We purchased our "Elf" after everyone was talking about it at preschool. Within hours we saw a huge improvement in the kids' behavior (We have a 4,3 and 1 year old) It wasn't long after having our little guy that the kids will look up anytime they think they are in trouble. My 4 year old goes out of her way to make the elf happy. When the kids are fighting they tell the elf what is going on. It really works!! The best part is how excited they are to find him in a new spot every morning. We read the book at least once every other day and have recently started watching the movie on the days we don't read the book. My daughter is already worried about him leaving on Christmas Eve.