On an ordinary afternoon, in the park, a mother anxiously said to a friend, "The child always holds that old blanket, even to kindergarten." I tried to buy him a new one, but he just wouldn't accept it. The friend replied, "It's the same in my family, my daughter has a soft spot for that shabby teddy bear, and she can't sleep without holding it at night." "This is not an isolated phenomenon, and many families have experienced a strong attachment of their children to certain objects. What is the psychological reason behind this?Why do children develop such deep feelings for certain objects?And how can parents properly understand and respond to this behavior?
A child's "fetish" behavior refers to the intense attachment and affection they develop for a particular object. This phenomenon is especially common in children between the ages of 3 and 6 and manifests itself as a persistent obsession with a toy, blanket, pacifier, etc. For example, one study found that about 60% of young children would choose at least one soothing item. These objects have a special meaning in the child's mind and provide a sense of psychological security.
The root of this behavior lies in the child's self-development process. In their world, these objects are not just toys or objects, but a symbol of safety and comfort. When faced with an unfamiliar or stressful environment, these items become a safe haven for them. For example, when a child goes to kindergarten for the first time, they may soothe themselves by clinging to a familiar teddy bear.
It is important that this behavior is part of a normal stage of development and not a problem behavior.
A child's attachment to a particular object is not a simple Xi, but a complex psychological phenomenon. Psychological research has shown that this behavior often stems from a child's need for security. For them, these items are not only material existence, but also emotional sustenance and security.
Take the pacifier, for example, which not only satisfies the baby's sucking needs but also provides comfort and security. When children feel nervous, restless or tired, the pacifier becomes a tool for self-soothing. Similarly, a blanket or a particular toy, because of its unique texture, smell or shape, creates a familiar and secure connection in a child's mind. This bond is often formed over time as children grow up, especially when they experience uncertainty or stress.
For example, one study noted that about 60% of children would choose at least one specific item as a comforter. And this choice is often related to their emotional development and ability to adapt to the environment. Children use these objects to regulate their emotions and deal with inner insecurities and fears. In some cases, this behavior can even help promote a child's independence and self-awareness.
A common misconception is that many parents view their child's attachment to certain objects as a bad Xi or as a sign of their child's lack of independence. However, this understanding deviates from the actual view of child psychology. It is actually a normal psychological development phenomenon for children to develop emotional attachment to certain objects during their growth. These items, such as blankets or toys, often serve as a symbol of security, helping children feel at ease as they explore the wider world.
For example, one study noted that about 60% of children choose at least one "comfort item" as they grow up. These items help them cope with separation anxiety and provide emotional support. When children feel uneasy, nervous, or lonely, these objects act as their "emotional anchors", providing stable emotional support. Parents should avoid simple bans or forcible removal when confronted with their children's fetish behavior.