Attachment to Objects

[mumstheword]

To the OP I can see that you are concerned about your child's issues and they may very well be cause for concern. Fear of change is a real phenomenon. When a child or an adult for that matter measures their existence in terms of what stuff is around them then it is time to involve professionals to get to the real reason. It is partly a form of severe separation anxiety, partly a self-esteem issues ( I am the sum of my possesions), as well as under certain syndromes that involve mental health issues there are true instances where the child/adult can not handle change of any kind. They may actually need professional counselling to learn to let go and not be so rigid. If it was just her toys yes I understand that kids get possessive. But to fret over a napken - that she has only had for less than an hour at a restaurant or the family car indicates that it is time to speak to your doctor and express your concerns and ask for someone to advise you.

I get that you have to carry through and do things like trade the car and she will just have to get over it. But realize that her anxiety is real not pretend and needs to be considered and she needs to be given coping skills to handle it.

YES, playfelt has the right idea.

Daycarewhisper- What you suggest could be very damaging to a child that is suffering from Anxiety and or OCD. They are both very real and can occur in children very young. Although attachments to objects can be very normal, they can also be of concern. If the child is suffering from anxiety or OCD, then TELLING them how to feel or think is only going to make the anxiety worse.
You said "You are petting an unstable mindset and she is getting worse. Take it over NOW and release her from this anxiety. She's begging you to do that but you don't see it." Taking OVER for someone does not "release" them from anxiety. It can actually cause more anxiety.

OP, It is impossible to tell through a post whether your daughter has anxiety or OCD but I would talk to your Dr. and perhaps have a referral to a Child Phyc. before deciding how to "handle" her attachments.

[daycarewhisperer]

YES, playfelt has the right idea.

Daycarewhisper- What you suggest could be very damaging to a child that is suffering from Anxiety and or OCD. They are both very real and can occur in children very young. Although attachments to objects can be very normal, they can also be of concern. If the child is suffering from anxiety or OCD, then TELLING them how to feel or think is only going to make the anxiety worse.
You said "You are petting an unstable mindset and she is getting worse. Take it over NOW and release her from this anxiety. She's begging you to do that but you don't see it." Taking OVER for someone does not "release" them from anxiety. It can actually cause more anxiety.

OP, It is impossible to tell through a post whether your daughter has anxiety or OCD but I would talk to your Dr. and perhaps have a referral to a Child Phyc. before deciding how to "handle" her attachments.

I dont agree. I woudn't assume the child has such a profound mental illness before trying the obvious corrections first. Whether she has a profound psychological disorder like ocd or not she shouldn't be invoved in decision-making like when something should ne purchased or sold. The parents should ne able to execute these things with zero input or involvement of a toddler. Mental illness or not, she is living in the real world and she is a very very young human who needs to be redirected immediately away from interjecting her self into adult matters.

try the obvious common sense solution for a significant amount of time and be prepared for a significant backlash as she is releasing her previous position and getting used to her rightful position as a toddler - preschooler who cant and SHOULDN'T be bothered by adult decisions and matters.