Stuffed Animals Serve Many Purposes with Children: Emotional Intelligence, Friendship, Comfort and More

Stuffed critters are true friends to young children. Acknowledging the stuffies gives children a sense of community and acceptance of their unseen and stuffies are a part of the family. This identification is significant to young ones because many things can be expressed through or with their special friends that may not be obvious to others. Emotional needs can be addressed as well as exploration of who they are and what they want. Below is an example. My grandson was missing his mom and was trying to find things to feel good. His bonding with Skinnytail is strong, so celebrating that friendship with a birthday helped Grayson at a time when he needed something fun to think about.

This artwork is Skinnytail’s Birthday gift from Grayson. Skinnytail is a stuffed monkey given to Grayson by his Great Aunt Karen and Great Uncle David. Grayson told me he did the artwork to surprise Skinnytail because it was his birthday today. Those stuffed critters are true friends that deserve a birthday celebration! Leave it to a five year old to think of that!.