CHILD & FAMILY THERAPISTS PROVIDING CHILD & FAMILY EMOTIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT
I, more than anyone, enjoy the *magic* that comes with the holiday season. The decorations, the glitter, nostalgia, the music – all of it! – except for The Elf on the Shelf. From my point of view as a child therapist, December 1st brings with it increased anxiety and meltdowns from children who are just trying to keep it together so that Santa will not see them as being “bad.” The Elf also makes parents feel the stress of being the “keepers of the magic,” and despite their best efforts to avoid bringing an elf into their house, they start the tradition so that children don’t feel left out. And, while I understand that the Elf cannot be eliminated entirely, maybe there is a way to do it differently. Less about keeping score for Santa, and more enjoying the holidays together.
With that in mind, here are 12 ideas for a different kind of Elf this holiday season:
If you want to do the tradition Elf, I’ll understand, but these ideas promote connection and time spent together. After all, it is in the time we spend together during the holidays laughing, creating, sharing, and giving that make up the real holiday magic that lasts us long after Santa and the Elf go back to the North Pole. Happy Holidays!
Erin Troup, LPC, NCC, CT, IMH-E (IV Clinical)
Sprout Center for Emotional Growth and Development was founded in early 2013 out of the love for the study and practice of early childhood and family wellness. Sprout Center for Emotional Growth and Development is designed to address the needs of children and their families in all stages of life.
Consultation, training and supervision are also provided for all agencies and individuals that serve an important role in a family’s life including parents and caregivers, Childcare providers, Educators and Schools, Medical professionals, Legal representatives, Parenting groups and other organizations.