Hanging By a Thread

5 Things {To Save World}

OK….So, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when it comes to saving the world, but still, hear me out.

Plastic is a big problem for our Earth. As in, it takes years and years and years and years to break down. Some sources say it may takes plastic containers, bottles and bags 100s or even 1000s of years to break down. The truth is, we don't actually know how long it will take. Plastic bags have been around only 50 years….and they're all still piling up in landfills, etc.

So, our family has been trying our darndest to greatly reduce the amount of plastic we use. I know what you're thinking, "Your one little family not using so much plastic isn't going to save the world or make any great impact." And you're right. That's why each of us should be doing our part in "saving the world" whether it's reducing plastic usage, using fewer or no harmful chemicals in our homes, reducing our overall all carbon footprints, etc.

And did you know if you used just 3 reusable produce bags a week, you'd reduce your plastic bag usage by 150 in just one year? And did you further know that the average family goes through about 500 plastic baggies a year just for school and work lunches?

The way I see it is that if we choose to do things that reduce the waste and the harmful chemicals released into our air and leave our world a purer place for our kids and their kids or at the very least slow the damage to our planet and our people, then it's worth it.

And really these 5 things are EASY…there's just one I have trouble with….

1. Norwex Snack Bags/Sandwich Wraps. We NEVER send plastic baggies in school lunches. We also opt for reusable spoons and forks and travel sized enviro cloths for lunch napkins for waste free lunches. These bags are also great for small toys, crayons, pacifiers, etc. even makeup or nail files and polishes, etc., etc.
2. Reusable Bags for Shopping. Here's the one I have trouble with. I have them in my car, and I usually remember to take them in at Trader Joe's and my co-op, but often forget them when running into Target or a clothing store or shoe store, etc. I'm working on this one. And when I forget I do take my plastic bags to Target to recycle….I hope they actually recycle them!
3. Norwex Mesh Produce Bags. I use these at the grocery stores for fruits and veggies and for picking tomatoes and peppers in our garden – we have had a huge tomato crop and these bags are great for this job. My son even took one to school to store his headphones in. I use one in the freezer for the bananas that go mushy before they are eaten and get used in muffins, breads and pancakes. They are also great for washing grapes so that you don't lose them down the drain or for washing and/or storing Legos bath toys or Barbies and so many other things!
4. Compostable Trash Bags. I feel good about using these. I found 2 different brands at Lakewinds Co-op. They aren't too pricey and there are several sizes, depending on your needs. We have found them to be pretty strong and to work well.
5. Norwex Stainless Steel Straws. Think about how many millions of straws are tossed out each day….staggering isn't it? Well, if you use them in your own home or often stop for a carbonated beverage or shake or smoothie, then these stainless steel straws will serve you well. There's even a handy brush to clean them well! Again, I am working out a system to keep them in my car and remember to grab these and not the plastic version when we stop for a refreshing drink. My boys love to use them with milk.

OK, OK….I actually have 7 points for you, not 5….

1. Silicone Lids. I have been using these for about a year or so now. Norwex just launched a version too – work just the same and they are fantastic! The lids are safe for stovetops, ovens, microwaves and the fridge. There are so many reasons to love them. I don't even use metal lids for my pots now. The silicone lids make perfect rice, make the pasta water boil faster, keep food warm and still good for hours, steams veggies to perfection, keep baked good fresh and moist AND no more plastic wrap! Plus fewer dishes to wash since you can go from stove to fridge in the same container. Oh, and they don't stain or retain odor.
2. Beeswax & Cloth Wrap. I found this at my Lakewinds Co-op too, and they are great! They come in several sizes and even a variety pack. I use them to wrap cheese, bread, fruits, veggies, whatever and, again, NO PLASTIC WRAP or BAGGIES! You simply rinse it with cool water and dry it off and then wrap up the food. The warmth of your hand will mold and seal the beeswax and cloth wrap.

And this is what we're doing, along with removing all harmful chemicals from our home and recycling tons of plastic, paper and glass. Of course, there are always more things we can do…and we will. What are you focusing on changing in your home? Over and out….

Anna

**Full Disclosure: one of the many hats I wear is that of Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. However, none of these products were given to me and no company sponsored this post. This is simply my opinion based on experience using these products in my home.

