Strange attachment to sticks and other long objects??

[ubwlondon]

My daughter is 2.9, and for the last couple of months has insisted on carrying either a stick, a pencil, a kitchen spoon or a fly swatter around with her wherever she goes. She even takes them to bed with her, unless we go through a battle of wills (in the case of sharper objects!). Is this normal behaviour and when is it likely to stop? DH is convinced that she will poke her eye out with a pencil one day...

Ds was like this too, he used to take a wooden spoon with him everywhere which he would then ride in the manner of Little Cook. It's not that strange and she will grow out of it. She might poke her eye out with a pencil, but probably not.