Wonderful. Big fan of Winnicott and train social workers about transitional objects as a vital part of their practice. I often begin my sessions asking workers about their favourite childhood toys…. Then when they’re all done I ask how many of them still own them. Then I ask how many of them still consider letting their partners throw them out. Nobody is keen.

Then we talk about why they must be very very careful when dealing with traumatised children and identifying those toys that fulfil a deep rooted psychological function. If a bunch of well adjusted social workers get misty eyed about throwing away toys they loved 20+ years ago, imagine how devastated vulnerable children would be if you left their toys behind when they move foster placements.

Great article as always! I still watch cartoons when I feel overwhelmed and will always retreat into books at the first sign of a stressful day. Humans are complicated and fun like that.