Why Are Stuffed Animals Favorite Toys For Children?
Without a doubt, stuffed animals are children’s favorite toys. Everyone has in memory the image of carrying their favorite since childhood. It could have been a bear, an elephant or a character from a movie, stuffed animals have been around forever.
Possibly, among your most nostalgic childhood memories will be this little friend who accompanied you in every moment of fun. All of us have had in our lives this “companion” who, during childhood, gave us security and comfort at different times. In most cases it is usually a stuffed animal.
These fluffy, soft and huggable toys often give little ones the tranquility and harmony they need when they cannot count on the presence of their closest emotional bond. In fact, at some point, he plays the role of mommy, daddy or grandma in specific situations.
the best friend and companion
The truth is that stuffed animals are children’s favorite toys not only because they are the way they are, but also because of what they represent to them. Its texture and physical characteristics create a great empathy between the object and the child, which leads them to personify it and create an emotional bond with it.
From an early age, the stuffed animal is part of their days, as it was surely a gift from a relative or close friend of their parents for their birth. The presence of your favorite stuffed animal in your crib or stroller will bring tranquility to your daily activities.
From 8 months onwards, it will be the child’s decision to have the company of this toy or not. Most likely, we will see him accompanying the child on their outings, daycare, doctor’s appointments and visits to family members.
The stuffed animal thus becomes your favorite friend, who gives you security and confidence when mommy or daddy isn’t there, especially when the time comes when mom has to start working.
Emotional Benefits
One of the reasons that stuffed animals are children’s favorite toys is that, with their beautiful eyes, nose and big smile, they make them feel like a person is constantly following them.
Over time, the stuffed animals become your most faithful allies in adventures and become your first friends and confidants. As you watch children interact with the animals, you will be able to notice how their social development improves.
This is because children endow their beloved toy with life and use it to express both their joy and affection as well as their pain and frustration. This makes it the perfect tool for teaching your child about norms and good behavior.
new play skills
These toys can be the best allies for your little one to practice some of their skills, for example, explaining a process. When it’s time to brush your teeth or get dressed, you can ask your child to show your stuffed animal how this is done.
Furthermore, children of pre-school age and in the first cycle of elementary school love the games in which they must assume different roles. That’s because these moments allow them to behave like adults for a while.
This type of play is fundamental in the development of different areas of a child’s learning. Essentially, it’s about understanding how the world around them works through these activities.
When should the child be separated from their favorite stuffed animal?
In general, little ones need an object of attachment between 8 months and 3 years to live. However, this does not mean that they will definitely want to remove such an object from their lives after passing this phase.
The bond created is of paramount importance for the little one. Your stuffed animal will help you become a little more independent from your parents. Later, when the little one feels more secure about himself, this friend will lose the role in his life.
It is not advisable to be drastic with the decision that the child should let go because we think he is already too big to carry a stuffed animal. We must remember that this is an object of emotional support and that, in time, she, on her own, will find the right time to leave it.
By no means take the pet out of her suddenly, or make her feel bad by saying that stuffed animals are for little kids. On the contrary, we must accept that they represent an important part of the child’s personality and help them to find the best time to say goodbye to them.
We must remember that stuffed animals are children’s favorite toys and therefore have a special place in their hearts. We must let them enjoy them as much as possible and immortalize with photos this connection between the furry friend and the children.
