Linus and his blanket: would you be worried?

Question

Assume that Linus van Pelt of 'Peanuts' fame was an actual, living eight-year-old child. Is his excessive attachment to his security blanket a cause for concern? You may answer from the perspective of a child psychologist, or as an ordinary parent.

Hooboy, he freaked all right. Every time Snoopy 'dognapped' it, Linus looked like he needed sedation. With strong sedatives.

Answer 1

Well considering that my daughter is 11 and still has her blanket and can not go to sleep without it. It is a security thing it makes them feel good. Keeps them safe. I feel that it is OK. Expecally if something tragic has happened in there life. It helps them cope. Just because a child is attached to a blanket does not mean they come from an unstable home.

Answer 2

I would be concerned that the child felt so insecure that his attachment to the blanket was the only constant in his life. In my experience, children with a linus complex are often from very unstable homes. Not knowing where they will be staying or who with.
Up until around 5 it is quite common for children to obtain security from a toy or a blanket etc but when presented with a constant routine they often drop it.

Therefore, yes if a child as old as 8 was excessively attached to a blanket I would have serious concerns about his home life and his sense of woth!

Answer 3

Insecurity is insecurity, regardless of the age!! There are many adults who still twirl their hair around their finger... reveals the same insecurity. Many signs put out by the body, which indicate such a mental distress.. body language is an interesting study.

Answer 4

If he simply brings it along everywhere there is nothing to worry about.

If he freaks out and cannot calm down after an extended period of time there may be a problem.

Go with your gut feeling.

Answer 5

Good Grief! I just can't stand it!