Disclosure: collaborative post
Everybody loves a large stuffed bear, especially children who find comfort in a big cuddly friend. The history of our favorite toy is often unknown but the benefits are certainly there for all to see.
Teddy bears have been around for a long time but the generally accepted birth of our favorite cuddly friend happened just over 100 years ago in 1902. The ‘teddy bear’ name comes from the previous President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, who had the nickname ‘Teddy’. The reason the large stuffed bear was named after the former president was because he was on a hunting trip and refused to kill an incarcerated bear. This incident then became a topic of a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman in The Washington Post and almost immediately after toymakers began to produce teddy bears.
A mass-produced large stuffed bear is predominately made for a child and they are made to strict health and safety standards, e.g. they have securely fastened eyes so that children do not choke on the small beads or buttons. A large stuffed bear is regarded as a symbol of love, caring and compassion which makes it the perfect present. It is a timeless present whose popularity will probably never fade.
The benefits of giving a child a teddy bear are endless. Teddies tend to be the first gift for boys or girls at Christmas. The toy is a source of comfort it makes the child feel at ease. Psychologists often use teddy bears to calm a child down whether they be upset or simply hyperactive. Parents are also recommended to give their child a bear to sleep with at night to stop them from getting nightmares and help them get a good nights sleep.
A teddy bear can often become a child’s friend and confidant as they confide in their cuddly toy. This is usually because children are afraid to disclose things to their parents no matter how trivial it may be because they fear getting told off as they haven’t fully mastered the difference between right or wrong yet.
The joys of a teddy bear are not limited to just children. Adults, toddlers, and even elderly people, often enjoy the comfort of a soft stuffed friendly bear. Great childhood memories are often created and are looked back on with great fondness.
Overall it is remarkable to think that just over 100 years ago our favourite toy was created all because the former president refused to shoot a bear. Since that day the teddy bear has thrived and has since been one of the most popular toys on the market. The benefits of owning a cuddly friend are endless, not only do they create great memories for the future which can be passed on to children and grandchildren but they are a source of vast comfort for children and adults alike. They help children sleep at night and give them someone to talk to and confide in.
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