When your child loses a beloved toy

[heydooney]

What do you do? My son never got into the lovey thing, so there's no tatty old blanket I have to keep an eye on, but every day for the last few weeks he has been asking for his green helicopter. It's a Matchbox one, just like the one below, only white and green:

 

I haven't seen it in a few months, but never noticed until he said something. The kid has so many cars/planes/helicopters/firetrucks/etc. I couldn't keep track of them all. We have looked everywhere, even emptied his toybox, car box, and other boxes completely, lifted up couches, looked behind things, and can't find it anywhere. Every day he gets upset. I was the same way. When I was little, I lost a stuffed rabbit. Not even my favorite, but whenever I was sick, tired, or just nostalgic I remembered my bunny and I cried. Mine was left at a park so there was no hope of finding it. With him, it may still be here somewhere. But every time we look somewhere else, he gets his hopes up and then it's not there. I can't find an exact one like it since they've changed the colors. I give him hugs and I make sure he knows that it's ok to feel sad about it, and try to redirect him to another toy or activity (he's 2, almost 3). Any advice?

[Nixshix]

Nov. 12, 2009 at 2:27 AM

I wish I knew!

It's been three months since my 3 yr old lost his wooden thomas train and he still asks me about it EVERY SINGLE DAY. I try to calmly explain to him that we lost it - while on vacation on the other side of the country, no less - and we can't get it back. He does have another thomas that is nearly identicle except for the colour of the roof and he doesn't care. He knows the difference and somehow it matters A LOT.

[Lb128f]

Nov. 12, 2009 at 2:30 AM

Aww, I'm sorry. I remember my son losing a toy one time..so sad. I hope you find it!! Maybe you could take him out and get him a new heli?

[heydooney]

Nov. 12, 2009 at 8:40 AM

Thanks :)

I don't want to be one of those parents who tell them to get over it, it's just a toy, etc. My parents fostered my sensitivity (like when I lost my stuffed bunny) and I believe that's why I can relate to others easily now. The house is due for some major overhaul cleaning - like spring cleaning a few months late - and if we don't find it then, we'll head out with Grandpa (since he bought the original with Grandpa) to buy a new one.

(Original Poster)

[evwsquared]

Nov. 12, 2009 at 2:17 PM

Our little ones are the same age, so I sympathize! For two of the animal friends that she sleeps with, I've bought back-ups. Even if she ends up not being as attached to them as I've predicted, it makes me feel safe. I don't know what to say, other than to buy another one. (And, if you do find the helicopter, could you tell me if my diamond earrings are with it? Mine are currently missing.....)