Guatemalan Worry Dolls A Great Parenting Tool
A few months ago I bought Sylvia some Guatemalan Worry dolls (Fair Trade).
Children can share their concerns with the dolls and put them under their pillows at night so they can sleep without any worries. This is a traditional Guatemalan practice that I read about on the internet.
Sylvia has used the dolls a few times and (most importantly) I’ve been able to listen to the worries that she has told her dolls. I’ve then been able to use this knowledge to help her.
For example one night Sylvia told her dolls that she was worried about being late for school. She had been late once or twice and felt rushed by John when she couldn’t find her shoes. (John takes Sylvia to school-bless him).
After knowing about her concern, we started to prepare her uniform, school bag and shoes each night before bed time. I also gave Sylvia her own little clock. This made all the difference and she always knows what time it is and where her things are.
The dolls have been useful on a number of occasions and as a christian I’ve also been able to mention Sylvia’s worries in our bedtime prayers.
I would recommend this product. In particular I would recommend fair trade dolls as they are made by struggling families in Guatemala. They only cost a few pounds, however they do break quite easily so need to be looked after carefully.
Angela x
Loving this idea
Thanks Tevita!
Thank you so much for linking up and putting my badge in your post! I haven’t even figured out how to HTML my badge yet. I am a computer whiz in progress lol. Love this idea as well…I have one starting kindergarten this year *tear*
Your welcome 🙂 It’s a learning game isn’t it. We just have to learn one thing at a time. I only signed up to twitter in April! Before that I used Facebook. Now my world has changed!
I think they are a great idea, I had them when I was a child and found them really helpful #momsterslink
Cool Becky! I only found out about them when I was researching about kids worrying. Sylvia had a bit of a hard time when we moved houses and schools last year and I wanted to find ways to help her. She’s sorted now and well settled. They really did help!
How sweet! I love that these dolls open a window of communication between child and mother. Lovely post, Angela! Xx
Yes. They are great. Thanks for the lovely comment.
I had worry dolls as a child and they really are a great way just to simply stop and think about what has been bothering you. I hope they continue to be of help to your daughter. #SundayStars xxx
Thank you Katie for visiting my blog. The dolls certainly helped a lot when we moved house and school. angela x
What a great idea! If nothing else, it’s a great way to get kids to talk about their worries. Might have to look into these. Thank you so much for linking up to Sunday Stars xxx
They sell some good fair trade one’s on Amazon. Thanks for visiting my blog.
What a brilliant idea! Fab way to hear your child’s concerns without having to pressure them! #binkylinky
Debbie
http://www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com
I know…. I thought that when I first heard about them…Just had to try it out and they were so cheap. ANGX
They sound like a great idea great post great photos thanks for linking up to Binkylinky
Your welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
I had worry dolls when I was a child and loved them. They were a great part of my childhood and I look back with fond memories when I think of them. I’ll definitely be buying my girls some when they’re older. Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
I never realised they were so popular. I found them randomly but am pleased I did. Angelaxx
I have never heard or seen anything like this before, what a lovely idea x #binkylinky
Thanks 🙂 I had to share it as they were so helpful to us.
a great way to know your kids inner thoughts… lovely idea and the dolls looks so cute too! #lovelythings
Yes..it’s great to get to know how my daughter feels and be able to help her while young. Angela x
I had worry dolls as a child. Your picture brought back some memories! I don’t remember what I used to worry about as a child but I remember they were really cute and in a little hessian bag. You’re on to something there. It’s a great idea! If you want to stop by I have a link up called Life Loving Linkie that I’d love to see you at.
Sally @ Life Loving
They work a treat! Thanks for stopping by and i’ll try and pop around to your linky shortly. Angela x
This is a really nice idea to help children vocalise what they’re worried about. I think my son maybe slightly too young at the moment, but I think I need to remember this for the future thanks for sharing #lovelythings
Oh thanks Laura. Yes I think kids need to be a little older to be able to express out they feel to the dolls. Like you say it’s good idea though for the future.
These are a brilliant idea, I think I will use them too when Monkey is a little older. Thank you for the tip 🙂 xxx #LovelyThings xx
Thankyou Clare. I randomly found them online when researching children who worry so it was the perfect solution at the time! Angela