What do you call them? stuffed animals, plushies, lovies, cuddly toys, stuffies, or furry friends…
Whatever we call them, many well-loved stuffed animals are some of the most important and special memories of childhood. Children benefit from physical, emotional, and nurturing support from their plushie, they help them feel safe, secure, and cared for. During imaginative play, children develop a bond with their cuddly toys by caring for them, feeding, dressing, and playing with them.
Jordan Taylor, Developmental Specialist, at Early Intervention Services shares, “Children are able to practice and learn a variety of skills as they play with their special stuffie. Children practice their language skills as they talk to their plushie, and conversations can be practiced if an adult takes on the role of responding to the plushie. Children also learn empathy and nurturing as they care for their stuffie. Through ‘pretend play’ with their plushie they learn to take on caregiving rolls and can learn responses to different emotions.”
Through pretend play, a caregiver can role play how to respond when the plushie is feeling sad or angry. Children can also learn about and role play to help build comfort in preparation for a new experience, such as playing with a doctor kit before going to a medical visit. This can help build confidence and a feeling of being in control and knowing a bit more about what to expect.
Comfortable transition away from familiar places or people also may be assisted by having a transition object like a plush pal. Children often will find independence with a little help from their stuffed friend. Having that support when a child is worried about a new environment may very well make for a happy outcome.
“A plushie can give a child the comfort of having something familiar in a new environment. Children are also comforted by the feeling of being able to give their special plushie a hug. The squeeze and input they get from hugging their plushie
is very soothing and regulating for the child.”Jordan Taylor, Developmental Specialist at Early Intervention Services
