A Security Blanket - Should You Take It Away From Your Toddler?
Is it really so strange having a near dependence on something that someone might think is a dish rag or is your child being irrational? I would say that it is not so unreasonable. If you look at many adults that rely on good luck charms or amulets, you can see that this trait is in all of us, no matter your age. Many a successful pro sportsman won't take to the field without his lucky cap or he won't wash his winning pair of socks until there is a reverse. Ugh!
So what is this need for a security object all about?
For young children it is the realization that they are independent from the primary object of their dependence since birth. In most cases this is their mother. They begin to realize that their mother is a separate entity, which has her own needs, and does things that do not involve the child. This can be potentially traumatic for a young child. They can become frustrated that their mother's attention isn't focused on them or they could feel lonely because their mother is not close to them.
During this time, according to noted paediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, the child focuses on a transitional object for comfort. This object could be a security blanket or a teddy bear. The object is cuddled during times of anxiety for the child. Night times are perfect examples of when the child may use the blanket for comfort.
Winnicott claims that the development of a security object is a natural development in the infants life. In fact, it is a first attempt at defining itself as an independent entity within the world. It is also one of the infants first attempts to develop a relationship with an external object. This is natural and normal behaviour for a young child. As the child grows this behaviour will develop and expand in complexity. The next phase that many parents will notice in their child is when the child asks for a pet. The child wants to give care as well as receiving it.
So should you be concerned about your child having a security blanket. Certainly not, they will grow out of the dependence in their own time.
On a more practical note, if your child does develop an attachment to a security object make sure you can get a duplicate item. When it comes to cleaning the item you can simply replace the item and wash at your leisure.
Related Tags: security, support, teddy, blanket, blankets, comfort, bear
Adrian Whittle is a writer for http://www.blanketsnquilts.com a site that focuses on blankets, quilts and much more. Be sure to visit the site for more useful ideas on personalized baby blankets and gift ideas for crotchet baby blankets
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl