Hi everyone,
I'm a new parent and I have a toddler who's just turned 2 years old. My little one has become very attached to certain toys, such as a stuffed animal, a blanket, and a small car. Whenever we go out, my toddler insists on bringing these toys along, and if we forget them, it can lead to a major meltdown.
I understand that having comfort objects is normal for toddlers, but as a parent, I'm worried about what would happen if one of these toys gets lost or broken. My child becomes so upset that it can be hard to console them.
I'm looking for advice on how to handle this situation. Is there a way I can encourage my toddler to let go of these toys or find a way to help them cope when the toys are lost or damaged? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Hello OP,
As a parent, I completely understand your concern related to your toddler's attachment to certain toys, and how challenging it could be when they lose or break them. My daughter was also very attached to a stuffed animal and experiencing anxiety when we couldn't find it.
What worked for us was to talk and communicate more with her. We acknowledged the importance of the toy to her and showed our understanding that it provided comfort and security to her. It gave her the validation needed to consider a new comfort object.
We turned it into something like an adventure, where we went hunting for new toys for her to bond with. It gave her the excitement of learning something new and also having a new item to use as a companion.
Moreover, we would try to create a playful environment and would try to grab her attention with other toys and activities which we could play together, like playing make-believe games, painting or reading her favorite storybook.
Lastly, it was important for us to have an extra copy of her favorite toy. We made sure to have two identical pieces of it for backup just in case one got misplaced or damaged.
In conclusion, it's vital to remember that every child is unique and what may work for one might not work for another. Be open to try different things and ultimately, you will find an appropriate strategy that suits your child's needs.
All the best!