John Lewis have introduced us all to Buster the dog and high street retailers are blasting out Christmas music. Nativity outfits, school fairs, tombola prize requests; it’s a full-time job keeping up with the million texts from school at this time of year. Kids are ramping up their excitement and there are still weeks to go until Christmas day.
It may feel too early for many of us, but every parent will know that preparations are well under way for our children and it’s never too soon to unleash a little bribery to encourage good behaviour.
Here are 6 top tips to help the kids (and you) with their behaviour over the next few weeks:
1. The elf on the shelf
This tradition has made its way into many households across the UK, each elf comes with a behaviour chart and heads back to santa at night to put children on the naughty or nice list. Parents have to get creative and conjure up new adventures for their elf each morning as they arrive back for their next day on duty.
2. Santa cam
The idea that Santa is keeping an eye on your children at all times can really keep their behaviour at its best. CCTV, burglar alarm sensors and baby monitors can be used as Santa Cam ideas. This is one of the best forms of bribery because there are cameras everywhere, ideal for tantrum control whilst out and about.
3. Phonecalls to the North Pole
Rumour has it that Santa loves to use his phone. Parents can add Santa as a phone contact and have him on speed dial for those tricky situations when your child is in Christmas overload and begging to open a present on December 2nd.
4. Potatoes in the stocking
This idea is so effective it’s surprising that more people don’t use it. If the child is naughty, then Santa takes a present out of the stocking and replaces it with a potato. The key is to always ensure that there are a few spuds in the stocking each year to keep them on their toes.
5. Download the Santa app
Get the Santa app and you can pre-arrange phone calls from Santa to your child. Naughty or nice, accomplishments or Christmas Eve good wishes; a call from the big guy is going to make your child’s day whatever the reason for the phone call.
6. Share the magic through film
There may come an age where children become a little sceptical about Santa and the above tips are don’t work; this is the time to get out some movie classics to bring back the magic. Polar express, home alone, elf, muppets christmas carol are just a few to keep that belief a little longer.
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