A mum and parenting expert has revealed why the Elf on the Shelf tradition is firmly banned in her household.
Parenting specialist Kirsty Ketley has previously made headlines for revealing the worst parenting tips and myths that we should avoid.
Now, the Surrey-based 42-year-old, who is mum to Ella, 10, and Leo, six, has revealed why she has decided to boycott the popular new tradition of hiding elves around the house in the run-up to Christmas.
“I find it’s a bit creepy looking and I don’t like the idea of being ‘watched’ – and neither do the kids,” Kirsty told Whats The Jam.
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“I don’t believe in giving kids empty threats – the consequences that you say will happen but that you don’t follow through on.
“Which parent will follow through on the threat of Santa not coming?
“Parenting in December should be no different to how you parent the other 11 months of the year, and throwing threats around that are not going to happen are a sign of parenting weakness.
“Plus, instead of making your child behave, it will instead, more likely, have the opposite effect.”
Kirsty insists that her children aren’t and have never been interested in the phenomenon.
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She said: “Both find it a bit creepy and they know that it is the parents who do it – which makes them understand why we don’t have one.”
While many parents frantically search for new hiding spots for their elf each morning, Kirsty says it is a chore she doesn’t have time for.
She added: “I really can’t be bothered [with Elf on the Shelf]!
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“I have enough going on in December without having to move an elf about daily, and ensure it is behaving in the worst way possible.
“I also think that some of the things that people do with their elf, are wasteful and messy.
“Rolls of toilet paper unravelled and torn, flour everywhere – it’s an extra thing to have to do and to clean and tidy.”
There are a handful of other Christmas traditions that the parenting expert isn’t on board with – including attributing all gifts to Santa.
Kirsty said: “Not only do I think us, as parents, should take the credit for the ‘big stuff’, I think it helps to keep kids’ expectations in check – especially for families on a tight budget.
“Instead, I think it’s acceptable for you to tell your kids that there is a limit on what you can spend on them and to create their list accordingly.
“Stockings are from Santa and should be modest.
“This way there can be no wondering why their peers got more than them from Santa and it can reduce the stress on parents of trying to meet their kids’ unrealistic expectations.”
She also said she doesn’t understand the concept of Christmas Eve boxes, and says parents shouldn’t feel pressured to make the big day perfect.
She explained: “Christmas should be perfectly imperfect.
“It’s important to remember that behind every perfect-looking Christmas tree you see on Instagram, there is likely chaos, stress, sadness, and financial pressures going on.”
Despite her misgivings around some of the new-age holiday traditions, Kirsty added: “I promise I’m not the Grinch!”
READ MORE: Mum’s Santa revelation sparks online firestorm
