How to Use Elf on the Shelf to Encourage Positive Behavior
If you’ve wondered how to use Elf on the Shelf to encourage positive behavior, we’ve got some fun ideas for you. As you know, the whole idea behind the elf on the shelf is that he acts as the eyes and the ears of Santa.
Having this extra set of eyes and ears in the house during the holiday season is a great way to encourage positive behavior in our children. In fact, the Elf on the Shelf can be an awesome teaching tool for little ones. Take a look below at these helpful tips.
Use Elf on the Shelf to Encourage Positive Behavior
1. Have an Elf arrival party.
On December 1st or tree decorating day, whenever you decide to introduce your elf, you can enjoy a small arrival party. This officially kicks off the Elf on the Shelf season so kids know that the extra eyes and ears are now in the house. There is no better way to set the expectation of positive behavior than at this kick off.
2. Set the rules.
Set out the basic behavior rules and explain your expectations. It’s a great time to go over household rules, daily chores, and expectations for not only Christmas season, but the new year. This way children know what is expected of them, and can oblige. After you are done setting out the rules, you can have a family discussion to answer any questions they may have.
3. Place the elf in conspicuous places.
If the children see the elf, they will have a visual cue to remind them of what is expected. Children can quickly forget some rules, but the elf can act as a visual reminder to help keep them in line during this exciting time of year. It’s a terrific tool for positive reinforcement, that’s for sure! Get some great ideas on what to do with your elf here.
4. Leave warnings.
If children start to slack, you can use the elf to leave warnings. A citation issuing elf can be moms new best friend! Perhaps the elf will lose his magic and not move if kids are behaving badly. Sometimes he may leave a sticky note telling them that behavior needs to improve. The elf can be used at parents discretion to remind kids of what is expected of them.
5. Use the elf as praise.
If kids are behaving well or did something positive, make sure the elf “notices.” The citation issuing elf can also be an encouraging elf who love to leave positive notes and rewards. The elf can have some candy or treats with him the next time he moves after returning from reporting to the North Pole. Children can even earn fun rewards for their Elf, like the Elf Pets, Elf clothing, and other fun Elf crafts and imaginative play that make the season so much fun!
6. Try a behavior chart.
You can try an elf themed behavior chart as well, where a daily sticker is posted if the child has a good day. You can say that the elf adds the sticker or even reports to you. This way kids have a daily way to be accountable and can earn stickers to redeem for a treat later. We love the idea of behavior and chore charts, as we are big believers in rewarding good behavior! When they have been on a role, you can have the Elf issue official Naughty and Nice Certificates for further reinforcement.
See how fun and easy it can be to use the Elf on the Shelf to encourage positive behavior? Give these tips for using the Elf in your own household to encourage good behavior and see how it works. Let us know if you have additional ideas along these lines!
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Read 7 Reasons Moms LOVE the Elf on the Shelf
Positive reinforcement from the Elf on the Shelf is an easy tool for parents to use during the holidays. But actually, the Elf pays attention all year long. It’s fun to use Elf on the Shelf to encourage positive behavior. We’re thinking about an official Elf adoption at our house!
Need an Elf? Pick up a simple Elf on the Shelf with a book on Amazon here.
So, are you ready to have some family fun with your Elf on a Shelf? Join our brand NEW 2017 – Extreme Christmas Savings Facebook group HERE. Search hashtag #ExtremeElfFun and you can add your pictures, share ideas, or get inspiration for your own Elf on the Shelf traditions.