Stuffed Toys or Dolls – Tip #160
Stuffed animals or dolls can provide a lot of comfort when a family member is absent, experiencing stress or difficulty re-integrating back into family life. The important thing to make sure of is to ensure that the doll or toy is not replacing real life interactions. If it is affordable, also consider buy two identical dolls or toys in case it is lost.
Try to personalize the toy or doll so that it can be connected to a special event, happy moment, parent, loved family member, etc. If your child already has a toy for comfort you can get it a mini t-shirt with a family photo printed on the front, go to build-a-bear and purchase a voice recorder (then open up the toy on a seam and insert it in), spray it with a perfume or cologne or put a pin or some other special item on it too.
Company Suggestions:
* Personalized dolls – http://www.daddydolls.com
* Build A Bear – http://www.buildabear.com
* Operation Give A Hug – http://www.ogah.com
* Big Plush – http://www.bigplush.com
For more information about our tips, resources or books go to: http://www.whileyouwereaway.org
To submit a tip of your own, write to: Megan@whileyouwereaway.org
Filed under: Military Family Support - Tips from the 101 Tips books, Re-integration Tips, Teen Tips, Tips for Educators and Deployment Support Workers Tagged: | comfort, daddy dolls, dolls, families, military, military families, military toys, operation hug a hero
