While most parents are familiar with security blankets and lovies, many do not know the repercussions they may have, if any, on their child’s development.
So, let’s break down what studies show about the impact security blankets have on children.
What is a Security Blanket?
A security blanket, or lovie, is a blanket that some children carry around or need to hold to gain comfort. It provides a sense of security so they feel comfortable in their environment.
However, this item is not always a blanket. Many children prefer a specific toy, stuffed animal, or other item to make them feel secure and at home.
Why do some children need Security Blankets?
Some studies show that children start to choose their security blanket around one year, at the point that they realize that they are separate from their mother. Up until this point, children refer to themselves and their mother as one entity.
This separation of persons is often difficult and requires extra consoling. This is where the security blanket comes in.
A security blanket is often the first thing that children build a bond with, besides their mother, and is their first attempt at building a relationship.
Just as we may have a difficult day at work and need to talk ourselves down, a lovie is a child’s way of letting themselves know that everyone will be okay.
The security blanket, lovie, or other object, is not just something that brings them joy or comfort, it is a coping mechanism for their feelings. While they may not be able to speak, how a child uses their security blankets tells a lot about how they are feeling and gaining independence.
So, are Security Blankets good or bad?
Many parents fear that their child’s security blanket inhibits their growth and independence, but research actually supports the opposite.
Research shows that a security blanket can boost a child’s confidence and self-value. This makes them feel empowered and independent from their parents. So, while it may seem that they are becoming too attached to their lovie, they are detaching from their original comfort-- mom!
A security blanket can be there when mom and dad cannot, through school, babysitting sessions, and other difficult transitions. It provides children with a way to console themselves and get through rough times.
Just as we may have a difficult day at work and need to talk ourselves down, a lovie is a child’s way of letting themselves know that everyone will be okay.
So, should you allow your child to have a security blanket? Of course!
It is not just a great tool for your child’s development, but also a way that you can calm them down when they are upset.
How do I choose my child’s Security Blanket?
Don’t worry about trying to choose your child’s security blanket, it will happen naturally. In fact, it may never happen at all-- and that’s okay too! Simply wait and see if they gravitate towards a specific item and allow them to form an attachment at their own pace.
Warmly,
Calisson Toys Team
