COMFORTERS

Some  children develop an attachment  for a particular  toy or article. This may be a  teddy bear or  soft  toy, or
simply a piece of blanket, which gives the child a feeling of comfort and security. Some children only require their

comforter  before  settling  down  to  go  to  sleep;  others  carry  it  around  all  day.  Provided  the  object  can  be  kept
reasonably clean, clearly  its presence  is harmless, and  the child should not be deprived of  it. On  the other hand,
some parents seem to feel that their child should have a favourite teddy or some such toy, and insist on the child
taking it to bed when the child seems completely disinterested. Even young children are capable of making up their
own minds about what they need in the way of comforters, and parents might sometimes ask themselves whether
the behaviour they are insisting on is for the child's benefit or the parents'. 
When  a  parent  desires  to  reduce  the  child’s  dependence  on  a  comforter,  repeated washing will  remove  all
familiar smells, and reduce its desirability.