Evidence: Why Children Confide in Toys
While every child is different, research and clinical insights suggest that young children are often more likely to confide in objects of emotional comfort like a teddy bear or favourite toy than directly in a parent or adult, especially regarding distressing or confusing experiences such as abuse.
Why children may confide in their teddy or toy over a parents
Safe emotional outlet
A teddy is perceived as non-judgmental, always present, and emotionally safe. Children may project feelings onto these comfort objects and feel free to express themselves without fear of punishment, disappointment, or misunderstanding.
Lack of language or understanding
Young children often don’t fully understand what has happened to them, especially in cases of abuse. They may lack the vocabulary to explain it to an adult, but still attempt to express their feelings by talking to a trusted toy in symbolic or indirect ways.
Fear or shame
In situations involving abuse — especially if the abuser is known to the child — fear, guilt, or shame can prevent them from speaking up. Confiding in a toy feels emotionally safer than risking a difficult or confusing adult reaction.
Therapeutic observation
Many child psychologists use play-based therapy or projective techniques (like dolls or stuffed animals) because children will often act out or talk about difficult situations indirectly through toys. These moments can reveal deep emotional truths that the child hasn’t said aloud to any adult.
What this means for Snuggo
By being physically attached to a child’s favourite toy and enabling conversational expression, Snuggo can create a powerful emotional bridge. If the child says something serious or emotionally charged to Snuggo in a way they might not to a parent, the system can gently flag this for further attention, giving families the opportunity to intervene earlier, with care and understanding.
This underscores the importance of tools like Snuggo, which can serve as a bridge between a child's private world and their caregivers. By facilitating safe, screen-free conversations, Snuggo can help children express their feelings and experiences, potentially alerting parents to issues that might otherwise remain hidden.
Relevant research and observations
Play therapy evidence: In clinical settings, children have been shown to reveal trauma through conversations or roleplay with toys long before they’re able to speak about it directly to a parent or therapist.
Symbolic expression
Studies have shown that symbolic play — especially with comfort objects — is a primary way children process emotional experiences and reveal internal conflict.
