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Why Stuffed Animal Friends Are Important for Your Preschooler

Why Stuffed Animal Friends Are Important for Your Preschooler at Kids 'R' Kids of Keller, childcare, daycare, children

This “Have a Party with Your Bear Day,” we’re showing our appreciation for everyone’s stuffed animal friends, even if they’re not a bear! And today we’re putting a spotlight on how you can love your child’s stuffed animal just as much as they do. 

There are few things more important to a child than their stuffed animals. These furry friends provide comfort and companionship during the long hours of the day, and offer a sense of security during the night. A child’s love for their stuffed animal is pure and innocent, and it is important that parents recognize this! 

A preschooler’s love for their stuffed bear is often seen as silly or childish by adults, but it is a very real and important part of their life. For a child, a stuffed animal is not just a toy – it is a confidante, a best friend, and a source of comfort. In a world that can be scary and confusing, a stuffed bear is a constant source of support. When you can, listen to them when they talk about their stuffed animal – pay attention to the stories they tell and the way they interact with their furry friend. This will give you a perspective into their thought process and needs, and help you to better support them. When we show our preschoolers that we like the same things they do, we validate their positive emotions and strengthen their relationships to the things they enjoy. To show your child that you care, have a blast this Have a Party With Your Bear Day! 

If you’re concerned about your child becoming too attached, we’ve got you covered with some tips to avoid separation anxiety: 

If your child does start to get anxious about separation from their friend, don’t panic. 

This is normal, and can be resolved with some patience and understanding. Talk to your child about their concerns, and help them to understand that their stuffed animal will always be there for them, even when they’re apart. 

As your child gets older, you can begin to gently introduce the idea of separation. 

For example, if you’re going on a trip, let them know in advance that their stuffed animal will be coming with you. If they’re going to stay with a babysitter, let them choose which stuffed animal they want to bring. 

Introduce events the stuffed animal cannot attend far in advance.

Tantrums happen when separation is a sudden surprise; but time can allow them to acclimate to the idea. Over time, this acclimation period can be shortened as they start to see the positives of the situation, like increased freedom from not holding their stuffed friend. 

With a little time and effort, you can help your child to overcome separation anxiety and enjoy healthy, happy relationships, while still showing them that you value the things that are important to them!

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.

Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Keller located in Keller, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.