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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to do Elf on the Shelf for my class?

92 replies

Bottomofsmughill · 28/11/2017 19:14

Just looking for your thoughts really... I've bought Elf on the Shelf as I thought my year 4 kids would love finding him each morning. I'm not planning to tell them he's spying on them for Father Christmas though as I don't want to upset them/ be unfair to children of other faiths. My AIBU is will I get parents complaining it ruins EOTS at home/isn't fair on kids/it's too commercial/other complaints I've not considered? I feel a bit like I can't win at the moment so don't want to make a rod for my own back.

OP posts:
firawla · 29/11/2017 09:55

We don’t do elf or santa at home but I think my kids would find it funny to have the elf in School, I wouldn’t have any issues with it

elliejjtiny · 29/11/2017 09:56

I think it's lovely. Hope your class like it.

CuppaSarah · 29/11/2017 09:57

What a lovely idea! I'd love it if dds teacher did this. Such a sweet fun idea for the children

runsmidgeOMG · 29/11/2017 09:58

Of topic but cappuccino your girls sound like thoughtful sensitive souls. different is good ! Smile

I think it's great your doing EOTS with your class OP. The only aspect I've been against is the watching and reporting bad behaviour and I also hate "Santa cams" bleughhhhh

But since you're not doing that, go for it ! Have fun !

Kentnurse2015 · 29/11/2017 10:03

I have to admit I would be a bit Hmm if my children did it at school but i wouldn't be outraged or anything

glitterlips1 · 29/11/2017 10:05

As a parent I would welcome it and think the children would love doing it at school. I know mine would. I don't think the children have to believe in it as some posters have suggested. My DC are 8 and 10 now and now know the elf isn't real but they love to see what antics I will think up for the elf to do! I would also say just do it in the last week as it is a real nightmare thinking up things and remembering to do it!

Valerrie · 29/11/2017 10:16

I agree glitterlips. I did it for two weeks in school because I'd planned lessons around it but at home, he comes about 10 days before Christmas with a North Pole breakfast and I don't have to think of many ideas.

Not sure why people think it's a whole-of-December advent thing.

CatsAndCairngorms · 29/11/2017 10:24

I would do the Kindness Elves instead.
theimaginationtree.com/alternative-elf-on-shelf-tradition-kindness-elf-kindness-elves/

But I am another one who thinks EOTS is very creepy!

TellMeItsNotTrue · 29/11/2017 10:27

If using class teddy, make sure on the first day he brings a note about the elves sprinkling him with Christmas magic or something so that they don't come in all excited in January expecting it to continue Xmas Grin

Taytotots · 29/11/2017 10:28

I hate the creepy elf on the shelf and really can't be bothered to do it and think up thing every day bah humbug!). Ditto kindness elves although can see they could teach some useful lessons. However, even I can see that it might be a good way or engaging children in school work - especially if as said above you can use it as the basis of mini lessons. I'd have no objections - hats off to you for putting effort in on top of all the other stuff.

CancellyMcChequeface · 29/11/2017 10:37

I think the elf as creepy instrument of surveillance is terrible, but would have no problem with it being introduced just for fun, and I think it's much better to do it in Y4 where the children will know that it's just a game than with very young children who might be confused over whether it's real or not.

Queeniebed · 29/11/2017 13:39

I find it lovely that you would do that (and keep that creepy Elf out of my home) - ive threatened to burn any that are brought into my house shudder

Intercom · 30/11/2017 08:23

I wouldn't be pleased at EOTS, but wouldn't speak up for fear of being "one of those parents"! Creepy badly-behaved spying hypocritical weird intruder thing who does what it wants but expects you to be good or else Confused

Even if you didn't tell the children it was checking on their behaviour, they may have heard of that and still make the association.

Hunt the mascot sounds fine though.

lljkk · 30/11/2017 08:35

How does it work for kids who never were taught to believe in FC (like mine). I'm not sure how DS would take this.

rockcakesrock · 30/11/2017 10:22

Although you say you would not say the Elf is reporting to F.C., you cannot be sure that other children will follow your lead. I would do it but not with the Elf, I would use a reindeer. I must confess to having experience of parents who will complain about anything. And not needing the additional stress at Christmas. Also a personal hatred for EOTS

FlakeBook · 30/11/2017 10:35

You sound like a lovely teacher, OP. Whatever you do will be great fun and the children will remember it for many years.

Whatslovegottodo · 30/11/2017 10:42

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This lovely free gift from Relax Kids looks great - all about fun but self esteem boosting too.

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