The Binky otherwise known as the pacifier! Also lovingly known in my house as my daughter’s Binky Friend. A little tool that once was so helpful in soothing your infant, then baby, has now become your toddler’s best friend. And it’s time to end the friendship! How do you go about ending that friendship? The attachment is strong and the will of a 2 year old is even stronger. This blog post will give you some tips and tricks on how to say goodbye to the Binky Friend (aka: pacifier) forever.
If you are wondering why I would have any tips or tricks to offer you well let me give you a couple reasons. I am a Mom of a 2 year old who is/was extremely attached to her Binky Friend. Next, if you don’t know about my career well I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a speciality in working with children 0-5 years old. I have extensive training in this age group and am endorsed as an Infant-Family and Early Childhood Specialist. So with my education and hands on experience I am offering you some tricks that worked for me. If you are reading this you are likely dealing with a child who needs to break free from the Binky, so I will make this short and sweet.
- Take it away COLD TURKEY: Yes that’s right just take it away. I admit I tried with my daughter to phase it out. I tried to give it to her only during nap time and nighttime. That did not last long because she would cry and I would give in. When this happened I turned to my training and expertise in 0-5 and asked myself what would I tell a client. I would say TAKE IT AWAY. Now you don’t take something away that is soothing without offering something in return. That takes me to point number 2.
- Offer a REPLACEMENT of some kind: For my daughter she loved her Binky that had the elephant on the end. So when we were at target I bought (actually her grandparents bought it) a elephant stuffed animal. When she wants her Binky she would make the elephant noise and I would simply state “oh you want your elephant…here it is (and hand her the stuffed animal).” I stayed away from talking about the Binky directly. Keep turning her attention to her new toy that provides comfort. For us it was the stuffed animal. Truth be told she is not loving the stuffed animal but she has also stopped crying for her Binky Friend. And I don’t mention it. EVER.
- Overall help your child FEEL comfort: Truth is this Binky…tool…friend… whatever you call it, it is a source of comfort. It helps your child feel calm, secure, and cared for. This is not the only source of comfort but it does mean something to them and to you. I remember times going into a panic at night when we couldn’t find the Binky Friend. I also thought What am I going to do?! So think of it as a source of comfort and then find ways to help your child feel secure without it.
In the end you and your child will decide when it’s time to say goodbye to the Binky Friend. For me it was time to say goodbye and my daughter is adjusting well. If you try out all the tips and tricks and it is too stressful then do what’s best for you. I tried several times to part with this Binky before it actually worked! But truth be told…it worked when I was committed to taking it away. I think both Mom and Child need to be prepared! I would love to hear your story about trying out these tips and tricks. Let me know in the comments below.
With Magic & Love,
-Tracy @mommytracerq
MommyTracerQ Fashion.Lifestyle.Mommyhood. 