Some parents will take away their child's favorite stuffed animal or blanket once they reach a certain age because they feel they're too old for it.

Taking away a child's comfort item such as a blanket or stuffed animal does them more harm than good. Some parents will take away their child's favorite stuffed animal or blanket once they reach a certain age because they feel they're too old for it. Or other parents may take away their child's comfort item as a form of punishment but then perhaps give it back, or not. Whatever reason you have to take away your child's comfort item, you may want to reconsider that stance and take another look at that teddy bear or fading blanket before taking it from your child.

In the field of child development, these comfort items are called transitional objects. They can give our kids great comfort and can be stuffed animals, blankets, dolls, soft items, or anything of comfort. This phrase was first coined by pediatrician Dr. D.W. Winnicott in the 1950s. Since then, early childhood researchers have studied young kids' attachment to these items and why. It's believed young kids use these items in their journey from dependent toddler to independent child. The love our kids have for these objects is very real. A day could turn into a disaster really quickly if one of these gets lost which is why parents shouldn't be the reason the disaster occurs.

These items merely provide comfort when kids need them. Even as an adult you may still fondly remember your own childhood comfort item. Maybe you still have it now, or maybe you have an item now that you go to and prefer when you're feeling down like a comfy blanket or pillow. When a child has their parent take away their much-beloved comfort item by force, it can lead to psychological trauma and confusion over where to find comfort. The child can't turn to their doll or stuffed animal anymore and may even hesitate to turn to their parent who just caused them this trauma.

RELATED: Experts Talk About Why Children Love Stuffed Animals So Much

By the age of 5-years-old, most children will no longer have a strong attachment to one certain object and may start carrying their item around less and less. It's also normal for their favorite stuffed animals to hang around throughout school or even be sought out in their teenage years. Healthy Children assures parents that when their child has a transitional object it isn't a sign of weakness or an indicator their child won't be successful as an adult or able to find independence.

A comfort item is usually taken away because the parent wants it gone, not their child. Dr. Lewis First, chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital wrote his own blog on this and took on parents' concerns about transitional objects. Dr. First shares that it's smart for young kids to identify an item to comfort them when a parent is absent, or they needed. He also advises that an item such as this isn't a problem unless it interferes with everyday life.

While some can be concerned that their child will never get rid of their comfort item, that's ok. Your teenager certainly won't bring their teddy bear to sleepovers (unless everyone else is) or show off their blanky at college. But they may want to keep it forever as an item to remember. Let them.

Source: Sage Journal, Healthy Children, University of Vermont-Health

Larissa Marulli is a mom to two young school-aged kids. She received a degree in journalism shortly before having her first child and is a news and features writer for Moms. The proud mom of two is from Colorado and loves the mountains. changing seasons, and hot coffee all year round. Larissa has seen it all and has struggled with the challenges of motherhood. She is getting better with age and prides herself in using the written word to entertain others as well as educate. Larissa loves books, napping, people in small doses, and her family.