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Sleeping with the Enemy {Kids and PJs}

Empting out the Drawers

I just threw out all my kids' pajamas; all the fleecy, fuzzy Mario Bros, Angry Birds, Avengers, Ninja Turtles and snowmen playing football. No, I wasn't having a mommy tantrum. It wasn't a brain dead mommy moment either. Nope, I was lucid and calm, but not happy about it.

The reason I tossed my kids PJs is because they were flame resistant; said so right on the tags. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it's not.

No, I certainly don't want my kids to catch on fire while wearing their jammies. But you know what concerns me more? Toxic chemicals.

Missing the Forest for the Trees

Here's what the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission says about kids pajamas,

To protect children from burns, these rules require that children's sleepwear must be flame resistant and self- extinguish if a flame from a candle, match, lighter or a similar item causes it to catch fire. The rules cover all children's sleepwear above size 9 months and up to size 14 and require that

(1) the fabric and garments must pass certain flammability tests; or

(2) be "tight fitting" as defined by specified dimensions.

What this means is that the majority of kids' pajamas are treated to be made flame resistant, especially synthetic or fleece materials.

The Danger of Flame Retardants

Mothering Magazine reports, "the most common chemicals used on pajamas are halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), antimony oxides, and phosphate based compounds. These offgas into the air kids breathe and are skin irritants."

HealthyChild.org found that "While flame retardant chemicals like chlorinated TRIS and PBDE have been phased out due to toxicity concerns, others remain, like tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride, a.k.a. "Proban" or "Securest." This popular treatment has been linked to a variety of health effects including genetic changes, cancer promotion, and liver and nervous system damage."

And yet, PracticallyGreen.com says that "One carcinogenic chemical, chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was removed from children's pajamas back in the 1970s was recently found by The Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States in 80 percent of new baby and children's products!"

Why This Bothers Me

I watch what we put in our bodies, avoiding processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fat, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, etc. I am careful about what we put on our skin; lotions, shampoo, sunscreen, makeup, skin creams, etc. I don't buy harmful chemical cleaners; we use Norwex, of course, cleaning mostly with microfiber and water (ask me how). We don't use products with harmful chemicals in our laundry room; we use Norwex there too.

I am careful to watch for other areas that chemicals could make their way into our home, but chemicals in the kids' pajamas, leaching out into the air, being inhaled, as my darlings sleep; that makes me mad!

Check the Labels

There's a remedy. Not all kids' pajamas are flame resistant. It's not necessarily easy to find them and they probably aren't covered in your kids' favorite characters and they aren't necessarily cheap, but you can find them. Look for snug-fitting, long-underwear style jammies. You can always get them at Hanna Andersson and Gap Kids has some styles that are not flame resistant online. The tags must say whether they are flame resistant or not; so always check there to be sure.

The CPSC requires all sleepwear that is not flame-resistant to bear a label saying, "For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire." Look for this bright yellow tag attached to the jammies; this is what you want to see. This means it is free of toxic flame retardant treatments.

The Scoop

This is important to me. I care what goes into my kids bodies. Kids are effected much more than we, as adults, are when it comes to chemical levels in our bodies. The rate of cancer and other conditions related to toxic chemicals is astounding and on the rise. The question I have begun to ask is not why did so-and-so get cancer, but why do we all not have cancer.

This post is not meant to frighten you, but to arm you with information. If you have information, you can make informed choices and make a difference for your family. And if we all make informed choices, we could change our communities, our country, our world.

Now is the time to start taking a stand against harmful chemicals; it's not too late, but we must stand up and DO something.

And please note that the federal regulations require kids' sleepwear to be flame-resistant because of external heat sources that a child might come in contact with, such as a fire in a fireplace, a candle, an electric heater, a lighter, etc. This requirement is not in place in order to protect a child from a house fire.

Therefore, if you choose to clothe your children in pajamas that are not flame resistant, do exercise extra caution around any open flames/heat sources, as I would hope you would do regardless of whether their pajamas are treated with toxic chemicals.

And I have more to say on several related topics too….coming soon.

So, are you tossing out your kids' pajamas? Over and out…

Anna

Conclusion: The Trouble with the World is Complacency

The difference between complacency and living on purpose is a matter of ignorance.

