Your Two Year’s Old Growing Attachment With a Soft Toy
It’s common to see a 24-month-old’s attachment to toys. A soft toy may become an important part of your toddler’s life too. However, if you aren’t careful, you may find it hard to get him to part ways. Find out more about this attachment and how to curb unhealthy fixation.
By the time your child completes his first year, you’ll see him becoming interested in soft toys. When he’s around two years old, this interest reaches new levels. In fact, his attachment to cuddly toys may grow to such an extent that he may even stubbornly refuse going anywhere without them. It might get you worried about his behaviour or at times leave you wondering that magical power these toys have!
Why Do Toddlers Get Attached to Toys: Understanding the Reason
At two years of age, kids are still very attached to their soft toys. It’s only as they grow that they start to figure out their individuality and independence. Before this, however, they find comfort in such transitional objects especially when they feel anxious and upset. This attachment to fuzzy friends can last all through toddlerhood.
1. Toy Attachment in Toddlers: The Benefits
Parent should understand that attachment to toys is not necessarily a matter of concern. It doesn’t have to point to insecurity. In fact, it may even have a few benefits. Children often express their feelings and emotions, which they’re unable to convey to others, to their favourite toy. With the help of their ‘comfort toys’, they learn to be independent by playing alone. They learn expression of speech, develop vocabulary, and also build confidence.
2. Your Preparation for This Stage
As a parent, there are some things that you must keep in your mind as your child grows. One of it is getting him safe, child-friendly toys. Before he develops a strong attachment, you need to ensure that his toys don’t have hazardous parts.
You should also keep yourself prepared for toys to get lost some day. To save your child from emotional dilemma, buy a few identical toys beforehand. Switch them up from time to time to keep them smelling and feeling the same.
3. Attachment Psychology in Toddlers: Things to Remember
It’s essential to draw certain limits for your child with his chosen soft toy. It’s perfectly natural and fine to be close to toys, but an unhealthy attachment may deprive your kid from developing essential social skills. Set boundaries early on. For example, you can allow him to carry and play with the toy inside the house, but not when at the playground, during bedtime or when visiting family and friends. In order to help him maintain a healthy attachment, spend quality time with him through play, activities and outings. Set up play dates and spend time at playgrounds and parks where he can interact with other children.
Some habits can carry on till late toddlerhood, even through pre-school years. Being close to a specific toy is not cause for worry but you need to make sure that your child does not limit himself to communicating only with that toy. Providing him with a rich and stimulating environment will fulfil his physical and emotional needs.
