4 min learnNew DelhiJun 29, 2026 12:00 AM IST
Did you might have a favorite toy rising up? One which went in all places with you, sat beside you at bedtime, and by some means grew to become far more than only a toy. For Soha Ali Khan, that toy was a stuffed canine known as Elliot.
In a latest Instagram reel, the actor recalled how Elliot accompanied her on holidays, saved her firm whereas she learn, and starred in numerous imaginary adventures created together with her siblings, Saif and Saba.
“The humorous factor is that Elliot, for me, was by no means only a toy, as a result of in my creativeness, he may very well be something,” she stated. Some days, Elliot travelled the world. On others, he solved mysteries. Soha remembers total afternoons disappearing as she and her siblings spun tales round him, taking turns so as to add twists and new characters.
Wanting again, she realised it was by no means actually in regards to the toy itself. “It’s really simply all the pieces that our creativeness allowed the toy to change into,” she stated.
She even joked that these storytelling periods could have been early coaching for the appearing careers she and her brother ultimately pursued. Most significantly, Elliot ensured she was “by no means lonely” and “by no means bored”.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
Why kids flip toys into associates
Khan additionally stated that making up tales round Elliot was most likely early coaching for appearing (Screenshot from @sakpataudi reel)
If Soha’s story feels acquainted, that’s as a result of it’s. “Youngsters creating elaborate tales, characters, and imaginary worlds round their favorite toys shouldn’t be solely frequent but additionally an essential a part of wholesome improvement,” explains Dr Rahul Taneja, Marketing consultant Psychiatrist at Paras Well being, Udaipur.
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In keeping with him, imaginative play helps kids course of feelings, remedy issues, practise social interactions, and make sense of the world round them.
“A toy typically turns into far more than an object—it might characterize a buddy, protector, caregiver, and even an extension of the child’s own thoughts and feelings,” the psychiatrist tells indianexpress.com.
In different phrases, when a toddler talks to a teddy bear, hosts a tea get together for dolls, or sends a stuffed canine on imaginary adventures, they’re doing far more than enjoying.
Why we are able to’t throw them away
Many years later, many adults nonetheless wrestle to half with a favorite teddy bear, doll, or toy automobile from childhood — juts like Soha Ali Khan. In keeping with Dr Taneja, that’s completely regular.
“These cherished objects typically function ‘transitional objects’, objects that after supplied safety in periods of progress, change, or stress,” he says.
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Over time, they change into linked with emotions of consolation, security, and belonging. Seeing them years later can unlock highly effective reminiscences and supply a way of continuity between who we have been and who we’re at present.
“Quite than being an indication of immaturity, sustaining an emotional reference to significant childhood possessions can mirror the human want for consolation, self-reflection, and connection to 1’s private historical past,” Dr Taneja clarifies.
Which maybe explains why, years later, Soha nonetheless remembers Elliot so fondly — and why so many people can immediately recall the toy that after felt like our total world.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
