What a year it’s been for our children, lock downs, missing friends and home schooling, it’s been a weird old world for kids, which means it’s never been more important to make sure we are there for them, keeping them happy and well – physically and mentally.
There was a distinct rise in Mental Health conditions in 2020 with one in six school aged children suffering from Mental Health problems, and it has been suggested that many of these conditions like depression and anxiety have increased due to time away from school and their friends.
With many children now back in school and the hope that schools will remain open for the foreseeable future we thought we would explore how our humble furry friend, the Teddy Bear, can help with mental health in schools.
Comfort and support
In a world of continued uncertainty a friendly face can make all the difference. There is a lot to be said for comfort, in whatever form that takes, and there has been countless studies that suggest that a Teddy Bear can ease anxiety and offer much needed support to children in any setting. With so much time spent outside of the classroom it may feel like an alien place for a lot of kids but knowing that they can get the comfort they need from a Teddy can make all the difference.
Forming friendships
A Teddy Bear will always be an invitation to play for a child, a talking point and the ideal tool for forming new friendships or rekindling old ones. Friendships are important for a child’s mental health and this year has been especially hard for friendships with children being at home or confined to their bubbles. A healthy and fulfilled childhood should include friendship circles, an opportunity to play with others and to form attachments outside of the family unit.
Exploring emotions
Children learn through play and in difficult times it is important they are allowed the time and space to explore their emotions in this way. Teddy Bears can be a wonderful aid in this exploration and especially in an early year’s school setting. There are many issues that can arise in school that can affect a child’s mental health. When these issues are dealt with early, through play, and children are allowed to explore feelings in a safe environment then it is much less likely to lead to further problems later in life.
Encouraging conversations
When children feel at ease, they are much more likely to start a conversation or to articulate the way they feel or situations they are struggling with. A Teddy Bear can be a great aid in conversation when used in such a way that a child feels they are chatting with their favourite Ted. A Bear can also help children to talk to each other more and talking is most often the first step to working through any mental health issues that may be occurring.
Schools are more than an academic environment; they are a place for our children to be nurtured and developed. It’s never been more important to take care of our mental health and we really do feel that Teddy Bears can help with this whatever age you are.
If you have enjoyed reading this you may also like to read our blog about the reasons children love Teddy Bears.
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