Parents know the sense of panic when their child's favorite stuffed bear or blanket goes missing. In my house, I always made sure I kept one eye on 'Sleepy Bear' and 'Blank', because I knew just how important they were to my two boys.

It doesn't matter if it's a teddy bear, a favorite doll or a blanket, these items of endearment to a child are called a 'lovey', and can send any parent into a panic attack when they go missing. And while some kids usually become attached to their lovey around the age of six months, having them near, or at least within their vision during nap times or at all times, can be a way of life for the child and their parents.

Many times parents worry that their child is becoming too dependent on their lovey, but many doctors and psychologists say the attraction is normal and could actually play a large part in their development. But psychologists also want parents to know that it's perfectly okay for a child to not develop a strong connection to a lovey object.

Psychologists say that loveys provide comfort when the child gets nervous or upset and can even be a parent's replacement, helping them develop their independence by being a sense of security.

Another reason why loveys are so important to a child is because of the way they smell. Unwashed, they can carry the scents of not only their parents, but their home, specifically their bedroom, or even themselves. All scents which can help soothe your child.

Parents also need to know that children often times pick their own lovey. The cute stuffed bear from Grandma may end up being just that - a cute stuffed bear from Grandma. Psychologists say that a parent can't force their child to be attracted to a particular object, the child will make the ultimate decision whether that object becomes their lovey or just another stuffed animal or basic blanket.

Parents know that their child is loyal to their lovey, but that loyalty also can continue into adulthood. The chances of seeing a 20-something carrying around their favorite childhood teddy bear is slim, but when psychologists asked those same 20-somethings to even destroy a picture of their favorite lovey, the 20-somethings all experienced a high amount of psychological stress.

This just proves that the attachments formed at an early age are based on security and trust and you can never outgrow that attachment.

 

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