If you don't know (or care about) the dangers or the concerns or the repercussions of what you are eating, where you are living, activities you are engaged in, people you are hanging out with, habits you are forming, products you are buying or using or leaders and causes you are supporting, then you're complacent; satisfied with the ways things are regardless of whether it's a positive or negative effect.

Not so bad, you say? Well, that all depends. Do you want to live in the shadows or do you want to be out in the light? Do you want to be fully informed or just another drone going through the motions? Do you want to be living life to the fullest and teaching your kids to do this as well or do you shrug your shoulders and think, whatever happens, happens; I have no control over things.

Complacency: the reluctance to take charge of your life and the outcome of situations concerning you and your family.

Have you ever noticed that some people are continually surrounded and caught up in the swirling vortex of drama; things just happen to them and the people around them....constantly. And yet, I have noticed that generally these people never formulate a plan or stand up to the architect of the drama or announce a call to action. No, instead they merely shrug and say, "Why do these things keep happening to me/my family/my friends?" But instead of a stand down or a decision or a plan, they simply say, "Oh well."

I say take the bull by the horns. Do not live with complacency. Live with purpose.

Educate yourself; stay informed; surround yourself with positive, supportive, well-informed people.

Do not simply accept that something must be your fate...do something.

Life is an action word. Life is about using our senses (including common sense) and putting our little gray cells in our heads to work and standing upright and going headfirst. Life is about purposely doing and not doing.

So, are you complacent? Are you just going to sit there and take it? Are you watching from the sidelines and taking the knocks that come your way? Or are you actively participating in this thing we call Life...leaving a positive legacy, doing your part, taking part and stepping up? It's your choice....really. Over and out...

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Before You Start Your Summer}

I have a memory of a summer day in south Texas. My brother and I spent the day at a family friend's house. I don't know why this memory stands out so much, but it is always easily retrieved from my mental files when I think of summer and sun and swimming.

They had big above ground pool and deck. We were in the pool almost the whole day. We got out for lunch. We had bologna and mayo sandwiches on white bread. I remember this because we never ate bologna at home. After lunch we got back in the pool and swam the afternoon away.

The sun was hot and bright and my skin was pale. I can still feel and taste and smell that day in my mind.

It wasn't until later in the evening when I had gone home and gotten out of the sun and out of my swim suit that my skin turned red and hot and tender. I looked like a lobster. I don't think I'd had sunscreen on at all that day. It certainly wasn't the only time I was sunburned; it was the mid-80s, we weren't so cautious of the damage that sun can cause, but for some reason that day stands out.

Summer means fun and pools and hot sun soaking into our pale-of-a -vampire skin and sprinklers and baseball games and lakes and lemonade and sand and concerts by the lake and picnics and golf and these things warrant a quick summer safety reminder course.

Over the past three years, I've written a number of posts on summer safety, including pool hazards, sunburns and sunscreens, water safety, bike helmets and more.

Life happens in an instant, and my philosophy is that it's better to be prepared when it does. So, before you go out and start your summer, please do read through these posts and visit ewg.org to check your sunscreen too.

5 Things You Should Read Before You Start Your Summer:

1. Pool Safety: The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips. Good tips, and you'll get a kick out of my paranoid side too; Distracted Vigilance: Tips for Preventing Drownings. Don't use your phone {for any purpose} while you're supposed to be watching kids in the water....
2. Sun: Sunburn...I Mean Summer Memories: Tips for Playing it Safe in the Sun. We definitely need some sun for Vitamin D, but too much is not a good thing; What's Your SPF? The Dangers of Sunscreen {be sure to check your brand at www.ewg.org.
3. Bikes: Spring Fling: Getting the Properly Fitting Bike Helmet {with Video}. This is important, folks! ; Blessed Bikes: Rules of the Road. Do you know the bike laws when it comes to being a biker and being a driver?
4. Heat: Not Even for a Minute: Children Left Unattended in Vehicles.This is also serious, folks! And another take on this subject: Soapbox: Hot Cars and Free-Range Parenting.
5. Travel: Flying with Kids? Great; it can be a wonderful adventure, but be sure you are prepared: The Well Packed Bag: Regulations Regarding Air Travel with Kids; Control Freak: Tips for Safe and Happy Traveling with Kids. Have fun!

