Lost dog or found cat—now that I have seen. But while walking the other morning I actually saw a sign posted by a mother searching for her child’s missing stuffed animal! I was so amazed that I had to take a picture of it.

Although this seemed a little crazy, I must admit that I am guilty of turning back for home just to retrieve our kids’ “special blankies.” We’ve also had household searches for “special bunnies” before bedtime; it happens so frequently that we have coined the phrase, “Bunny alert, bunny alert!” (Heaven forbid we put our twins to bed without their bunnies!)

I’m sure most moms can relate to this appeal, and to how priceless our children’s security blankets become. Perhaps that’s where the term “lovey” comes from for describing a child’s personal favorite blankie, stuffed animal or doll; “Lovey” sums up just what these items mean to our children and how they make them feel! It’s probably not surprising that I could completely identify with this mother’s sense of loss and her willingness to pay to regain possession of her little boy’s “lovey.” It got me wondering…Do children become attached to security blankets? What purpose do they serve?

According to Psychology Today, an inanimate object that a child chooses to bond with (either naturally or through encouragement by a parent) can help to reduce anxiety that a child may feel. It helps a child adapt a little easier in a new situation or it can help comfort a child in the absence of a parent at bedtime.

Why are they so important? A security blanket brings a feeling of familiarity to a child. This is important because it provides comfort and a sense of security in a new situation or an unstable environment! Additionally, the security that the child feels from his/her “lovey” can translate into a boost in self confidence in unfamiliar situations.

Research shows that there are no long-term harmful effects from a child having a “security blanket.” So keep a close eye on your child’s special “lovey” and avoid a mother’s emotional search for her child’s lost treasure!