Child's Play: February 2015

Sorgenfresser: The Worry-Eating Plush Toys.....
Swollow Your Fears!

Developmental Stress

Child Life is a field that gives recognition to “developmental stress” – or the wide variety of difficult and potentially traumatic experiences that specifically children encounter throughout development. From a developmental perspective, stressors have the potential to overwhelm a child’s natural ability to cope effectively.

As professionals working with children or as parents/caregivers, it is simply important to recognize that all children have worries and regardless of how big or small they are, they are very REAL to a child. Oftentimes love one do their best to try and help, but if they are not aware of what the problem is, it becomes very difficult to help. This is where these cute and clever worry-eating plush toys can be an invaluable reasource to professionals/parents.

[!] TA-DA! Introducing …

Sorgenfresser!

The Sorgenfresser’s motto is "we eat your worries", and sometimes with just a bit of help, this is exactly what they do! The idea behind the Sorgenfresser is simply that they “eat” worries – from nightmares to hospital stays or the first day of school.

Sorgenfresser: Worry-Eaters

The child writes or draws the worry and then feeds them to into the zip mouth of the worry eater plush. Of course, this does not solve the problem straight away but can be very symbolically therapeutic for a child – creating an opportunity to define what the worry is and having a way to alleviate the worry. It certainly is a first step in the right direction of healthy coping and can provide a child with an immediate feeling of immense relief.

"Eating" Up Worries!

The next step could involve a parent (or professional). With the problem in the mouth of the worry eater, a parent then is able to uncover exactly what worries their child has. This too becomes a great opportunity to sit down and gently discuss the problem and talk about ways to cope healthy. Also, the simple idea that once the Sorgenfresser is placed in a child’s room, it will keep an eye out for bad dreams and worries and gobble them up, can be a comforting feeling to a child and reassure him or her at bedtime.

[!] NOTES for Parents/Professionals

Sorgenfresser are based on Gerhard Hahn’s German TV series and in plush form, all have their own unique look and personalities. Some are stretched out, some have floppy ears and some toothy grins. They come in very fun colours and are made with soft velour that is machine washable at 30°. Although, Sorgenfresser is difficult to find in retailers across Canada, they are easily purchased online. Sorgenfresser won Silver for Best Soft Toy in the Loved By Parents awards 2013 and Gold for Best Soft Toy in the Independent Toy Awards 2013.