Psychologist in Chelyabinsk discusses the impact of distressing dolls on Labubu's psychology
In the world of children's toys, three new contenders are making a significant impact: Labubu, Vakuku, and Chebubu. Originating from traditional African handmade toys, these unique playthings are now capturing the attention of children and adults alike.
Hailing from the same manufacturer, Vakuku is challenging the popularity of Labubu, a trendy toy in the form of toothy monsters that has taken the market by storm. These Chinese keychains, available in various colours, are currently the talk of the town. However, Chebubu, a beloved character known to every child, is being adapted into a toy, adding another exciting dimension to the competition.
While Labubu is being used by children as a way to show off their status and stand out among their peers, some find them, along with Vakuku and Chebubu, scary. This blurring of lines between good and evil in children's minds has led psychologists to suggest explaining the purpose of these toys to help children understand and overcome their fears.
Psychologists studying traditional and handmade toys like Labubu, Vakuku, and Chebubu note several important psychological and developmental benefits. These toys stimulate children's creativity and imagination, helping them develop a connection to their community's values, traditions, and stories. They also strengthen children's cultural identity and provide a sense of belonging.
Manipulating these handmade toys improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, encouraging exploration and experimentation, supporting cognitive development. Dolls and figurines like Labubu provide children with tools to express emotions and rehearse social roles, enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy. These toys promote physical play and often cooperative play with peers and family members, supporting social development and reducing dependency on electronic media.
The modern adaptation of Cheburashka, which came out two years ago, caused a real sensation. The toy Chebubu keeps up with the trends, ensuring it remains a popular choice among children. Interestingly, psychologist Natalia Glebova believes that children choose scary toys to confront their own fear, understanding and overcoming fear in a smaller, more manageable form can be beneficial for children.
The release of the Chebubu toy is being prepared ahead of the film "Cheburashka-2", which is scheduled to premiere on New Year's Day next year. Stores sell out of Vakuku in hours, and celebrities are already carrying them on their bags. However, some parents believe that trends like Labubu can cause psychological trauma to a child.
Rospatent, the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, is involved in the process of registering the trademark for Chebubu. Despite the controversies surrounding these toys, it is clear that Labubu, Vakuku, and Chebubu offer simple, culturally rich play experiences that can have a positive impact on children's creativity, cultural identity, motor skills, emotional development, and social interaction, making them valuable tools in child development, especially in indigenous and local contexts.
Psychologists studying traditional and handmade toys like Labubu, Vakuku, and Chebubu advocate for utilizing these toys to discuss mental health topics with children. Exploring the psychological aspects of these toys can aid in understanding and overcoming fears, which is crucial for a child's mental health and wellness.
In addition to this, the science of child development highlights that playing with toys such as Labubu, Vakuku, and Chebubu stimulates cognitive learning, creativity, and emotional intelligence, contributing significantly to a child's overall health and wellness.
