Solutions to get DS weaned off favourite cuddly in time for school trip

[Thelowquietsea]

DS, 9, has an all time favourite cuddly toy that he sleeps with. We bought it years ago, when he was a baby, in some random airport shop abroad and have never been able to find another.

He doesn't sleep without it and we have been incredibly careful to look after him.

In April, DS goes away with his class for 3 nights. He will definitely lose this toy if he takes it with him. We need to find solutions as he won't sleep if he just goes cold turkey without him.

We've been trying to introduce other toys, but it gets to bedtime and DS gets upset and gives up trying.

He knows he needs to resolve this but emotionally it's really hard.

He's an independent soul except for this one area where he still likes his toy.

How and what can we do?

Will he be using a sleeping bag when away? We usually have several children with their favourite cuddly toys attached by a "lead" to the inside of the sleeping bag so they don't get lost.

@spanieleyes - that's exactly the solution I suggested! I'm glad to hear that it is the case for other kids - does this solution usually work out ok?

I had a blanket like that and a similar age we went on holiday for a week, got all the way there and realised I had forgotten my blanket , first night was a bit odd but actually I slept fine all week. When I got home I needed it to sleep again. I'm sure he will manage for 3 days.

Why will he definitely lose it? My DSS took his favourite toy on a school residential, nearly every child on it had a comforter type toy for bedtime, no drama or angst.

Absolutely attach his cuddly to his sleeping bag. Being away from home can be hard at that age and it will be a real comfort to him to have his cuddly with him.

The comment 'no drama or angst' is a tad judgemental. Unnecessarily. If I say that he'll def lose it, I think you'll have to take my word that there's a very good chance he will lose it.

And of course, he would sleep if he didn't have it because he'd have no choice but I'd rather he felt good about it

@iMatter - yes, I agree, it will be hard. I think that's what we'll do

Let him take it with him. Mine always did. They never lost their cuddly toy. We didn’t attach it to the sleeping bag, we always had a special little carry on back pack and instructed them to check it before getting on the bus home.
They were nevervteased or anything as most kids brought something.

dc usually has a muslin in bed to cuddle, but when on a class trip left it home because dc was worried about the others making fun.
slept not nearly enough but not due to missing comfort well all through the trip.

Attach to sleeping bag & attach a label to cuddly with you phone number - belt & braces

DS went on his first school residential when he was 9 and decided to leave his beloved cuddly toy (Peter Owl) at home. His decision, completely voluntary and out of the blue. I think he didn’t want to appear babyish. Peter has been on Beaver and Cub camps before then, but has stayed at home since. He is still very much loved at home though!!(DS is 11 now).

School residential kit list always includes soft toy for bed.
So does the scouts all the way to Explorers at 14+.

I'd tie it to the sleeping bag.

A soft toy was standard when my 9yos went on a residential trip. Why would he lose it?

I was talking about his experience. There was neither drama nor angst. I’m not judging you or your child.

If you’re fine with him taking it then you need, and have got, advice on how he can keep it safe, not how to wean him off it.

I had —have— a fav cuddly that I couldn’t sleep without. My parents brought me a smaller camp teddy that only went away with me. I slept with both for a couple of weeks so camp ted was a bit worn and smelt of home and I felt a bit better. Would that work for ds?

Mine took their special toy on their camp trip and all cane back. I just put a tag with contact name and phone no on it.

Do you have a photo of it? You never know as a pre-emotive strike, you might be able to find a back up

Sure I attached a picture. Doh.

How about a small cushion or pillow - you can get some animal themed ones, so he can put his head on it and use it as a pillow? Not the same as a well-loved cuddly I know, but it has a plausible use as well as being a possible comforter.

DD had (has!) a specific travelling soft toy, who is 'braver' than her usual favourite cuddly. So the precious one stays at home and the super sub goes away.

I'm not planning to have dc any time soon. But for when I do I'm storing this under hints & tips that will be needed.

I wouldn't let my children take their favourite toys because I knew they'd be devastated if they got lost/forgotten. They were so busy during the day and often stay up late at night so when they do get the chance to sleep they sleep anyway.
However I must admit attaching it to the sleeping bag sounds a good idea as long as you're sure your son will leave it attached. I was just too worried about my two loosing their favourite toy.

Surely if it's so precious to him he'll take extra special care of the teddy and wouldn't lose it? Not one of my friends kids who have had trips away have lost their favourite toys.

Other than that the only options are attach the teddy to a bad and attach your contact details to the teddy. Or ask your son to choose a "travelling teddy" or similar.