Sometimes we all need an object that makes us feel safe. That it gives us extra energy to overcome situations that are difficult for us on a day-to-day basis. There are those who have a lucky keychain, a pendant or some socks. The fact is that we feel that if that object accompanies us, nothing can go wrong.
This is just a glimmer of the need for attachment that every child feels when he begins to discover the world. He is insecure, he needs our warmth and protection, and when he cannot have it at his fingertips, he looks to us for a "substitute" who becomes his favorite toy.
Why your child needs a favorite toy
Your son, since he is born, faces new sensations and challenges every day, because that is what growth consists of. This implies that need your support and the sense of security that that implies. However, there are situations in which you cannot accompany them. Their favorite toy is that object that gives them that security that you cannot give them at that time. It is the replacement of a figure of attachment to an object. This gives them the comforting feeling that this figure transmits. It's actually a kind of replacement for you, something that makes them feel safe, just like you do.
Most likely, your baby will be attached to a stuffed animal to accompany him to bedtime or a blanket. Although in reality his favorite toy can be anything from a soft doll to a tricycle. No matter what toy it is, the important thing is the pleasant feeling it gives you. Either because he feels that this object is a doll with light or a flashlight that protects him from the dark, or because he simply has fun playing. For your son it is a beneficial sensation, which helps him in his development.
How long can you feel this need for attachment to this object?
It will depend on the development of your child, no one can predict when your child will put this toy aside. It may always have meaning to him. After all, who doesn't remember how special their first doll, or their favorite ball, was?
The fact is that it is a toy that does not have great value for what it is in itself, if not for what it represents for your child. That means that you will need it as long as you feel that it continues to bring you the peace you need to face your challenges.
The toy may break during play. But it is very important that you repair it as many times as necessary until your child is ready to walk away from him. Even if it is not possible to repair it eventually, you will appreciate the attempt.
Never give away your child's favorite toy, or tell him he's too old to have it. If you do, you would not be respecting their feelings, much less their rate of development. He will decide when he is ready to give it away, throw it away, or just keep it as a happy childhood memory. We are talking about something that is very important to your child, downplaying it could hurt their feelings.
The ability to store your favorite toy
Once your child puts that toy aside, put it away whenever possible. As we said at the beginning, we all need security to face the challenges of life. It is much easier to face them if one day, looking in a closet, we find that teddy that we hugged on dark nights.
No matter how old we are, inside we continue to grow. We continue to be afraid of new sensations, we continue to learn things and face challenges. Inside we are still childrenEven if we don't play with that ball anymore, or ride that old tricycle. Sure we have an amulet, a pendant, a keychain, a pen, which helps us to sign important documents. Everyone we still need protection In our life. Understanding this, we will not throw him his stuffed animal, his blanket, not even that tricycle that always makes us trip. We know that one day, your worries will fade into the memories of that old toy that made you so happy as a child.