I’m all about traditions, but from a parent with three adult children - my thoughts on “Elf on the Shelf.” If you really want to do it, great! Don’t we have enough holiday stressors? 

Holiday Edition of If you want to really show your IMPOSTER SYNDROME, just get an Elf on the Shelf. 

1. Unrealistic Standards: The Elf on the Shelf tradition sets unrealistic standards for parents,  making them feel inadequate if they cannot live up to the perfect holiday displays portrayed on social media and in popular culture. Ask yourself: Is anyone really perfect? Nope. 

2. Comparison and Self-Blame: parents may compare themselves to others who seem to effortlessly create elaborate Elf on the Shelf scenes, leading to feelings of guilt, self-blame, and a sense of not measuring up as a parent. Question: Have you compared & despaired? 

3. Added Mental Load: The responsibility of planning and executing daily Elf on the Shelf activities adds to the already heavy mental load that many parents experience. This can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and imposter syndrome, as they question their ability to manage all their responsibilities.

4. Time Constraint: parents often have limited time due to their multiple roles and responsibilities. Spending extra time each day on Elf on the Shelf activities can make them feel inadequate for not dedicating more time to it and may contribute to imposter syndrome.

5. Creativity Pressure: The expectation to come up with innovative and creative ideas for the Elf's daily activities can be overwhelming for parents who may not see themselves as naturally creative. This pressure to constantly perform can exacerbate imposter syndrome feelings.

6. Unrealistic Parenting Ideals: Elf on the Shelf perpetuates a notion of perfection in parenting, creating an idealized image of what it means to be a "good" mother. This can lead to feelings of impostor syndrome as parents question their ability to meet these unrealistic expectations.

7. Challenged Identity: Elf on the Shelf may challenge a mother's identity, as it perpetuates the idea that being a good mother means participating in or excelling at this tradition. When parents cannot or choose not to engage in it, they may feel like impostors who don't fit the mold.

8. Sacrifice of Personal Interests: Participating in the Elf on the Shelf tradition may require parents to sacrifice their own personal interests and self-care for the sake of performing the activities. This can lead to feelings of resentment and imposter syndrome.

9. Misaligned Priorities: parents may have different priorities, such as spending quality time with their children, focusing on developmental activities, or pursuing personal and professional goals. Feeling forced to prioritize Elf on the Shelf can contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome as they question their own judgment.

10. Reinforcing External Validation: Elf on the Shelf reinforces the idea that a mother's worth is dependent on external validation, such as social media likes or approval from others. This can perpetuate imposter syndrome, as parents may question their own abilities and value without constant external affirmation.

11. Detrimental Comparison Culture: The widespread sharing of Elf on the Shelf activities on social media creates a culture of comparison among parents. Constantly comparing oneself to others can amplify feelings of imposter syndrome and undermine a mother's self-confidence.

12. Empowering Authenticity: Letting go of Elf on the Shelf allows parents to embrace their authenticity and prioritize what truly matters to them and their families. Embracing this authenticity can contribute to a sense of empowerment and reduce feelings of imposter syndrome.