Blankets and Other Security Items

Young children having a security item that they cling to is common, as the vast majority of them do this at some point. Whether it is a favorite blanket or a stuffed animal, children usually have something that brings them comfort and calms their fears. While it is usually not a problem at the toddler age, when kids get to the 6-9 age range, there can be issues that arise from having special security items in tow.

Digging Deeper

When children reach this age group, if they are still toting around a special security item, it may raise a few eyebrows. Security items, after all, are to help the child feel calm and safe. This is also a time when kids start going to school and engaging in other functions, making dragging along security items a little impractical, as well as concerning.

If you would like to address your child's security items, keep the following tips in mind:

• Determine what is making your child at this age feel so insecure. Discuss it with them and try to work through their fears.
• Monitor when your child reaches for the security item. You may find there are particular triggers that prompt it, allowing you to address those issues. You may also want to keep tabs on the amount and quality of television they are watching to see if they are viewing things that may be scaring them.
• Explain to your child that there are places they cannot carry their security item and what those places are, such as to school.
• Try to find new ways for your child to soothe their insecurities that do not involve a particular item. Teaching them about journaling, talking about their fears, counting to 10, or focusing on something positive in their mind can help take the focus off what is bothering them.
• Try using a behavior chart to get them to ditch the security blanket or item that you no longer want them towing around. You can set up a reward system so that they get positive reinforcement for moving past the security item.

Put it Away

By being consistent, you will get that item put away. But when you do, don't trash it. Instead, save it for future nostalgia purposes. Obviously that item has some sentimental value to your child and hanging on to it can be a sweet way to help them preserve a part of their youth.