1. The Dummy Fairy
This idea seems to be very popular at the moment, and the idea is to get a fairy doll and have your child give the fairy the dummy to give to other babies that need one. So once the child has given their dummy to the fairy doll the fairy will take the dummy. I think this is a great idea. Fairy dolls are easy to find, have a look on Amazon if you can’t find one in a store.
2. A variation on The Dummy Fairy
Similar to the theme of Santa or Easter Bunny, the Dummy Fairy will visit on a certain night while your child is asleep.
In preparation for the Dummy Fairy’s arrival the dummy is placed somewhere obvious. Some people like to hang it on the clothes line, while others have made a nest type arrangement for the Fairy to collect the dummy. Signs have even been made to direct the Fairy to the dummy!
In return for the dummy, the Dummy Fairy leaves a surprise. It can be anything you like; most people choose something they know their child will love, like a favourite toy. Sometimes the Dummy Fairy even leaves a trail of glitter.
Then each time the child wants the dummy there is a gentle reminder from the parents about the toy or special surprise the Fairy brought in exchange. Most children stop asking for their dummy within two weeks. Have fun with the Dummy Fairy!
3. Exchange the Dummy for a bike
A grandparent told me this story about her grandson who just wouldn’t part with his dummy. He was 4 years old at the time and each of his brothers and sisters had received a bike for their 5th birthday. With his 5th birthday approaching, he was excited at the prospect of getting his `real’ bike too.
His parents then hit upon an idea of how to incorporate getting rid of the dummy at the same time as buying the bike.
A few days before the adventure to the bike shop was planned, the parents visited the owner of the bicycle store. They explained they will be buying a bike for their 5 year old son but could the owner please help them with a problem?
On the day of the exciting quest to purchase the bike the owner of the store was all primed and ready to help.
The little boy had his dummy in his mouth as the family walked into the store. They all wandered around the shop looking and choosing which one would be the best bike for him. The owner approached the family and after some discussion about types of bikes, he turned to the boy and asked was the bike for him? The little boy nodded and smiled behind the dummy. The owner was a fantastic actor because he pulled a sad face and told him that only grown up boys were allowed to ride `real’ bikes. If you need a dummy then you are not a grown up and you can’t have a bike. Sorry but that’s the rule he explained as he shrugged his shoulders. He then walked away to let the family and the little boy ponder on that conversation for a while. After much deliberation the little boy decided he would give his dummy to the owner and choose his bike.
It worked like a charm and the parents were forever grateful to the store owner.
If you have any `Dummy Elimination’ stories I would love to hear them. Just email me.
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