www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com
HOO’s Fun 15
by Maria Phillips, Online Manager
for Family & Kids and Local Mom
Do I want an
Elf
in my
House
Elves are appearing in homes all over America.
Your child wakes up, rubs their tired eyes and is
greeted by a mischievous elf who toilet papered
their bedroom! Hilarious, right? Last holiday season
I toiled with the idea of Scout the Elf for my then 2
year-old, but decided he wasn’t old enough. This
year, he’s all about Santa, more affectionately known
as Mr. Ho, Ho, Ho! My kiddo has become quite the
prankster himself, and I know Scout will bring
holiday cheer to my child. Heck, it may even bring
some cheer to his Scrooge of a father. But, don’t
we have enough fa-la-la? I’m already packing the
advent calendar, wrapping 25 Christmas themed
books for holiday bedtime stories, planning a
Gingerbread House party, and buying tickets to
Fantasy in Lights. This is on top of decorating the
inside and outside of my house plus all the other
holiday cheer responsibilities. But have you seen the
cute rain jackets for Elf? I mean, I’ve already decided
to name him Tinsel. So let me break it down for you:
Pros:
• This little doll is the ultimate tattle-tale, watching
your child’s every move and reporting back to the
man in red. It does help to keep your kiddo on their
best behavior.
• It gives your child something to look forward to
each morning. I’ve spoken to kids who couldn’t stop
raving about Elfie’s antics.
• It’s a teaching opportunity to solve clues and answer
riddles to find the Elf.
Cons:
• The Elf is comparable to Chucky or
Annabelle. A doll that comes to life at
night and gets into trouble? Yikes.
• It’s another task after your kids go to sleep. If you
forget to move the Elf, your kids start to worry he’s
sick or angry.
• When your child doesn’t listen, you must remember
to use the Elf as a bargaining chip.
• In all seriousness, you’re lying to your child,
encouraging credulity and using a doll to police your
child.
If you’re not convinced the Elf is for you, there are
some alternatives that may fit your parenting style
or religious affiliations a little better:
Mensch on a Bench: Mensch is very similar to Elf, but
is made with Jewish children in mind. Every day at
Hanukkah give your Mensch a Shamash candle to
hold. If your child behaves, Mensch will let go of the
candle easily and the child will receive gifts, if not,
the child does not receive gifts.
Giving Manger: The Giving Manger helps families
shift the focus of Christmas back to giving. A piece
of straw is placed in the manger for each kind deed
or act of service performed. On Christmas Day, the
baby Jesus is placed in the manger filled with service
and love.
For some more Elf on The Shelf Alternatives and our
favorite Elf on the Shelf accessories and mischief,
visit our website:
FamilyandKidsGA.com/Elf-on-the-shelf
/www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com
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