How Can a Weighted Stuffed Animal Help Your Family?

Millions of children suffer from anxiety and sensory-related meltdowns, and that number is only getting bigger. The the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Children's Hospital Association (CHA) joined together to declare a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health.

Now, more than ever, we need safe, effective tools that can help. Weighted objects such as blankets and vests have long been used in therapeutic settings. Weighted plush animals are an effective sensory tool for all children, but designed specifically for children with ADHD, ASD, anxiety and more.

Weighted stuffed animals work well because kids love to play with them. The more they play with one, the better they feel. Here are three ways a weighted stuffed animal like FluffyWeight can help your family:

1. Find Calm

If you have a child who is anxious, sensitive or has sensory challenges, you know meltdowns all too well. Meltdowns are a byproduct of overwhelm, and are different from tantrums, which are about control.

Weighted stuffed animals can help children regulate their big feelings and while shortening or preventing big meltdowns. By holding a therapeutically weighted stuffed animal, the brain responds by releasing the happy hormone serotonin, and reduces stress hormone cortisol, ultimately creating a feeling of calm. 

What could your family do if you could spend less time managing meltdowns?

(Related: Five Reasons FluffyWeight is the Perfect Holiday Gift)

2. Enjoy Movement

Does your child seem clumsy or have challenges with movement and coordination? Hand in hand with sensory challenges is often something called developmental coordination disorder, or dyspraxia. 

Holding a weighted stuffed animal can help kids develop with spatial awareness, giving kids a sense of where their bodies are in space. Spatial awareness improves coordination, which can make kids more comfortable moving their bodies in sports, dance, martial arts or just playing with friends. Movement releases dopamine, which helps improve mood, focus and attention. 

3. Develop Social Emotional Skills

By giving your child a weighted stuffed animal like FluffyWeight, you are giving them a tool to help them learn that they are capable of managing their big emotions. For them, they gain greater confidence in their ability to manage themselves and their self-esteem grows. For you, it frees up time and energy while not ignoring or avoiding your child’s needs.

Read next: Seven Everyday Ways to Use Weighted Objects for Better Moods