Not until our third daughter made Pinky at Build-a-Bear that we learned about real teddy-attachment. She could barely see over the counter, but after that they were inseparable. So when it was time to leave for our summer trip to Europe, we had to decide what to do with Pinky.
While we didn’t want to pry Pinky from our daughter’s sweet pudgy fingers, we knew it would be worse than a zombie apocalypse if Pinky got lost in Europe and had to spend the rest of her teddy days with a Nutella stained face and being scoffed at for her sub-par French.
That year we bought a toddler restraining system (you know, a kid leash) and put Pinky in it and tied her to a backpack. If Pinky came on day trips she was tethered to the stroller. The two older girls were on Pinky duty and had to make sure we had Pinky when ever we left a hotel or house. Honestly, not losing that bear was the most stressful part of that trip.
The next year we spent lots of time prepping our daughter to leave Pinky with Grandma and Grandpa. We bought a
smaller substitute Pinky Jr. to take with us, which wouldn’t have been a tragedy if lost. We packed a bag for Pinky and instructed Grandma and Grandpa how Pinky liked to sleep, what her favorite outfits were, etc. Although it wasn’t exactly the same as having Pinky with us, the plan worked. The real Pinky was having a fun with Grandma
and Grandpa’s. Our daughter sent a postcard to Pinky when she was missing her. Zombie apocalypse averted.
If you have a child who is extremely attached to an item, it is worth the time and effort to find a solution that works for the child, cuts down on the tears, and keeps the treasured item safe. It will help that child, and you, focus on the main event, which is your trip. Oh, and you’ll want to have your video camera ready when your child reunites with her Pinky.