Q: My toddler prefers our real boiler and kettle to his toys. How can I handle this obsession safely?

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Question: My toddler, who is between 1 and 3 years old, shows no interest in his toys. Instead, he is completely fixated on our real boiler, kettle, and teapot. I've bought him toy versions, but he insists on having the real ones with him constantly, from morning until night, even when he sleeps. I'm worried about his safety and don't know how to manage this behavior.

Answer: Maybe try some very supervised play with the real ones, but only when they're unplugged and completely cool. It's a good chance to start teaching 'this is okay for special play when cool' versus 'hot things are a big no-touch!' Then, try to lead him back to his toy versions...? It's often a tough phase...

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