Walking through the halls of an elementary or high school, you may notice small plush keychains hanging from backpacks. These keychains come in various forms, from cats wearing capes to emo Beren to food with faces. They are often traded, collected, and fidgeted with by students. But what if these keychains could serve a greater purpose?
Imagine if these plush keychains were more than just accessories. What if they could serve as a symbol of parental love and support for children to carry with them throughout their day, providing comfort and reassurance when needed the most?
Here’s the concept: Sit down with your child at the beginning of the school year or during a significant transition day, holding the plush keychain in your hands. Share a heartfelt message like this:
“I’ve placed three things in this keychain: a big hug, a kiss, and all the love I have for you. So if you ever feel overwhelmed, miss me, or need some extra support, just squeeze this little guy, and it will feel like a hug from me, even when we’re apart.”
Attach the keychain to your child’s backpack and watch as it becomes a source of comfort and security for them.
Why does this simple gesture work, even for older children? Younger kids often bring comfort objects like Loveys to school, but as they get older, they may feel self-conscious about displaying such items. The plush keychain offers a discreet way for children to carry a piece of their parent’s love with them without drawing unwanted attention.
This ritual promotes safe attachment, a crucial aspect of emotional development. By visualizing their parent’s support and love through the keychain, children learn to internalize a sense of security and connection, even in the parent’s absence.
For parents who have experienced trauma themselves, this ritual can be healing. It allows them to provide their child with the comfort and love they may have missed out on in their own childhood. By offering this gesture of love, parents can rewrite the narrative of their own past and create a new legacy of support and security for their child.
There is no need for elaborate decorations or specific plush designs. What truly matters is the intention behind the gesture. Whether you tell your child that the keychain contains a hug, a whispered message, or a declaration of love, the sentiment is what holds the most significance.
Encourage your child to engage in this ritual as they see fit. Some may want to repeat it daily, while others may simply find comfort in knowing it’s there. Trust that the message of love and support will resonate with them in their own unique way.
Ultimately, the goal of this practice is to help children internalize their parent’s presence and support, creating an “inner Cheerleader app” that reminds them they are loved, safe, and connected. Each squeeze of the plush keychain serves as a reminder of this unwavering love, building a foundation of security and resilience for the child.
By incorporating this simple yet powerful ritual into your parenting routine, you are not only supporting your child but also rewriting your own story of trauma and neglect. One small gesture at a time, you are building a new legacy of love and security for your family.
(c) Robyn Koslowitz, 2025. All rights reserved.