We tend to forget how important the use of toys is to children. They often shape their emotional intelligence and help with emotional regulation. They encourage development and core skills that, no matter their age, they will no doubt carry on into their childhood and beyond.
Comfort plush toys, for example, serve as vital transitional objects, aiding in emotional regulation. They help to reduce the impact of separation anxiety, but also help to foster independence.
These cuddly items are what provide the comfort and security, which help children to navigate stressful scenarios and develop their empathy through imaginative play.
So, what are some of the key developmental roles and benefits of having a plush toy as a child? What should parents know about comfort items, and are there signs of over-dependence in these toys?
Key developmental roles and benefits of plush toys
Let’s take a look at the key development roles and benefits that come with children owning their own plush toy.
Emotional regulation
Plush toys are great for helping children to manage their big feelings, to self-soothe when parents are otherwise absent. It reduces fear responses, especially when it comes to separations or new situations that they’re unfamiliar with.
Developing empathy
Children will often treat their stuffed animals as living creatures. That can be a great help to practice nurturing behaviors, caretaking, and expressing their emotions in different ways.
Building confidence
These comfort plush toys are great for providing a safety net. It allows toddlers and young children to explore their surroundings with increased confidence that they may not have had without the familiar presence of a plush toy.
Social and cognitive skills
Through imaginative play and making conversation with such toys, children are able to enhance their language skills more, improving their empathy and ability to navigate social interactions.
What parents should know about comfort items?
Parents can benefit from being aware of the impression that comfort items create on their children, as well as spotting any over-dependence on such items. Knowing what to do when this happens is also crucial to helping them with their development.
A natural transition should tend to happen when it comes to letting go of their strong attachment to comfort items, but age-wise, this really depends on the child’s temperament and experiences. There’s also nothing wrong with keeping a comfort toy for years and years, even into adulthood, as it often becomes more of a nostalgic memory than an actual comfort they use.
There are signs of over-dependence on comfort plush toys, and it’s worth making sure you recognize the signs and how to help them with that reliance on them. If a child is over-dependent on it, don’t force removal of the item. Forcing them to give it up when they’re not ready isn’t recommended.
Bringing a comfort item to new environments is a benefit, so it’s worth holding on to it for as long as they would like. Where over-reliance on a plush toy is present, it may be useful to identify any underlying issues that cause the over-dependence or seek professional support.
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