Year Round Cheer With a Kindness Elf
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Last year I wrote about how I ditched the Elf on a Shelf as my kids were turning into tattle tales to the elf and kept telling it what they wanted for Christmas. I had read about it and thought it was a great idea.
I gave our elf away and ordered another set of elves. One for each kid.
I allow my kids to touch the elves.
Randomly I give them one of these hearts of something they should do (this is a free downloadable print). There are 25 different ideas on things to do, and there is a sheet of blank hearts if you want to do this year round.
I can tell you my house is calmer at Christmas. The kids like their kindness elves and are enjoying leaving pennies for others at the horses in the grocery store. They’ve drawn pictures for friends, helped each other out. We do random acts of kindness. It’s awesome to see them looking to see what we will do next.
Isn’t it great when you think about it. There is a lesson on there, they aren’t being selfish, but building some great compassion and understanding for those who may be less fortunate. They are learning to have a heart for others.
You don’t have to get elves like I did. You can use any item, stuffed animal/doll whatever. Just do something to teach your kiddos to think of others! You can probably find an elf or elf like doll in the store during the holidays too.
Last year I thought it would be great to do something for someone EVERY day. In reality, if you are running and doing different things, it might be too much. That is also why I think doing this year round will get your kids excited to see what you will do next.
Write a poem for your kids to share the elf like this one to welcome the elf:
other Kindness Elf ideas
I really like this! Elf on the shelf creeps me out a bit, but I think anything that brings about a little bit more kindness is wonderful!
Exactly! More kindness and more thinking of others.
This is such a cool idea. Our elves are plushes and get played with as well.
Thanks Kerri. The kids don’t play a lot with them, but they like having them in their room, knowing where they are every day.
That is such a great idea. We allow them to play with ours also.
Great Crystal. Playing with them takes out the mystery and is a visual reminder I think to be kind.
Really sweet concept – nice to reminder the kids and others to be kind and on our best behavior all year round
Exactly. My kids really got into it last night. It was donate books you no longer read. They were excited to do this (and it keeps me from having to figure out what they aren’t using).
I haven’t heard of a “kindness elf” but that’s a nice idea.
They are alternatives to the Elf on a Shelf Liz where they do good deeds or encourage children.