You have now completed Summer 2013 Orientation....GO OUT AND ADVENTURE! Over and out....

Anna

5 Things You Should Know {Current Events}

I have been strapped to my computer for weeks now working on my projects for which I get paid; and every once in a while I would reward myself with surfing Facebook or news sites for stories to read. I bookmarked quite a few for future posts, but I thought I'd share a few that make me think, shake my head or put a smile on my face.

Here are 5 such headlines:

1. This one got to me because I can see myself in these parents' shoes. I tried to think what should they have done differently? What would I have done differently? But I think what they did was reasonable and something I could have done myself: Captain Diverted Plane because Parents Make Complaint about In-flight Movie.
2. Although I'm not personally touched by autism, I am fascinated by the research and treatment regarding autism. This is an important piece of legislation to watch if you are in Georgia or any of the other 17 states that don't provide that insurance must cover treatment for autism. Plus the treatments described in this article are encouraging and the stories uplifting: Mothers Fight to Pass Ava's Law for Autism Coverage.
3. I'm OK with this trend. I'm not a fan of tobacco. It stinks; it's unhealthy; and I'm sorry if that is offensive to you, but this is my opinion, and I wouldn't hire someone who smelled like cigarettes if put in such a position: Smoking Harmful to Your Employment.
4. I love A Farmgirl's Dabbles. Brenda's recipes and photos are amazing. I always pause and click when I see Brenda post a recipe link on Facebook. And when I came across this recipe. Ohhhhhh, my mouth watered... I may have even drooled a bit. I will be making this: Sweet-and-Salty Honey- Cheese Spread!
5. Lastly, I found this article interesting considering how often I see these henna tattoo vendors at local fairs and festivals and other events. This temporary body art can be quite beautiful and the lines are usually long and full of children. But beware and think twice before you or your child gets in this line: Temporary Black Henna Tattoos Could Leave Permanent Scarring.

Have a wonderful weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

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God is with Us {Always and Everywhere}

Curb Appeal: Sometimes Things in Life are Free

Free Stuff

"??Lamb Meat?? We have some lamb meat that we would like to give away, it has been in our deep freezer. There is nothing wrong with it, my family just don't eat it. We have Lamb roast, lamb stew meat, and a leg of lamb. Thanks for looking!"

    ~from a Craigslist posting under Free Stuff

Uh huh.....I don't know about you, but lamb meat from someone's freezer is NOT something I'd accept from a stranger, free or not.

But hold the phone; if you live in a city and you aren't checking this heading on your local Craigslist site before you head out the store, then you're selling yourself short.

At first, it was amusing to see what people were posting; the frozen lamb meat??, a sprinkler that kind of works, a couple of hens and some roosters, Depends adult diapers, but then I started really looking at the postings and for one whole weekend we monitored the "Free Stuff."

The Haul

Here's what we got....for free: a solid oak dining table, a slightly nicked and scratched Ethan Allen shelving unit, a three tiered wall shelf, a wicker chair {I'm a sucker for wicker}; art paper, crayons and chalk (for the kids), a 2 drawer file cabinet and a small shelving unit for closet organization, or office supplies, in my case, and big camping tent.

There were some cool things we weren't quick enough on the draw to get too. And there were things we just didn't need, but that would have been fabulous in someone's home.

Often all these items need are a good scrubbing and perhaps a coat of paint or varnish and sometimes, they are in perfect condition; like the dining table we got.

The Ethan Allen piece can be seen in the photo above. I cleaned it, filled in a few scratches with wood fill and then painted it yellow. I pulled together an ensemble of items from various rooms in our home to make this inviting area in our bedroom, without spending anything.

Before we got this round dining table, we had always had a rectangle table. This table is much smaller than our old one, but the change in shape seems to have changed our meal time atmosphere. For some reason, this smaller, round table is creating more unity and better conversations to our mealtime and work/homework time in the evenings.

I haven't found a place for my wicker chair or wall shelf yet, but I will. And I'll be watching the Free Stuff listings too. I may never buy another piece of wood furniture again.

Items to Skip Over

There are items I would avoid, besides the frozen lamb meat. I would never get a mattress/box springs, linens or luggage from Craigslist. I would be concerned about bed bugs, etc. Unless, you know how to re-upholster, I wouldn't choose the free couches and chairs, etc. either, but there could be some exceptions. I would steer clear of any food listings, formula listings or anything with an expiration date. And one should NEVER pick up for free (or buy) a used car seat or car seat base for safety reasons.

