security blanket
Child's calming companion
A security blanket is a blanket or soft object that a child carries for emotional comfort.
The term extends to anything that provides psychological reassurance: His phone had become a security blanket—he couldn't leave the house without it.
The phrase suggests the comfort is somewhat childish or irrational, though not always disparagingly.
Pet name or comfort item
- teddy bearSoft ursine plaything
- pacifierInfant sucking device
- blankieChild's comfort fabric
- stuffed animalSoft toy with filling
plush toy · naptime · crib · nursery · bedtime · toddler · preschool · Linus
Attachment substitute for children
- loveyPet name or comfort item
- emotional supportCompassionate help during distress
- bondingForming close connections
- clinginessExcessive need for closeness
dependency · separation anxiety · object permanence · safe haven · familiarity · nurturing · trust · stability
Warm and snug
- warmthHeat you feel
- snuggleEmbrace cozily
- cuddleAffectionate close embrace
- softnessYielding to gentle pressure
plush · soothing · nestle · hug · contentment · solace · serenity · ease
Protection against failure
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- support systemNetwork providing assistance
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- backup planAlternative if primary fails
insurance policy · buffer · hedge · contingency · fail-safe · cushion · protective measure · risk mitigation
Representing through imagery
- emotional supportCompassionate help during distress
- psychological comfortMental ease and reassurance
- creature comfortPhysical convenience for wellbeing
lovey
Pet name or comfort item
- teddy bearSoft ursine plaything
- pacifierInfant sucking device
- blankieChild's comfort fabric
stuffed animal · plush toy · naptime · crib · nursery · bedtime · toddler · preschool · Linus · Peanuts
transitional object
Attachment substitute for children
- loveyPet name or comfort item
- emotional supportCompassionate help during distress
- bondingForming close connections
clinginess · dependency · separation anxiety · object permanence · safe haven · familiarity · nurturing · trust · stability · attachment parenting
cozy
Warm and snug
softness · plush · soothing · nestle · hug · contentment · solace · serenity · ease · well-being
safety net
Protection against failure
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- support systemNetwork providing assistance
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
backup plan · insurance policy · buffer · hedge · contingency · fail-safe · cushion · protective measure · risk mitigation · comfort zone
figurative
Representing through imagery
- emotional supportCompassionate help during distress
- psychological comfortMental ease and reassurance
- creature comfortPhysical convenience for wellbeing
- childhoodchildhood, baby, child, kid, toys
- baby blanketsswaddle, lovey, baby quilt, sleep sack
- baby toysrattle, baby rattle, teether, teething ring, teething toy
- babyhoodbaby bottle, baby bonnet, baby book, baby monitor, baby photos
- cozinesscoziness, cuddles, snugness, fireplace, snuggling
- PeanutsCharlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Lucy, Linus
security blanketstressor
Strain-inducing factor
trigger · bogeyman · threat · nightmare · nightmare fuel
security blanketexposure therapy
Anxiety treatment through confrontation
trial by fire · baptism by fire · leap of faith · cold turkey · sink or swim
security blanketindependence
Freedom from external control
self-reliance · autonomy · maturity · self-sufficiency · weaning
secure, blanket, security, insecure, secured, insecurity, securing, blankets, securely