Should I give her her cuddly toy back?

[SilverBellsandCockleShells]

My seven-year-old daughter has, pretty much since birth, only gone to sleep with the aid of a specific soft toy. We spotted her attachment at an early age and bought in several spares but sadly only the original was ever good enough!

A week ago, we went on holiday which involved an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport and a very early start. In our haste to get our flight, her toy, let's call it Hippo, remained tucked up in bed and got left behind. His absence wasn't noted until we reached our destination, several hours later.

After a few initial tears, she settled down to sleep OK and the rest of the week was spent without a mention of the lost Hippo. On the flight back home, she asked if we'd go back to the hotel and get him but we didn't really have time. First night home we had a few more wobbles bit again she slept fine and has now admitted she doesn't really need Hippo or any of his friends to get to sleep.

In the meantime, I have spoken to the hotel, who have tracked down her cuddly toy and are sending it back to me shortly. Question is, when I get it back do I give it to her and risk regression or allow her the joy of being reunited?

I know it's a minor problem but I can't decide what to do!

TIA

[Floggingmolly]

choccy

[nickelbabe]

i still don't see the problem with taking him on sleepovers.

but you could use the "what happened last time we took him away?" as an argument against her taking him out of the house.

[SoupDragon]

As I understand it, there was no problem with taking him on sleepovers other than the fact he wasn't there when spur of the moment ones were arranged.

[nickelbabe]

yes, you're right, i misread it

[LillyofWinchester]

Maybe is she's seen how easily it can be lost on holiday you could persuade her not to need it when she next stays away from the home? Just remind her of the time it got lost. Or when it gets returned put a little note with it that says "please keep me in your bed from now on, I don want to get lost again"

[flossymuldoon]

Give it back. It's mean to keep it from her.

I had yellow baby when I was little and was traumatised if I couldn't fin her. My earliest memory of me standing in my cot as yellow baby had fallen out.

After many years without anything I have had goggy for about 10 years. I love him. I never take him out of the house for fear of losing him!!

[mummyxtwo]

Give it back! Every childhood deserves a sweet moment like being reunited with a lost beloved teddy. I am 34yo and still remember the sadness of losing my Purple Teddy in a supermarket when I was a girl! There is nothing wrong with being attached to soft toys - it's sweet and innocent, and we shouldn't be trying to hasten innocence away, IMO.

[Cocodale]

Yes give it back to her my 18 yr old daughter still sleeps with her special teddy, no harm in it what so ever x

[mitchsta]

Definitely give it back. My other half still has his fave childhood toy tucked up in bed at his mum's and he turns 30 this month. It's a horrible, grubby thing, but he loves it!

Incidentally, I did ask him "WHAT is that?!" when I first saw it and he calmly replied "Cuddling Ted" - no question that it wouldn't be around for all eternity. I'm just glad he doesn't insist on moving it in with us.

Also, my cousin didn't think twice about taking his childhood teddy, Edward, to uni with him. Some people just don't want to let them go.

[SilverBellsandCockleShells]

You'll all be pleased to know that my daughter and her 'Hippo' have now been reunited.

[MirandaWest]

:)

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

:)