Introducing your Elf on the Shelf to your 2 year old can be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family! To begin, gather the family around and have a conversation about the magic of Santa and how his helpers watch over the family throughout the holiday season to make sure that everyone is behaving their best.
Explain that the Elf on the Shelf is one of Santa’s helpers who magically appears at the start of the holiday season and will be a lifelong friend. Show them a few pictures and books about the Elf and its adventures.
Once you’ve explained the basics of the Elf, you can create a big reveal. For example, you can put the Elf in the center of the room and act surprised when the kids spot it. Ask them to help your Elf fly around the room to get to its spot on the shelf, and encourage them to give the Elf a hug once it’s in its spot.
Make sure to ask your 2 year old questions about their Elf and get them involved in dialogues to help bring the Elf to life. Have fun conversations about what the Elf has been doing, where it’s been, and all the silly adventures it’s been on.
Talk to the Elf throughout the day and have little conversations with your 2 year old about the things it’s been up to. The more you interact with the Elf the more real it will be to your 2 year old, and soon enough your 2 year old will be your Elf on the Shelf’s biggest fan.
What is a good age to start elf on a shelf?
Generally speaking, the age at which a child starts to understand and believe in the concept of Elf on the Shelf is the best time to introduce it. The majority of parents report introducing the tradition between the ages of 3 and 5, when children often begin to understand the concept of Santa Claus and the need for good behavior in order to receive presents.
However, it is important to consider the attitude of your child and ability to understand the concept of Elf on the Shelf. Some children may be more receptive to the concept at an earlier age and it is best to go at your child’s pace.
Depending on the maturity level of the child and the amount of structure and guidance supplied by the parents, the best age to start the tradition could differ from one family to another.
Can toddlers touch Elf on the Shelf?
No, toddlers should not be allowed to touch their Elf on the Shelf. Even if the Elf is giving a hug to a family member, toddlers should not be allowed to touch it. Although the Elf is made from a soft fabric, the doll has small parts that could become a choking hazard if they were touched or handled inappropriately.
Additionally, Santa’s magical elves need to remain unspoiled in order to continue to do their job of watching and reporting back to Santa each night. If a toddler were to touch the Elf, it would break the magic and result in the elf’s disappearance.
Therefore, it is best to keep toddlers away from the Elf on the Shelf.
Does each child need their own Elf on the Shelf?
No, each child does not need their own Elf on the Shelf. If more than one child is in the house, it is possible to use the same Elf on the Shelf for all children. In fact, the Elf on the Shelf is designed to be a part of shared family fun.
According to The Elf on the Shelf website, “Your Scout Elf will remain special to you, no matter if you add him or her to your family tradition and bring joy to more than one child. ” Many families have multiple children who take turns and share in the fun of having the same elf.
Do parents move the Elf on the Shelf yes or no?
Yes, according to tradition, parents are expected to move their Elf on the Shelf each night. This is done to add to the magical experience of the Christmas season as the Elf is seen traveling throughout the home and interacting with other family members and items.
This activity not only adds to the Christmas spirit, but also helps pass on the legend of the Elf on the Shelf to the rest of the family. When the Elf is moved each day, the family watches in anticipation to see what fun the Elf has been up to and what mischief it might be getting into.
It’s also a great way for parents to involve their children in the Christmas season, as they work together to move the Elf and come up with ideas for where it should go each night.
Are you supposed to have more than one Elf on the Shelf?
When it comes to having more than one Elf on the Shelf, that decision is totally up to the family. One Elf on the Shelf is the traditional way of celebrating Christmas with the Elf, but some families like to have more fun by having more than one! The thing to remember is that, just like with a pet, each Elf will need regular attention, including being moved to a new location each day.
Additionally, if you have multiple Elves, it’s important to rotate which one is officially Santa’s Scout so that all your children get to experience the same level of involvement with the Elf tradition.
Ultimately, whether or not you have more than one Elf on the Shelf is up to you as a family.
What are the rules for Elf on a shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf is a holiday tradition in many households and the rules associated with this beloved figure vary from family to family. However, here are some of the most commonly accepted rules for Elf on the Shelf:
1. The elf must be named by its owner upon adoption. This can be done with the official adoption certificate that comes with the Elf on the Shelf set.
