Originally Posted by Leigh:
Is it possible that the adults are just unconsciously communicating to the kids that they can't do certain things without their security items......
It is not just possible, but it is the case in 95% of kids who have parents that insist that the child can't live without a comfort item. The parents have trained the child to act like they need the item, and that is why they "need" it only when parents are present. There are some kids who are overly attached to items, but IME, the parents are attached to the idea of their kids "needing" an object, thinking it will make their child look precocious, cute, smart, insert whatever needs the parents need to have filled for themselves.
I wonder why parents do this though. It makes life harder for them, the kids, and anyone who takes care of them.