Kids love stuffed animals and so do many teenagers. But shouldn't they've outgrown it?

Stuffed animals are a very popular childhood toy but is it ok for teenagers to still cuddle one? Even at 15 years old? Stuffed animals are comfort toys and come in all shapes and sizes. They're made after our favorite childhood characters and just about every animal in the world. They're soft and filled with cozy stuffing just waiting to be loved on. Kids love stuffed animals and so do many teenagers. These comfort toys are perfectly ok to stay with your 15-year-old teenager in their bed and can stay when they get even older.

Heck, many adults have stuffed animals and may even hold them from time to time. Build-A-Bear Workshop sponsored a 2017 study that was published by PR Newswire where 40% of adults admitted to sleeping with stuffed animals themselves. More than half of those who participated in this survey also said they still own a stuffed animal that belongs to them. We underestimate the power of our favorite stuffed animals and the joy they can give us.

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Not only is it normal for a 15-year-old to have a stuffed animal and sleep with one, but it can also be extremely comforting to them in difficult times. And it's also a sweet reminder of their younger childhood years.

Even if you feel, as a mom, that fifteen may be too old for a stuffed animal, it wouldn't be a good idea to take it away. It may even be traumatizing to them and an event they may not be able to forgive. The only time a stuffed animal should be given away or put away is when they want to.

Fifteen-year-olds are still kids, and it's nice for them to hang on to stuffed animals they've had forever. Stuffed animals, comfort blankets, and similar toys are called "transitional objects" by doctors because parents give their young children these items to hold for self-comfort and security. The need for those two things doesn't change as kids age (even adults need self-comfort and security). If anything, teenagers need more comfort and security to ease any anxiety they may be having.

Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, psychologist Stanley Goldstein even explains that recent high school graduates who move on to college often bring their favorite transitional objects and that, "It's nothing unusual." Dr Goldstein also explained why it's just fine going into more detail:

"It gives them safety in an environment that is unfamiliar. We still have fears, and whatever helps us face these fears, it's OK. We feel the need to define everything because something is a little peculiar or strange, and that doesn't mean it's an illness nor needs treatment."

So not only is it normal for a 15-year-old to sleep with a stuffed animal, it's common. If you're a parent who doesn't have their own comfort item or are concerned about their teenager having a stuffed animal, don't worry. Unless it becomes a huge problem, meaning it interferes with their daily life, it is not a problem. Odds are that will never happen, and their stuffed animal will live happily on their bed waiting for when they're needed. And who knows, maybe your teen will pass down their comfort item to their own child in the future.

Source: Care, Well and Good, PR Newswire, Chicago Newswire

Larissa Marulli is a mom to two young school-aged kids. She received a degree in journalism shortly before having her first child and is a news and features writer for Moms. The proud mom of two is from Colorado and loves the mountains. changing seasons, and hot coffee all year round. Larissa has seen it all and has struggled with the challenges of motherhood. She is getting better with age and prides herself in using the written word to entertain others as well as educate. Larissa loves books, napping, people in small doses, and her family.