why did Jack take the woobie?

Jack didn't exactly take it by force. The kid voluntarily handed it over after much prodding by his dad.

There are two reasons I can see. One psychological and the other scholastic.

Psychologically speaking by taking the woobie he is forcing his son to find a new way to self-soothe (the same way parents do when they do not respond to their crying baby when they know their needs have been met all ready and their crying for attention); that is to find comfort internally instead of being wholly dependent on the comfort the blanket gave him. It also allows the child to move into verbalizing issues and needs they would not previously because they had their 'security blanket' item.

Scholastically the son is probably going into school soon (we pretty much see the movie run the gambit of several months if not a year) and most elementary schools will not allow children who are attached to either blankets, bottles, or pacifiers to attend. This is because they need to know the child can healthily socialize with the other students and talk to the teachers instead of being silent in a corner because they can be reliant on their blankets for comfort when anxious or scared about joining in activities or making friends.


Now strictly speaking, from a psychological standpoint, you don't have to necessarily 'force' a child to give up a security blanket-esque item. As long as you provide healthy outlets and options to them they should readily grow out of it. Especially if its exposing them to other children who have all ready outgrown that part of their childhood. This is a matter of opinion of course.

Speaking from a academic orientated standpoint there is a need to force it before the school year starts so they can adjust properly to being without. Thus being able to full intake the school environment.

Children should never be allowed to start that sort of crap.

These days, Jack would be sued by PEUW (People for the Ethical Use of Woobies).

I think he did it because he felt the kid was getting too old for a woobie. I think most people do outgrow woobies but not all. I know a man who is 40 and still has his woobie and still sleeps with it. I don't necesarily think there is anything wrong with that, it's not hurting him or anyone else but it is not the norm.

I actually gave my woobies up to my mom of my own volition when I started kindergarten. lol I actually carried them to her and asked her to hide them away from me because I felt I was too old to have them. I was a weirdo though.

I don't know if it should be forced or not. I guess that's all a matter of opinion.


"It's Minnie Pearl's murder weapon."

Some of the comment on this thread are nuts! But I came here to say that his speech is one of my favorites. I don't think he should have taken the woobie, though I understand it links to his shirt. But, yeah, the whole strung out on bedsheets thing is v. funny. :)

Actually it's a two drink minimum. It'll be reflected in your tuition.

Didn't you listen? Jack laid it all out there for Kenny. He got him off the woobie because he has seen it before. First comes the woobie, then he may try to score a nice comforter or quilt. And the next thing you know.....you're strung out on bed spreads.