Is attachment to plush toys a sign of insecurity?

Rumor:

Many children like plush toys. They hold them when they sleep, eat or go out to play. Many parents are confused about this. They guess that this is because their children are not sociable and cannot get along with other children. They are worried that this is a sign of their children's lack of security. They even think that if they do not intervene in time, it is easy for their children to have personality problems. They even try every means to get their children to "quit" these plush toys.

Truth interpretation:

Many children like plush toys. They hold them when they sleep, eat or go out to play. Many parents are confused about this. They guess that this is because their children are not sociable and cannot get along with other children. They are worried that this is a sign of their children's lack of security. They even think that if they do not intervene in time, it is easy for their children to have personality problems. They even try every means to get their children to "quit" these plush toys. Are these worries and anxieties really necessary? How should we view children's dependence on these doll toys?

01

"Imaginary partners"accompany children towards independence

Liking plush toys has nothing to do with a sense of security

In fact, this phenomenon is called “soft object attachment” by psychologists, and it is a transitional manifestation of children’s independent development. Treating plush toys as their own “imaginary partners” can help them eliminate tension in certain situations and environments, and parents don’t have to worry too much.

Psychologist Donald Wincott conducted the first study on the phenomenon of children’s attachment to a certain soft toy or object, and concluded that this phenomenon has a transitional significance in children’s psychological development. He named the soft objects that children are attached to “transitional objects”. As children grow up, they become more and more independent psychologically, and naturally they will transfer this emotional support to other places.

In the research of Richard Passman, a child psychologist at the University of Wisconsin, and others, it was also found that this “soft object attachment” complex phenomenon is common all over the world. For example, in the United States, the Netherlands, New Zealand and other countries, the proportion of children with a “soft object attachment” complex has reached 3/5, while the data in South Korea is 1/5. It can be seen that it is normal for some children to be attached to plush toys or soft things. And it is worth noting that most of these children who like plush toys do not lack a sense of security and have a good parent-child relationship with their parents.

02

Adults also have a complex of soft object dependence

It is understandable to reduce stress appropriately

As for those children who are extremely dependent on plush toys, how should parents guide them correctly? Here are three suggestions:

First, do not force them to quit. You can divert their attention from specific toys through substitutes that other children like; second, cultivate other interests of children and guide them to explore new things, so as to gradually reduce their attachment to plush toys; third, encourage children to temporarily say goodbye to their favorite things, so that children know that there are more interesting things waiting for them.

In fact, in addition to children, many adults also have a certain attachment to soft objects. For example, they like to give plush toys as gifts, and they have no resistance to the cute dolls in the claw machine; for example, some people like plush pajamas much more than other materials and fabrics. They choose plush styles for cushions on the sofa, blankets on the floor, and even hairpins and mobile phone cases... because these items can make people feel relaxed and comfortable, and even achieve the effect of decompression.

In summary, I hope that parents can correctly view their children's dependence on plush toys, do not worry too much, and do not force them to quit. Gently guide them and help their babies grow in the best way. For adults, as long as it is not excessive and does not affect normal life, using some daily necessities to make yourself more comfortable and relaxed is also a good way to decompress.