The Scoop

The thing about Craigslist is that you just never know what you're going to find. So, check it out, have fun, be creative and use your head when it comes to what you get and where you go to get it, but don't think about it for too long, because if it's fantastic and free, it won't be on the curb for long. Over and out...

Anna

Expensive Plastic: Tips for Recycling Car Seats {Not Buying/Selling Used}

Finding the One

It took me a while to get it right when it came to car seats for my Darlings. In the last 5.5 years we have had 7 car seats/boosters between our 2 children. I resisted spending the money on a Britax in the beginning. I shouldn't have because in the end I spent more money buying multiple car seats before relinquishing and buying the Britax (s) that I loved.

I learned my lesson. When it comes to car seats and shoes, I should just spend the money and I won't regret it {I'd love to buy my kids cheap shoes, but they both have extra wide feet that just don't fit in cheap shoes}.

But before I learned my lesson I dabbled in less expensive, less cooperative, less comfortable, less ease on the part of the mommy car seats. So, this meant in the end I had more car seats to get rid of too.

Don't Buy/Sell Used

Now, car seats should never be re-used, unless it was first used by your own older child or a close relative or friend and you know exactly what conditions it has had to withstand, how it has been used, whether it was in any kind of accident and how long it has been used. One should not shop for car seats on ebay or craigslist or other online ads site for used items.

You simply can't know the conditions the car seat endured prior to you acquiring the used car seat. Even if it looks like it's in perfect condition, it could have been in a car that was involved in an accident and be damaged or weakened in a way that you can't readily see.

Additionally, car seats should not be used longer than 5 years from the date manufactured, which can be found stamped onto the car seat. After 5 years, the plastic and belts may begin to break down due to extreme temperatures in vehicles, repeated use, etc.

Therefore, a car seat is something that you should neither buy used nor sell used. It's just not wise for either party to do so. There are other baby items that are fine to buy used, but not car seats. Your child is much too precious cargo to gamble with his or her safety while riding in the car.

Disposing of Car Seats

So, how should you dispose of the old or outgrown car seats? A family will at the least likely have an infant seat and an additional base, a rear facing/forward facing child seat or two and a booster seat or two, depending on the number of cars in the family, the number and spacing of children in the family and the family's commute schedule.

When I went to the fire station to have Darling 1's infant seat tested to ensure we had it securely placed and fastened, I distinctly remember the fireman telling me to cut the straps before I put the car seat out with the trash when we were finished using it. And this is what we have done when disposing of the first few.

However, I recently read an article in Parents on recycling car seats. No, I don't mean for you to make a planter out of the seat, although my Darling Boys have been using our old Britax car seats for rocket blaster seats for a while now. What I mean is that there are a number of states with locations, agencies and organizations that will take the seats and recycle the plastic.

Parents magazine mentions a website that actually doesn't list this information, but I found a "list" of sorts that does list recycling information for a number of states. The list is actually a forum of parents weighing in from various cities and states with their area's information, but the information is good and the best, most comprehensive information I could find listed in one place. You can also check with your waste disposal company or city and/or state government offices to find out if your area recycles car seats.

The Scoop

However, again, it's important to remember that if you do put your old car seat/booster seat out on your curb or in your dumpster {in the garbage or to be recycled}, you should cut the straps and/or remove the padding. This will prevent someone from picking it up for their own use. Do this especially if the car seat has been damaged in some way, whether in a car accident or otherwise.

You don't want someone else's child to be injured after using your used car seat. While this is a long shot, there could be liability issues, and unless you are an expert, you may not realize that your seat is too old or is damaged. Over and out...

Anna

Too Dangerous to Consume? Hazards of Doing the Dew & Having Some Wip at the Reddi

Considering Junk Food

At this time of year, the start of one year before us and the food-laden holidays and past year behind us, many of us take stock of our diet and exercise routines. We all know which foods we should be filling our diets with, but why is it that ALL seriously delicious, crave-worthy foods are terrible for us? It seems like a really cruel joke.

