Have cuddling their mother and as such feel

Have you ever had a stuffed animal that brought you great comfort? Transitional objects are items used to provide psychological comfort for children, babies, and adults. These items are usually physical objects that take the place of the mother-child bond. Transitional objects give emotional and tangible comfort during times of stress.

I believe that stuffed animals are beneficial to young children because stuffed animals provide comfort, and help with social-emotional development. How do transitional objects provide comfort? When a mother leaves an infant alone for a period of time, the infant can become upset; this is called separation anxiety. Comfort items are soft items comparable to the mother’s arms and breast. By cuddling the object, they feel as though they are cuddling their mother and as such feel comforted. These items are portable reminders of the security and comfort of their parents and home, which enables many children to feel more assured as they explore the world outside their parents’ arms. How do transitional objects help with social-emotional development? In my early childhood education class, I learned that social-emotional development encompasses the child’s experience, expression, and management of emotions and the ability to establish positive relationships with other people.

Transitional objects assist children with categorizing their emotions. Role-play using stuffed animals and dolls is a safe way to learn how to embrace their feelings. Relationships with parents, siblings and new friends benefit from the role-play children do with their stuffed toys. Achieved with imagined interactions, children learn to sympathize and emulate behaviors they’ve seen modeled by those around them. Have I benefitted from comfort objects? I was diagnosed with Autism at a young age and I have benefitted from comfort objects. I had several stuffed Barneys that I would alternate between, my favorite was a large one that I went to sleep with. I could always count on Barney to bring happiness and comfort to my day.

The darkness brings me comfort as well. When I was younger, I would get really overwhelmed and would find any shred of darkness that I could. This lasted until about my third-grade year. Today, the things that bring me comfort are the drone of a fan, music, and darkness. Overall, it may be said that transitional objects have benefits for those of all ages. Whether it be for comfort, security or companionship.