'Elf On The Shelf Gave My Child Nightmares And Anxiety'

It’s pretty hard not to get swept up in the Elf on the Shelf craze – even though most of us regret it round about this time in December! But this mum says just the thought of an elf creeping around the house was enough to give her little girl nightmares.

Bonnie shared the reasons she doesn’t do Elf on the Shelf with her kids on her TikTok account only_one_knit_toys, explaining it was actually her daughter’s kindergarten that prompted her daughter’s fear.

“When my eldest was in kindergarten and it was really popular back then for everybody to get an Elf on the Shelf, her teacher introduced it to the classroom as well. My daughter started getting nightmares and she got really anxious about the idea that one of these little elves would visit our home.”

Bonnie explained that the anxiety got so bad, her daughter was constantly on edge, worrying about the elf.

“She would peer around corners and be nervous that she would come across this little creature scuttling around our home and spy on her. Be really mischievous. So one night after another nightmare I had to tell her the truth and she was so relieved, so that’s why we never ended up getting one.”

@only_one_knit_toys #stitch with @conorcregan why we dont have an elf in our home #elfontheshelf #parentsoftiktok #momsoftiktok #unpopularopinion ♬ original sound – Only One

And judging by the comments on Bonnie’s video, she’s not the only one who’s banished Santa’s helper from her home.

“I’ve always been creeped out by the elf on the shelf,” said one follower.

Chanel commented: “Elf on a shelf could totally be a horror movie.”

“I’ve literally seen parents on TikTok make the elf cut up the kids pjs or teddy, draw on their face etc. I would’ve had a breakdown as a kid,” added Elle Swift.

While another followed said, “All kids are different buy I’m really surprised there’s not more anxiety ridden children terrified of these things.”

Do you do Elf on the Shelf in your house, or is he banned? Let us know in the comments below.

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30 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 14 Nov 2024
    12:25 pm
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.

- - mom101628 said
  - 27 Dec 2022
    5:54 pm
This idea wasn’t around when my children were little, and I am so pleased it wasn’t.

- - MummaD said
  - 16 Dec 2022
    8:36 pm
Not around when my kids were little but poor little girl.

- - AdysMum said
  - 11 Dec 2022
    9:28 am
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.

- - mom486197 said
  - 09 Dec 2022
    6:20 pm
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.

- - tessie said
  - 09 Dec 2022
    1:49 pm
I would never put one of those elves in our home.

- - Ellen said
  - 09 Dec 2022
    8:42 am
I simply don’t like the concept of using a scare tactic to improve your children’s behaviour.

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 09 Dec 2022
    12:20 am
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.

- - sars_angelchik said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    3:42 pm
Hmm my kids love it and can’t wait to see what it’s been doing each morning…
- mom93821 replied
  
  09 Dec 2022 , 7:25 am
  If approached with fun it can be enjoyed.
- - CrystalG said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    3:05 pm
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.

- - TraceyGail said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    2:49 pm
They’d give me nightmares too lol. I’ve never seen the appeal as they are not even cute.

- - mom465683 said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    1:42 pm
No not doing it. Some of the things are going too far.

- - My Little Buttons said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    1:35 pm
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

- - mom486400 said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    12:09 pm
I personally dont have it and not interested in having it either.

- - cassy26 said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    9:55 am
My kids have all loved “Elfie” but he’s good and funny and sometimes brings gifts and would never do anything mean so they have no reason not to I guess

- - rovermum said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    9:24 am
Not surprised really. I don’t get it. I’m so glad it came out after my son was too old for it.

- - mom465794 said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    9:12 am
it sure is quite creepy!

- - Ellen said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    8:39 am
I never did elf on the shelf

- - Thrifty_mumma said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    8:21 am
I’m doing it this year for yhe first time as I’ve gotten sick of the kids nagging me. But I don’t make it do things, he just moves to a different spot each night.

- - Danicastefanie said
  - 08 Dec 2022
    6:25 am
I don’t plan on having one. I think it would give me anxiety having to come up with a new scene every night. And I can see how it would scare some children