Did You Have A ‘Blankie’ As A Kid?
Hug that blankie a little closer tonight.
Whether it’s a blanket, a stuffed animal, or any scrap of something soft, comfort objects, also known as transitional objects, are used by many children as a way to soothe themselves without the help of their parents.
In 1951, child psychologist Dr. D.W. Winnicott first defined the transitional object as “any material to which an infant attributes a special value and by means of which the child can make the necessary shift from the earliest oral relationship with the mother to genuine object-relationships.”
In other words, these security blankets enable children to establish connections to the outside world, apart from the mother.
Such objects are commonly adopted when children go off to school or daycare as a way to ease the separation anxiety they experience away from Mom and Dad.
Contrary to the popular wisdom of the past, children with comfort objects are not defective or overly “babyish.” In fact, their comfort objects may empower them to be more independent than their peers. With the trusty reassurance of a teddy or blanket by their side, children can feel more secure in unfamiliar situations like daycare or school. When you fall on the playground and Mom isn’t there to kiss it better, that teddy or blankie makes it all okay. Studies show that kids with such objects are less shy and more focused than children without them. Their lovey objects are like the first training wheels for telling themselves “you’re all right.” With a built-in sense of security, children feel safe enough to take small risks, explore and grow.
As a child’s first chosen “not-me possession,” comfort objects help kids self-soothe and establish themselves as individuals separate from their parents. Because of the profound importance bestowed upon these items by the child, experts posit that any criticism or denial of the chosen toy may lead to attachment difficulties later in life.
Comfort objects are incredibly common: 60% of children have them, as well as 35% of adults.
It’s essential that children decide for themselves when to reject or put away their comfort object.
That’s not to say that comfort objects must be “outgrown.” Therapist Gerri Luce, LCSW says that even adults can benefit from the presence of beloved items to get them through difficult periods, as long as the object doesn’t interfere with one’s intimate or professional relationships (it’s probably best not to take blankie to work).
Many adults, whether they realize it or not, adopt other kinds of objects to cope with daily stresses.
Journals in which we express our feelings, keepsakes that remind us of a loved one, or even phones that connect us to others when we’re alone can serve functions similar to those of a child’s security blanket. While we may leave behind the beloved teddy bear, the need for a physical object that brings us joy and comfort is not specifically childish.
As psychologist Colleen Goddard puts it, transitional objects “represent the process by which [a person] can navigate life, and experience a homeostatic inner balance, a cohesive sense of well-being at every developmental milestone.” So hug that teddy bear or blankie a little closer tonight, because according to famed psychologist Abraham Maslow, having that kind of basic need met “matters more than anything else in the world.”
There is nothing sweeter than sharing your love wrapped up in a bonding blanket.
Click on the link for your special bonding blanket and give the gift that keeps on giving.
Our bonding blankets come in six patterns. When you check out just write the name of the pattern you want. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Camouflage Bonding Blanket- 'CAMI'
it represents the warrior, survivor, rock, strength, hero and a brave one.
Monkey Bonding Blanket- 'BABBS'
represents the key to right living. See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil along with playfulness creativity, positivity, truthfulness, sixth sense development.
Peace Neutral Bonding Blanket-'Inner Peace'
Represents freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility. A loving presence of kindness, stability. Peaceful Warrior, a high vibration of the heart!
Peace Pink Bonding Blanket- 'PEECEE'
expresses the feminine peacemaker, calming one, grounded, serenity, and open heart.
Pink Bonding Blanket- 'DOTTIE'
who is the color of the universal love of oneself and others; it also represents friendship, affection, harmony, inner peace, and approachability. Pink is the official color of feminine power and represents sugar and spice and everything nice.
Giraffe Bonding Blanket - 'GEMMA'
the jewel and it represents the wild side of life, symbolizes protection, visionary. Giraffe animal magic, foresight, and intuition. Giraffe Power Animal Symbol Of Grounded Vision Farsightedness.
Article from Anna Walters and rearranged by Dolby Dharma
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