“ mom/dad… johnny and Susie at school have an elf on a shelf, how come we don’t ?”
“ son /daughter… we don’t have one as you guys behave” “ I’m guessing their parents need extra help and eyes on them around the holidays not just us and Santa’s”
Never had one, always had the question, never had to move that dam thing around.
But …. You do you and what’s right for your family. Every family sees the magic a different way .
Not questioning your commitment to the elf and I think your idea was very clever.
I was generally commenting on my technique so I didn’t have to double lie to them in the future when the annoying neighborhood teenager that spoils the “ secret” on the bus ride home or at the lunch table.
We all do parenting different, would I do it again if I had kids that age again … maybe:)
Have a great Christmas!