Oh it’s that time of the year where the Elf come out and play! More like sleepless nights and long days thinking of what else to do for the Elf on the Shelf.
We started the Elf on the Shelf in 2016 Kylie’s first Christmas, you might say why so early? She wasn’t even 1 she was only 3 months old, I believe that a child’s imagination is a key development in their early life.
Why is imagination important to a child?
Imagination fosters cognitive and social development. We all want to raise children who reach their highest intellectual and social/emotional potential. In early childhood education, critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities are goals for children's development.
When I was a child my imagination was out of control I believed in Santa for many years and I remember how beautiful Christmas was because I believed. My father one year even dressed as Santa and put presents under the tree he made sure to make noise so I could wake up. I remember being the happiest girl that year because I spoke to Santa and because he let me see him. I still remember how I felt the next morning, telling my family with sparkle in my eyes.
This is why I decided to start the Elf on the Shelf at such an early age for Kylie because of the magic and sparkle I would see in her eyes.
It was not until she turned 3 where the fun began at such a early age she would wake up to look for Joy. I would make it exciting each morning, sometime she would laugh or get mad at Joy. One time Joy sat in Kylie’s high chair and Kylie wasn’t having it she went up to Joy and told her a few things like “Joy eso mío” ( “Joy that is mine”) it was the cutest sight. That year I was able to get away with not moving the Elf for a few days. That all changed this year! She looks forward to waking up each morning (7am sharp).
This year has been by far the best year! Not only did I get Danny to move the Elf for three nights in a roll, Kylie’s sparkle each morning is what I look forward too. Seeing her use her imagination each day is a key development in her creative problem solving. She talks to Joy and Buster each day and tells them stories of the Northpole, sometimes she even tells them how mama behaved. Each morning she wakes up her father and explains her findings with such excitement in her voice, she even adds a little more to Joy and Buster adventure. It’s the little moments in her life she will always remember and why the Elf in the Shelf will be in our Family for years to come. I want my kids to use their imagination and be kids. We live in hard times and they are only a child once, us as parents have a job to make that childhood magical.
Imaginative play gives kids the skills they need later in life for creative problem solving and an appreciation for artistic endeavors.
Beautiful 😍 🥰🥰
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
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