Although I think that on the whole I eat pretty well, I am often snared by the chocolate traps and can fall very far down in the ooey, gooey, rich chocolate pit {which I don't necessary think of as bad thing}. At least chocolate does have a number of redeeming qualities, which I have mentioned to you before.

However, there are other foods sitting on grocery store shelves looking very innocent, indeed; that are actually deadly {to a mouse} or could be used illegally. How could these corrosive, dangerous items be legal to sell? These junk foods are actually quite often consumed. It might surprise you when you find out what I'm talking about.

Last week, I happened upon two stories regarding food items and the law. Each story is completely different from the other, but both are interesting.

Whipped Topping No Laughing Matter

In the first instance, last week in St. Cloud, MN, a 23 year-old male was arrested driving while impaired from a hazardous substance after he crashed his car into a pole. What was this substance? Well, inside the vehicle were numerous cans of whipped topping.

My first reaction was "what, you can sniff whipped topping?" How crazy is that? Well, as it turns out whipped topping is included on the list of dangerous inhalants.

While the whipped topping contains mostly fat and sweeteners {and no cream}, it also contains nitrous oxide gas. You may be more familiar with its other name, "laughing gas." Yep, that's right; nitrous oxide is the same stuff your dentist might administer to you as an anesthetic. This gas aids in the dispensing of the whipped topping and whipping it at the same time.

There are actually a number of household items that are can be inhaled. Some you are quite aware of, but others may surprise you. They are categorized as gases (nitrous oxide, propane tank gas, chloroform, whipped topping, gases from a refrigerator, etc.) aerosols (contained in spray bottles, such as hair spray, vegetable oil sprays, spray paint, etc.), nitrites (often contained in cleaning products, leather cleaners and scented air fresheners; butyl, amyl and cyclohexyl) and volatile solvents (Often found at home, in schools and in the work place, including glues, paint thinner, degreasers, felt-tipped markers, etc).

Not many consumables on that list. Did you take a good look at other items in the same category as the whipped topping? I bet you'll think twice the next time you spray whipped topping on your pie? But seriously, would you really want to eat this product again?

Do the Dew or Maybe Not

The second story involves a lawsuit. A man alleges he found a mouse in his Mountain Dew. He says he sent the mouse remains he found in his Dew to the folks at PepsiCo for analysis and they destroyed the mouse. The lawyers for PepsiCo came back with an argument that isn't quite what you might expect.

They say that if a mouse had indeed ended up in a Mountain Dew container, the soda would have dissolved the mouse into a jelly-like substance before the consumer ever opened the container; approximately 15 months after bottling. Hmmm. Well, that makes me want to drink this pop.

Let's ponder that for a minute. I'm not talking about a cleaning substance or poison or toxic substance that could dissolve a mouse. I am talking about a consumable; a beverage. OK, so it looks like toxic waste and tastes a bit like what I would imagine Windex might taste like, but still many people do "Do the Dew" quite often.

So, here's the skinny: Mountain Dew contains citric acid that is corrosive enough to destroy teeth and bones in a matter of months {if soaked in the liquid}, as noted by several studies. While citrus fruit juices have more citric acid and the rate of decay of teeth and/or bones would be the same; at least there is vitamin C in the fruit juices. So, will Mountain Dew kill you? Well, it's not going to dissolve your teeth and bones; unless you soak in it for a couple of weeks; and it's not known to be corrosive on your "innards". For the record, I'm not taking any chances.

The Scoop

At the risk of sounding like a food snob, I don't consume these particular foods, and I have to admit I'm really glad I don't'. So, there you have it; a few interesting legal issues involving foods under inconsumable circumstances. Over and out...

Anna

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Your Liability: Inflatable Bounce Houses

Torts

Negligence is defined as "the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised in a similar situation; any conduct that falls below the legal standard established to protect others against unreasonable risk of harm. Source: Black's Law Dictionary, 9^th Ed.

Now this takes me back to my 1^st semester of law school; Torts class with Professor Peter B Kutner. No, I don't mean the pastry kind of tortes. A tort is quite simply a civil wrong; a breach of duty owed to another. Torts are a big part of the first year of law school; one of the basic building blocks of law. Negligence is a tort.

When one is negligent in action {or inaction, as the case may be} and causes an injury to a person or property, one is liable to the one sustaining such injury. This is all simply put, and of course, each case is unique in circumstances, etc., but in general, it's that simple.

