don’t want my daughter getting anxiety from an elf. I think the elf on the shelf is kind of ridiculous.

I would never put one of those elves in our home.

I simply don’t like the concept of using a scare tactic to improve your children’s behaviour.

Fortunately our elf only stayed for one year then never returned. The anxiety was with us as parents, realising for the fourth day in a row that the elf hadn’t moved.

Hmm my kids love it and can’t wait to see what it’s been doing each morning…

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 09 Dec 2022 , 7:25 am

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  If approached with fun it can be enjoyed.

So insightful, each child is so unique and this definitely isn’t fun for all. Although there are so many Christmas traditions out there you’re sure to find one that works if it is something your family celebrates.

They’d give me nightmares too lol. I’ve never seen the appeal as they are not even cute.

No not doing it. Some of the things are going too far.

This was not around when my kids were little and so glad it wasnt, It seems to be terrifying for some kids and I would have to say me too

I personally dont have it and not interested in having it either.