2. The elf should live in a visible spot in the house, and should be placed at the beginning of the holiday season.
3. Each night before the family goes to sleep, the elf must return to the North Pole and then fly back to his spot in the home.
4. During this time, the children are not allowed to touch the elf as it will lose its magic.
5. The elf should be the bearer of good tidings, performing tasks such as delivering playful messages, creating mischief and keeping the children on their best behavior.
6. The elf should also be observed to see if it is in a different spot in the morning when it returns, as it is believed that the elf is reporting back to Santa.
7. Finally, the parents should encourage their children to write letters to the elf asking for something they would like for the holiday season.
What does Elf on the shelf do at night?
At night, when everyone is sleeping, the Elf on the Shelf will fly back to the North Pole to report to Santa. He will tell Santa how each child has been behaving and whether they have been naughty or nice.
When the elf arrives back in the morning, the children can find the elf in a new spot for the day. It’s up to the parents to move the Elf every night. By having the elf “come alive” each morning, he has become a magical Christmas tradition in many households.
Why did my elf not move?
Your elf may not have moved due to a few different reasons. One could be that it was placed in an environment that was too bright or loud. Elves are sensitive to these types of environments and may be unable to move in them.
Another reason could be that your elf was placed too far away from certain objects like a television or other device with a loud or bright light. Lastly, it could be that your elf just ran out of energy and isn’t able to move anymore.
If this is the case, it would be best to move your elf to a new spot that has room to move around and recharge.
What do you do with the elf on the shelf after Christmas?
When Christmas is over, families with Elf on the Shelf can keep their elf for other holiday activities or for a Valentine’s Day surprise. Some families also like to have their elf “go away” with a special goodbye ceremony.
Depending on your family traditions and preferences, a number of creative ideas can be used to “send off” your Elf on the Shelf. These can range from a special breakfast for the elf before “flying away”, a cuddly sleeping bag and a camping gear “survival kit”, to a special a farewell party with treats and gifts for the elf.
After the ritual is over, the elf can be stored in an air-tight box with some tissue paper, carefully tucked away until next year. Some families also donate their elf to a local charity organization or a school, or give it to another family member or friend who may benefit from the elf.
Can Your Elf on the Shelf stay all year?
Yes, your Elf on the Shelf can stay all year. In fact, many families have their Elf on the Shelf remain throughout the year, allowing children to enjoy the magical presence of their Elf friend all year long.
Children can help their Elf with tasks and different activities on special occasions throughout the year such as birthdays, holidays and other celebrations. The Elf can also serve as a way to encourage good behavior and remind children to follow the family’s rules.
If you choose to leave your Elf on the Shelf throughout the year, let your children know that the Elf is always watching and rewarding good behavior. However, if you do decide to follow the traditional Elf on the Shelf tradition, have your Elf move to the North Pole at the end of the holiday season.
What are parents supposed to do with Elf on the Shelf?
Parents should use Elf on the Shelf as a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season in the home. It is an Elf figurine that parents can set up in various locations in the home, and it is an engaging way to get their kids involved in the holiday cheer.
Every night, the Elf will move to a new spot, causing anticipation and excitement for the children to find it the next morning. Kids can then think of creative places for the Elf to move to during the night, giving them a sense of control when playing.
As stories are told about the Elf and games are invented from it, parents can also use it as a learning tool to talk about the importance of Santa Claus, the North Pole, elves, and Christmas. It also reinforces a sense of caring, respect, and values throughout the season.
Finally, parents can also use the Elf to set up rules and activities so that their children are reminded to be well behaved, kind, and helpful.
What does the Elf on the Shelf do when child misbehaves?
The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition for many families. The traditional story is that the elf is sent from the North Pole to help Santa keep an eye on children’s behaviour, and to report back to Santa whether they’ve been naughty or nice.
When a child misbehaves, the elf doesn’t do anything directly. They become the gentle reminder to stay on the nice list by setting a good example. For instance, the elf might be positioned observing how the child is behaving so that the child realizes they are being watched and will make better choices.
The goal is to encourage children to make good choices without invoking fear. It’s important to let children know that the elf will not punish them and that they are only trying to help.