A raggedy old blanket or tattered stuffed animal may appear to be your child\u2019s best friend at times\u2014but remember that it also can be your best friend\u2014especially at bedtime.<\/p>\n
Instead of your child requiring you to stay in the room until he falls asleep, he can derive comfort and reassurance from a \u201ctransitional object\u201d Most children attach to a favorite blanket or toy in their young toddler years. If your child is slow to select a toy, you may wish to encourage a variety of objects, including them in bedtime rituals and story-telling, and tucking them in under the blankets. These objects give your child a sense of control, since they are available whenever he awakens, and will be there to comfort him to sleep again when he is separated from his parents.<\/p>\n
In the middle of the night\u2014when you need to get some sleep\u2014your child can be reassured by a tireless, ever-present blanket or doll. So next time your child looks longingly at a toy or stuffed animal\u2014think twice about all the pleasure it can bring him\u2014and his parents!<\/p>\n