Soft Toys and Mental Health: Plush Toys Are More Than Just Toys

Soft Toys and Mental Health: Plush Toys Are More Than Just Toys

Plush toys are more than just toys

For starters, plush toys aren't just cute toys—they're more than that. In 1953, thanks to Dr. Donald Winnicott, stuffed toys were seen as transitional items—objects that help children escape the comfort of their caregivers. In other words, an object that can teach itself the value of perceived power.

Building on the statement, Joburg's psychologist Tsholofelo Jood went on to explain how the toys allow children to "explore support outside of the relationship with the primary caregiver." If anything, the child will have their safety stamped on this object - making it more than just any plush toy by the bed.

Develop your child's social skills
Children enhance their social skills by playing with plush toys. They can learn how to be kind and nurturing by caring for their plush toys. Interacting with plush toys can prepare babies and toddlers for human interaction.

While children develop social skills naturally through toys, adults can also use these toys to help with teaching. For example, an adult can pretend the toy is in a situation that makes the toy "feel" an emotion, such as sadness, and then ask the child what should be done to help the toy feel better. Children's relationships with toys can make it easier for them to learn from these imaginary scenarios.

Provide comfort and safety
The next way that plush toys can benefit a child's development is to help the child feel safe. Children are naturally curious, but they also need to feel protected. Babies and toddlers especially need security, and plush toys are a wonderful and easy way to do that.

Young people can squeeze their plush toys to release stress and relieve anxiety. Petting the fur of a toy animal can also calm the child and reassure them that everything is fine. The beloved toy will become more and more soothing for the child over time.

practice language skills
The plush is the perfect listening friend for your talker. When babies babble, they learn the connection between mouth movements and the sounds that will eventually create words. Adults can also play with the baby, acting as a plush toy and encouraging the baby to keep talking.

Toddlers can have conversations with their plush toys and practice their communication skills. Even if the stuffed toy doesn't talk, the kids leave room to listen to their stuffed toy before they respond verbally.

Develop creativity and imagination
Finally, plush toys can cultivate children's creativity and imagination. By stimulating a child's imagination, toys develop a child's self-confidence, problem-solving skills, dexterity and strength. Children use their plush toys to create imaginary worlds and overcome obstacles. While these traits develop in the game world, they become part of how children interact in the real world.

Plush toys allow kids to move at their own pace and engage in their personal interests. For a moment, your child may be exploring outer space with their toys. Next, your child may go home for an afternoon snack. During this magical time, anything is possible for your children and their companions.

nostalgic syringe
As children, our nostalgic containers were simple – toys. It's plush toys, action figures, LEGOs, dollhouses, and everything in between that brought and will still bring our memories of the past. They are given memories of parents and caregivers, time spent playing with siblings, and all the nights we snuggled into plush toys.

child's best friend
Childhood brought on by the Internet is not the healthiest. Staring at a tablet screen all day is not only unhealthy for the eyes, but it's worth raising kids from an early age. Plush toys are toys that encourage children to develop. Children are born with an instinct to act gently and carefully with their stuffed rabbits if they are treated right and well cared for.

During the observation, many children made beds for their plush toys, held tea parties, and even fed them in some cases. However, when children are scolded, scared, tired or just overstimulated, the softness of the plush has proven to be an appropriate comforting tool. According to Tsholofelo: "There's a reason why plush toys are soft and cute; they're great for kids to solve difficult developmental challenges. Parents are encouraged to work with their kids when choosing these meaningful toys."

Find a friend at Fearless Family
Courpal's stuffed animals and Bunny plush are soft, sweet and well made. Each plush is ready from adventure to nap time. Buy our collection now.
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