CHCECE005 - Scenario: Toddler Using A Doll As A Comfort Toy

[Bentley75]

Hi,

I am currently working on a question regarding comfort items.
This is the question:

SECTION 5: Activity 5:

Objective: To provide you with an opportunity to use a favourite toy or comfort item brought from home to assist babies and toddlers.

Question 3

A child in your room has developed an attachment to a small doll. She begins to use it to soothe herself when she is sad. Her mother notices this and tells you that she does not want her daughter to form an attachment to a comfort item.

What do you do? Be specific with your answer

My answer so far:

Firstly I would explain to the mum why children form attachments to comfort items such as dolls, teddy bears, dummies and blankets.
I would explain that comfort items help her daughter feel secure in the absence of mum and dad.
I would also go onto explain the importance of her daughter feeling safe in care during the day when mum and dad are not around.
I would also advise if it is her wish for her daughter not to have a comfort item then I will support this as will the other carers in her room.
I would ask mum how she would like to see her daughter comforted during times of upset is there something else from home that you want to bring in. During this discussion I would clearly point out that my/our approach to comforting her daughter needs to be consistent. I would also point out that any attachment to a particular carer as a support/comfort item is not appropriate as staff illness and leave would set of any feeling of upset/distress.

Not sure If I'm on the right track and If I am if I have covered everything.

Thanks

[Lorina]

That's a very good response. I would also add:

Within the group you can begin discussing feelings with the children and help them to identify when they feel happy, angry and sad etc. and what to do when they feel like this. For example: give a cuddle to a friend/ loved one, tell someone why you're feeling this way etc.mYou could also talk to the parents to help the child identify her feelings and acknowledge them to help her to talk about why she is feeling sad etc. For example "I can see you're feeling sad because..."

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina