Security blankets and comfort objects provide stress relief and comfort for children. They can help children adjust to new situations and promote independence. Approximately 60% of children carry a security blanket, which is considered normal and helpful by psychologists.
A security blanket is something that dispels a sense of anxiety. The term is often used literally, to refer to the blankets and other items carried by young children, and also metaphorically, as in, “My schedule is like my security blanket: I always know what’s going on.” Numerous psychological studies have focused on the use of security blankets by young children, and many of these studies suggest that security blankets have positive benefits for children as they grow.
Security blankets are closely related to comfort objects, objects that provide comfort and stress relief. Stuffed animals are a common form of comfort object, though babies can become attached to any number of things, from pets to wooden spoons. In many cases, a security blanket or comfort item can become a transitional item, one that helps replace the mother/child bond, encouraging a child to become more independent and confident.
There are a large number of slang terms and nicknames for security blankets, such as blanky, banky, wube, etc. The concept of the security blanket was popularized in the popular Peanuts cartoon, where one of the characters carries a security blanket. In Peanuts, the security blanket is more than just an object of comfort for its owner, Linus von Pelt: it also has a mind and nature of its own, sometimes rising up to defend Linus.
Studies of comfort objects have shown that having a comfort object or security blanket can help a child adjust to a new or stressful situation, which is why child psychologists and others who work with children often keep around stuffed animals and toys. Being able to hold on to a security blanket can help a child feel less fussy when their parents aren’t around, and some studies seem to suggest that a security blanket may also aid learning.
Approximately 60% of children carry some form of security blanket with them in the early stages of development, which suggests that this behavior is quite normal, and many psychologists believe that carrying a security blanket is also helpful. These items can encourage children to be more independent and adventurous, promoting a healthy relaxation of the bond between parent and child.
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