I bought my nearly 3-year-old a daddy doll to help her cope when her father is deployed. I sometimes sneak a hug from it, too, when I'm feeling low.

Jul 1 2025 by Business Insider

 
Lauren Gumpert's daughters are nearly 3 (2 years, 9 months) and 14 months old.

Courtesy of Lauren Gumpert

I wasn't prepared for how my husband's deployment would impact my daughters.When her dad isn't around, giving my eldest a sense of control and predictability helps.Other things that have helped her cope are a new daddy doll, Toniebox, and video recordings of him.

At first, my husband cringed at the idea of a "daddy doll."

"A pillow with my face on it? That's pretty weird," he said. "Do you...

Continue Reading I bought my nearly 3-year-old a daddy doll to help her cope when her father is deployed. I sometimes sneak a hug from it, too, when I'm feeling low.