In this viral video, a toddler takes his skeleton friend everywhere

Is it “normal” to feel comfortable in a plastic skeleton?

You may be wondering if this relationship between a toddler and his skeleton friend is “normal,” and I’m happy to tell you that it is. Not only did the comments section prove that Slim isn't the only kid to drag around a giant skeleton girlfriend, but a few years ago another toddler named Benny also went viral for his unlikely bond with his skeleton.

Other children also love their skeletons

If your child has a “dear” stuffed animal or blanket, these items are called transitional objects. And the transitional item for Voyles' son and others? A Halloween skeleton. Or as Instagram user @caravandaydreams put it, an “emotional support skeleton,” and other parents can relate:

“When I lived with my sister, our Halloween skeleton never went away. My niece fell in love with it, named it Spooky Diamond, and we spent the next two years treating it like family. She was wrapped in blankets at night, given sweaters and a hat when it was cold, and we all paid attention to her feelings. She even made it into the Christmas card pictures 😆” – corasaur_rex

“My daughter did this with a Halloween dog skeleton when she was 3” – @another_girls_junk

“My child does that too. He has gone through several skeletons losing limbs after being taken EVERYWHERE. This year we got a baby for it (smaller version of the same skeleton) and they eat lunch together.” – @gottabetkittenme

“Relatable. For the same reason, Bernie Bones has been a staple in our family all year round for the past three years, lol. He wears a hat and cardigan most days, he's fabulous and now has bone animals of his own. We love Bernie.” – @aneltiak

Attachment objects have benefits for children

According to Dr. According to Laura Kamptner, a writer for Cuddle Bright, “these object attachments reduce stress and anxiety while providing comfort and security for young children when separated from parents.” For this reason, your child may sleep with a snuggle blanket or need his favorite toy at night take it anywhere.

Regardless of what the transition object is, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning also says, “As long as it's not something that could harm the child, there's no need to worry.”

Parents share their children's strange comfort items

Strange toddler comfort objects are not a new concept, even the scariest ones. Many videos from TikTok user @camille_munday went viral showing her daughter's “emotional support tuft of hair.” Another mom, Brittany Beard, opened up about her daughter's love of a “Creepy Chloe” doll, which went viral on Facebook — and even got her family some Disney World perks.

Little Slim's Toddler Skeleton Friend also encourages parents to share their children's fun attachments.

“We had this problem, except it was a laminated mini-picture of John Mayer. Glued on a piece of wood block that I cut out with hot glue.
“She took this John Mayer with her everywhere, even to daycare and to bed, every day for about six months since she was two years old…” – @livingwithbeez

“I didn’t have an emotional support skeleton, I had a giant pastel yellow emotional support egg” – @cucumbersparkle

“My niece carries a mannequin head with her. It's been two years. She is now five and still loves Ginger. But now she only uses them privately and when she sleeps.” – @neecheerunsfar

Praise for supporting children's interests – no matter how strange they may be

It wasn't just the physical transitional object that caught the public's attention. People praise Voyles for supporting her son's choice of his comfort piece and for embracing what makes him happy. It also makes others happy.

@wulffsuzanne points out: “It just shows how you look on the outside, it's what's inside that's important!” 🤣🩻.”

“Mobile, light but big and comfortable, always happy to be there… this kid is up to something 💀❤️” – Hayandhorses

“I love it when parents support their children’s strange interests” – @__tinta

“Cheers to parents who entertain their children with nonsense because it doesn’t hurt anything and they’re happy!” – @charlieactonpalmer

“Your son knows how to do life right 👏” – @kevrosehome

“This is the best thing I've ever seen! Kids are the best 🤣😍” – @ three_here_one_in_my_heart

“He will always look back and remember what his parents did with joy and laughter. You are amazing!” – @starskyalfano

“Cheers to parents who give their children the childhood they want!!!” – @whiskerscam

“That's great. Don't miss an opportunity to be silly with your kids. It won’t last forever and it’s the greatest feeling in the world.” – @booey24u

Final Thoughts on the “Emotional Support Skeleton”

With Halloween just around the corner, I'm wondering if Voyles' toddler will dress up his skeleton friend in a Halloween costume this season. Whether or not the skeleton is taking part in the Halloween festivities this year, I think we can all agree, like @weldsbyryan's comment: “Mr. Bone is enjoying the time of his afterlife.”

Ironically, I love how a skeleton brings so much joy and life into the world. It reminds me that the simplest things can bring happiness, and I hope I continue to remember how I raised children myself. Now I'm wondering: How can I start carrying around my own 12-foot skeleton?