Does your family have an elf on the shelf? If not, you may want to run out and get one before the Christmas holiday. For many families, the Elf On The Shelf is a fun Christmas tradition that both children and adults look forward to, but it is also a new parenting concept that is both fun and effective.

The Elf On The Shelf is a scout elf that watches children to make sure they are behaving and then report their behavior back to Santa. In order to make the elf seem real, parents will move the little guy or girl around in different positions throughout their home and sometimes, the elf even leaves treats behind.

Parents can find fun ideas for their elf on Pinterest, Instagram and other websites. The elf teaches children to be aware of their behavior and encourages them to behave better. Parents are less likely to scold or yell at children and children are less likely to throw tantrums when the elf is watching or listening.

More importantly, the elf provided families with something fun to do together and look forward to every year. For almost everyone that buys an Elf On The Shelf, the story and activities quickly become a tradition that will likely be carried on throughout generations. Children who have their own elf may pass it down to their children and grandchildren someday.

The Elf On The Shelf as published in 2005 and is available in most bookstores and online stores. There is also an Elf On The Shelf cartoon that is shown on several channels during Christmas. Do you believe the Elf On The Shelf is an effective parenting tool or just another fad that will fade away in a few years?

Image from YouTube.