You Got Caught Moving Elf on the Shelf – Now What?

Either you got caught moving Elf on the Shelf or you are preparing in case you do. Either way, welcome, and let me help because it can happen to any of us!

Your kid is in bed and it’s time to move the Elf on the Shelf for the night. You grab the elf and begin to set him up with a quick Elf on the Shelf Idea, but you are not quick enough. You turn around and come face to face with your child.

You’ve been had. Your kid caught you moving Elf on the Shelf and now you’re wondering how to save the magic. Read on for some clever responses for when you are caught touching Elf on the Shelf!

Your Got Caught Moving Elf on the Shelf
Now What?

At some point our kids figure out that the Elf on the Shelf magic is really us. While we would like the truth to come out when they are ready, accidents happen and you could get caught moving Elf on the Shelf any given night.

Whether you we’re caught or want to be prepared if you get caught, here are some things you can say to your child when you get caught moving Elf on the Shelf.

#1 Tell your child the elf ran out of magic and you were helping them for the night.

#2 Pretend you were just getting the elf out of the dryer after getting a little freshening up.

#3 Play dumb and act like you don’t know what they are talking about. Tell them the Elf on the Shelf must have taken over your body to get into mischief.

#4 Act like the elf entered your bedroom and isn’t allowed in there so you were returning him to his spot.

#5 Explain that Santa asked you to help the elf when needed and that he was extra tired tonight so you were assisting.

#6 Say that you were stopping the Elf on the Shelf before it made another mess.

#7 Depending on the age of your child, you could come clean and tell them the truth

Some parents tell their kids that adults are allowed to touch them without making them lose magic. Doing that helps avoid this situation all together. Other parents use magic Christmas tongs – basic kitchen tongs for the elf only.

Your child may be worried about Elf on the Shelf losing magic after seeing you touching the elf. Some ways you can restore the elf’s magic are by placing him in the Christmas Tree or in a stocking, setting him on a shelf or mantle, or telling your child they will head to the North Pole for the day to recharge.

Hopefully these ideas help, and don’t forget to also check out Clever Excuses For Why Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move in case you wake up realizing you forgot to move your elf!