Children & Stuffed Animals

What is the psychology of a child who keeps a stuffed animal?

Is your child always with your favorite stuffed animal and have a hard time letting go? It's cute to see small children always holding the same stuffed animals. However, even if my child grows up, I can't let go of the stuffed animal I gave to my child, and when it comes to taking it with me wherever I go, I'm a little worried. Some parents may be worried that the reason why their children keep the stuffed animals is because of lack of affection.

So, this time, I would like to introduce the psychology of children who keep their stuffed animals.

Psychology of infants who keep stuffed animals

The infant's behavior of keeping the stuffed animal has a great deal to do with the infant's mental development. It is an important process in the growth of a child, so moms and dads should understand the psychology of the child who keeps the stuffed animal.

Have a sense of security

Sometimes a small child will never let go of something specific, such as a stuffed animal or a towel. Toddlers try to get a sense of security by having something specific to reduce their anxiety as they move away from their mother. This particular thing is called a "transitional object". Having this transition target is effective not only for children but also for adults. Having a stuffed animal, which is a transitional object, can alleviate anxiety and give you peace of mind. In other words, the psychology of infants who like stuffed animals is "because they can get a sense of security."

I'm imitating mom

Toddlers often take care of their stuffed animals as if they were babies before and after the birth of their younger child. A typical example of this is the desire to put a doll in a leash or imitate feeding. This can happen to both boys and girls, and is an action from the desire of the child to imitate the mom and take care of the baby. So, in this case, don't say "Do you still play with stuffed animals?", But let the child be satisfied.

Controlling anger

Embracing a stuffed animal is an effective way to manage anger. Even if the infant is angry and talks emotionally, it will not be transmitted to parents and adults around him, but if you hold your favorite stuffed animal and take a deep breath, you will be able to talk calmly. In other words, the stuffed animal is also useful as an item for infants to control their anger well.

Timing to let go of the stuffed animal

It is generally said that it is up to about 3 years old to strongly demand a transition target. Some children can't let go of their stuffed animals even when they are five years old or even in elementary school. So how do you get involved with these children?

In conclusion, it's best to let your child do what he wants. Never pick up the migration target. As you become more involved with the outside world, your attachment to the transition will naturally diminish. If you try to communicate forcibly, the child will be obsessed with it and will not be able to part with it.

In order for the child to let go of the stuffed animal well, it is also important for the parents themselves to become more secure than the stuffed animal. Moms and dads are safe places for children. Children who have a "safe place" after entering kindergarten or elementary school, and even as adults, can recover and do their best as many times as they want, even if they fail or are frustrated. Moms and dads should gently watch over their growth and make it a "safe place" where they can come back whenever they feel uneasy.