In your children's magical world full of wonders, every little adventurer finds a best friend in their soft toy, whether a squishy bear or a floppy-eared bunny. These huggable soft toys often become their companions for bedtime, car rides, trips to the store, or even school, and they become more than just a toy but a dear friend. Getting it away from them for some time may be challenging as there are benefits and drawbacks to consider. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of letting your child bring their beloved stuffed animal everywhere they go.
The Pros: Why It Can Be a Good Idea
- Emotional comfort and security — Plush toys often become your child's source of comfort, especially during stressful situations, like the first day of school or trips to the doctor. Allowing your little one to take their favourite soft toy everywhere helps them manage feelings of anxiety, fear, or uncertainty in unfamiliar situations.
- Boosting confidence in new environment — Kids are naturally curious but can feel nervous when exploring new places. Taking along their cuddly plushie friend can make these new experiences feel less intimidating. Whether visiting a relative's house or going to a new playground, having their favourite stuffed animal can make them feel braver and more secure, boosting self-confidence and fostering a sense of independence.
- Developing social skills — Believe it or not, bringing along a soft toy everywhere can encourage social interaction. Children may use their toys as a conversation starter with others who have similar attachments. This shared interest can help children connect, build friendships, and learn important social skills. Soft toys can also help shy or introverted kids engage with others by acting as a 'third party' during playdates.
- Promoting comfort during naps and bedtime — Stuffed animals usually play an important role in establishing bedtime routines and soothing children to sleep. Having a soft toy with them may help make the transition to naps or bedtime easier, especially when travelling where it lacks familiar surroundings.
The Cons: Why It Might Not Be Ideal
- Causing distractions — Soft toys may be the source of comfort for your child, but they may also be distractions. In public places such as restaurants, schools, or during outings, a stuffed toy can cause your child to have problems focusing on conducting activities and making interactions as they might be fixated on their toys.
- Attachment issues — Emotional comfort is important but becoming too attached to a toy can be unhealthy. If your little one constantly relies on their stuffed animal, they might struggle with separation anxiety or adjusting to situations where their toy is unavailable. For instance, they may become upset if they accidentally forget their toy at home or lose it during a trip.
- Social perceptions and peer pressure — Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping their behaviour as your child grows. They can get teased and laughed at, or feel out of place if they are still taking their soft toy everywhere, especially to school. Depending on your child's age and social group, this could lead to embarrassment or the feeling of being 'odd' from the rest of their peers.
At the end of the day, it is all about finding the right balance. Allowing your child to take their soft toy to places to provide comfort such as on long car trips or to the doctor might be helpful, but encouraging them to leave it at home for school or social events might foster independence.
You can also introduce gradual steps to help your child separate from their toys. For example, you can set specific rules such as "soft toy stays in the car" or "soft toy only for bedtimes." This can help your child navigate different environments and situations with and without their comfort buddy.
Here are some adorable and huggable soft toys on our site!
Douglas Cuddle Toys Buttercup Doodle Pup
Manhattan Toy Adorables Lulu Bunny
Ingenuity Premium Soft Plush Stuffed Animal Toy
