My 15-year-old daughter still sleeps with stuffed animals. Is this normal?
When I was roughly 13-14 years old, my school had a lock in. It was basically a sleepover with my middle school class sleeping in the school chapel. I set up my mat next to my friend and proceeded to set up my few possesions: a water bottle, book, and my stuffed purple cow. I'd had that purple cow as long as I could remember, and had assigned it the male gender and the name “Moo” (very original, I know). A part of me was worried that bringing him would seem weird, but I needed the moral support (although it didn't help and I ended up having my parents pick me up and cried all the way home. All those kids in a small space was very overwhelming). A few people commented on it, mostly surprised, and perhaps a bit judgy, but I barely remember that. What I do remember is the friend who'd set up next to me was very pleased I'd brought Moo along because she had brought along her stuffed dolphin (she was 15 at the time). She'd had similar reservations, but had also decided to bring the toy along. Maybe it was weird, but since we’d both done it we felt reassured about our decision. I think we probably pre-planned the decision with each other so we wouldn't feel as weird.Now, at age 17, the only reason I don't sleep with a stuffed toy is because I keep knocking them off the bed in my sleep, and they don't deserve that, plus they get covered in dust and I have to clean them off. They're still close by on my shelf though.I also remember my highschool Public Speaking teacher telling us that we should practice in front of our stuffed toys to help us get more comfortable giving our speech to a crowd. I found it interesting that she assumed a bunch of highschoolers would have stuffed toys and that the toys would feel sentient enough in their minds that it would feel like talking to a familiar crowd. A couple kids said it sounded like an ok idea, so it appears she wasn't wrong.Moral of the story: a 15-year-old sleeping with a stuffed toy is not exactly common, but not weird either. If it makes her happy, let her be.
What do your children call their stuffed animals/blankets/toys?
Cate has soo many different animals, and the names change each day, but they are always like weird off the wall names, i think one the other day was moosa( i have no idea haha!) Her favorite stuffed animal that she has since a baby is a monkey and it's name is Muffie. She also had a blanket that has "Cubby" inscribed in it. She also has a tiny little tinkerbell that we always loose and she calls it Belly, haha. What about your child, what do they call their animals/blankets?
Who or where should I hire/go to for making a custom made stuffed animal?
I generally prefer to shop from independent artisans and crafters for custom stuffed animals. Not only are you supporting someone who is dedicated to their craft, but you get a more personalized experience, as well as a better quality product.There are a multitude of websites dedicated to creating custom stuffed animals, but if you’re looking for something more unique than the traditional teddy bear, this platform offers you the opportunity to choose your stuffed animal’s gender and specific details including the type of clothing as well as adding glasses or a soccer ball to really personalize it. There’s a whole lot of other customization options available, but you’ll see that as you explore the site.
Is it normal for my puppy to growl when playing with chew toys?
Yes. It is perfectly OK for dogs to growl when they are playing with toys.The best toys for your puppy should include chew toys, tug-of-war toys (that help them clean their mouths and floss), squeaky toys, toys that help them solve problems, toys that keep them company and fend off loneliness, etc.This post on the safest dog toys talks about that exact sound that your puppy may make when you play with them with toys like tug-of-war ropes and such.In the case of growling, it is great if once you play tug-of-war with your pup you growl back playfully. Laugh as much as you want :-) I do it ALL the time.Don’t discount that… It’s a part of your dog’s nature to growl, and they will love it if you connect with them on that level as you gently pull on the tug of war toy, or any stuffed plush toy, etc. Just be gentle and kind and throw it back out for them to fetch and bring it back for more fun.Just make sure to buy non-toxic toys. Check the post for ideas on toys that don’t have vinyl, BPA, toxic material, or soft plastic.
Why does my dog lick the blankets?
It could be out of boredom or stress...could be an OCD behavior the dog has acquired to keep himself occupied. Don't let your dog do it, and provide your dog with mentally stimulating toys, exercise him more, etc. Dogs sniff and lick things, but if your dog is obsessive about it, and will do it for an extended period of time...then it is a problem.
Why do cats knead and bite blankets?
I’ve observed orphan cats do it. I am not sure about cats who have mothers but in my experience cats who don’t have moms do this. They don’t use any kind of blanket (they pick the softer ones).They look so busy when they do that, so I don’t remove the blanket or do something to distract them. I am pretty sure they have a reason to do it (similar to nail biting or using it like a soft pacifier).I feel sad for adult cats who do this because they look like babies or an overgrown teen . Some people pass judgement to cats kneading and biting blankets as a form of destroying house stuff. I hope we can spread the word that they are just being cats.
I need help with Jokes!?
3 people are held hostage by cannibals.the cannibals tell them to bring 10 of the same fruit.the first guy brings 10 apples.the cannibals tell him to shove the apples up his @ss without a problem if his able to do it they let him free.by the time he gets to the 4th apple he is having trouble,so the cannibals eat him.the second guy comes with 10 cherries.cannibals tell him to shove the cherries up his @ss.he shove nine and when his about to shove the 10th,he brust into laughter,so the cannibals eat him.the first two hostage are dead and are talking in hell.the 1st hostage says"dude you were so close,why did you start laughing?".the second hostage then says"O i saw the other hostage coming with ten pinapples". 2nd joke There was this kid named jon who went to school in florida but he was from alabama.in his 3rd grade class the students are learning how to count to 100.jon was the only kid who can count to 100.jon goes to his dad and ask why is he the only kid that can count to 100.the dad says"its because your from alabama son".the next day the students learn their ABC's.jon is the only one who makes it to Z.jon goes to his dad and ask why am i the only one who can make it to Z."its cause your from alabama son"the dad says.the next day in gym class jon notices his penis is alot bigger than the other kids.he goes to his dad and ask why is his penis bigger than the other kids.his dad says "its because your eighteen son"
Driving Cross Country with two 8 year old boys. Tips?
This year for Christmas we are driving cross country to be with family. The drive is about 32 hours long, so about 3 days. Now I know what you are thinking, why don't you just fly? Several reasons, the main being it's cheaper for a family of four to drive than fly and it's easier (don't have to worry about lost bags, rental cars, long lines, flight delays etc) to drive. Plus it will be kind of nice to spend some quality time together. I've already found some tips but wanted to know if anybody had any additional tips. These are the links to the tips I've already found. http://tips.maxabout.com/tid0005835/Trav... http://trip-tips.com/roads-children One last thing, on both sites they list as one of the tips that kids under 6 should wear diapers and kids older than six should wear Goodnites. My boys do wear Goodnites to bed but never during the day have any of you done this and is it advisable for such a long trip? Personally I don't think so but I found it strange that every site that has travel tips for kids list this as a tip. Thanks for any tips and advice!