Security Item Issues: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

Whether you call them binky's or paci's, or blankie's or woobies, security items are a major part of life for many babies. They make sleep time easier and come in many different forms. The security items that babies, and some older children latch onto can last for years. The most popular are the binky and blanket. Who could forget the famous "woobie" scene from "Mr. Mom". [courtesy;MGM]

And just like the movies, you can't just take a special blanket away. Children often need comfort and security.

Dr. Joe Matusic
They have their own anxieties and worries and their own trials and tribulations through the day. So they need something to comfort them.

That something is technically called a self comforting tool.

Dr. Joe Matusic
It often replaces other things which are important in their development. They're going to use this woobie or paci and they're not going to do other things.

Grown ups use a variety of coping skills to self comfort. From taking deep breaths, to meditating or counting. But kids have to be taught skills like that.

Dr. Joe Matusic
If they seem to be latching on to this, that's a time they're concerned, worried or upset and just need a little comforting. So just shift their attention to someting else. I often tell parents you don't get rid of comforting tools, you just replace it.

You can also stage a big event. Perhaps "mailing" the binkies to the babies at the hospital. Or a ceremonial burning of the blanket. But it doesn't work unless you pass on to the child a new way to direct their emotions. A way to cope with their feelings. Occupying their time with something else can be difficult. But try to learn to recognize the signals before they grab for their security item. Then redirect them to a game, craft, book or special toy.