Children often have an abundance of toys and cuddly toys, but there is always one cuddly toy that takes the cake. This goes with you wherever you go. Recognizable? You probably had a special cuddly toy as a child, so it is not surprising that your child has one too. But why do children actually have a favorite cuddly toy and from what age is this unhealthy? Or should you not want to attach an age to this? You can read that here.
Why a favorite cuddly toy is good
So your child is inseparable from his or her cuddly toy, that's good! Cuddly toys, or a specific cuddly toy, help children with their emotional development. Cuddly toys provide support when your child is afraid or sad, for example. This is because children from a young age get comfort and security from their hugs. Does a situation arise in which your child feels uncomfortable? Or miss you, as a parent? Then a hug can reassure them. This way there is always something nearby when your child needs it. Although such a cuddly toy is not alive or 'real', this is a different story for children. Thanks to their rich imagination, they often believe that cuddly toys are alive.
Cuddly toys offer children support, but they also help with something else: independence. For example, if your child finds something exciting, you can use the cuddly toy to 'demonstrate' it first. For example, think of tasting new things, sleeping with grandparents or sleeping alone. Finally, such a favorite cuddly toy is also good for your child's creativity. When children play with their cuddly toys, the creative part of the brain is stimulated.
Until what age do children need a cuddly toy, cloth or doll?
Your child has a favorite cuddly toy. It goes without saying that the two are inseparable. When children get older, between the ages of two and five, they will naturally start to distance themselves from their cuddly toys. As a parent you can best encourage this. Here are a few tips that will help:
- Hugs often serve as comfort. When your child needs comfort, first try to provide this yourself as a parent.
- Reduce the use of the hug. Discuss with your child that the cuddly toy cannot always be taken with you.
- Try to place the cuddly toy out of sight more often or distract your child with other things.
- Don't let emotions run too high. Don't fight over the hug, your child will only need more comfort and therefore want the hug.
But what if my child is already over five years old and still needs a hug? Even then there is no man overboard. It is best to let your child feel for himself and decide whether the hug is still necessary. With the tips above you can encourage distancing. It is especially important that you take the time for this together so that no frustrations arise.
