Comforting companions

There's no doubt about it: Children are growing up faster these days. No longer only troubled by broken crayons or a pesky younger sibling, today's boys and girls are concerned by many of the same "adult" subjects, including war. While many have been subjected to round-the-clock news programs, others have had more personal experience, coping with separation from loved ones in the armed services who have been sent overseas.

Offering a respite from such angst-ridden imagery, toys have provided children with comfort and familiarity during times of change. And history has proved this to be true. As stated in the January 1942 issue of PLAYTHINGS, "Happy children build home morale," especially during wartime. This sentiment was echoed throughout the toy industry, as numerous articles penned that year affirmed that playthings were essential to preserving a secure environment for children growing up during World War II. In February 1942, PLAYTHINGS editor Robert H. McCready spoke directly to manufacturers about this topic in his article "Trends of the Times." Refer- ring to the Toy Fair as "the Arsenal for the Children," McCready urged attendance at the event, calling it a showcase "where you will find the implements for the war against the loneliness and despair of childhood." According to McCready, toy manufacturers assumed the "great responsibility" of providing the "tools of youth…which are of the utmost importance for the happiness, health and development of the little children of our beloved land."

Despite both limited resources and manpower during this period, toy manufacturers continued to satisfy the demands of the public by providing quality comfort toys for children. Some of the more memorable ones included traditional favorites, such as plush figures by Gund, as well as board games like Monopoly from Parker Brothers and Parcheesi from Selchow & Righter—all of which served to promote a safe and comfortable "at-home" environment. Other popular items were assorted combat sets and defense toys, like the Young Patriot Navy Combat Set by Colorgraphic, Inc. This particular toy enabled children to imagine themselves as "heroes" of war.

In a similar fashion, the toy industry today has responded to the call for comfort toys, especially in the wake of the events of September 11 and the war in Iraq. As stated by PLAYTHINGS editor-in-chief Maria Weiskott in November 2001, the toy industry "needs to get back to business to provide playthings to help quell the fears, soften the loss and help steady the lives of our youngest and most impressionable."

And did they ever! Manufacturers have responded to the events of the recent past by producing toys that allow children to use their imagination to act out their feelings, while also encouraging the family's participation in playtime. Items such as Fisher-Price's Rescue Heroes and Playmobil's City-Life 911 Rescue Line have risen to popularity, while plush, board games and construction toys also remain favorite comfort toys for children.

History has proven that toys are essential in easing children's fears, especially during times of war. By finding comfort in their playthings, children can forget about the "grown-up" stuff for a little while and return to what they do best: just being kids.