What determines whether someone was negligent in a situation is the illusory reasonable person. The reasonable person is a hypothetical person used as a legal standard to determine whether someone acted in a negligent manner. The reasonable person acts sensibly, does things without serious delay and takes proper but not excessive precautions. Source: Black's Law Dictionary.

In my 1L {First Year of Law School} section we playfully imagined the prudent "Reasonable Person" as a super hero of sorts with a cape and a giant R on his chest running around doing sensible things. But in truth, the reasonable person is not mightier, smarter or better than everyone else, just always alert, always aware and always doing the "reasonable" thing in any given situation.

Liability Issues

When it comes to bounce house injuries and liability there is no sure answer as to whether someone would be liable if a person was injured in conjunction with the bounce house activity while attending a party at your home; or if a person was injured by you or your child while jumping in a bounce house elsewhere; or if you or a family member was injured at a bounce house business or at a private party, etc. Each case is unique and if a lawsuit was filed following an injury that case would be decided in a court of law based on the particular facts as applied to the law.

With that said, here are a few tips when it comes to negligence and liability and bounce houses:

• If you sign a waiver, you are accepting the risk associated with the activity itself, but you are NOT accepting the risk associated with a negligent act on the part of the business or someone associated with that business. You can still file a lawsuit if you are injured due to negligent maintenance, set up or management, etc. of the bounce houses, regardless of whether you signed a waiver;
• If a risk of danger or injury is obvious or should be obvious to a person using the premises and an injury occurs, that is generally not considered negligence;
• If an injury occurs in or around a bounce house, liability may lie with the operator of the bounce house, owner of the structure and/or business where it's located, the manufacturer and/or other jumpers or invitees, depending on the particular circumstances;
• If you rent a bounce house for your home, business or event do be sure to follow all rules provided to you and use reasonable caution in operating and monitoring the bounce house. If you follow all rules and closely monitor the usage of it while on your property and under your care, you will decrease the chance of injury and the chance that you are liable for any injuries;
• You should check to see if the operator or owner of the bounce house has insurance covering injuries. Also, if you are inviting people to your house to use a rented bounce house, check with your own insurance company covering your property. An umbrella policy could be useful in this circumstance, as well. Read more about umbrella insurance policies here in a past post;
• As a parent, it's your duty to protect your child. If you see something that seems dangerous feel that the structure is in ill repair or the operator is being unsafe or not monitoring the use of the structure, use reasonable judgment and remove your child from the bounce house; avoid injury, if possible; and
• Remember accidents do happen; not every injury is due to someone else's negligence.

The Scoop

So, in the end it's up to you to decide when it's safe and when it's not safe for your child to play in and around a bounce house. Many people have left comments here, on Twitter or on Facebook this week saying that they were just at a bounce house or are attending a party this week at a bounce structure business, etc. It's would be hard to avoid them altogether. They are at schools, at churches, almost all children's events have them and many birthday parties, large family gatherings and business activities for employees and families rent them.

Bounce structures are everywhere. The number of injuries sustained involving bounce houses continues to grow with their popularity. Is it simply a trend? Will bounce houses begin to go away, especially after the negative news stories of late involving injuries and catastrophe? We'll see, but for now, follow the rules, watch for unsafe conditions and monitor the situation while your kids are in the bounce structure. Over and out...

Anna

 You might also like:

*The photo is of a bounce structure I just happened on as I was driving yesterday. It's looks to be part bounce house/part slip and slide. Either way, you can see from the photo that it was not anchored to the ground, but merely sitting there.

** The information in this post is not in any way to be considered legal advice. Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship.

 

A Passion for Consumer Safety: Safety Tips for Bounce House Jumping

Making it Personal

I recently had a conversation with a friend who also authors a blog. In discussing a new endeavor she made the statement that my new project would be more personal than Motherly Law. I didn't argue this point with her and brushed it aside at the time. Later I thought about this statement again. I know that she meant nothing by it, but it really bothered me. I think Motherly Law is quite personal, actually.

I could never sell Motherly Law or pass it off to someone else. Motherly Law is unabashedly me. Motherly Law posts contain my heart and soul. I write what I am passionate about.

Motherly Law is not a stiff "just the facts, ma'am" kind of place. This is a place with enthusiasm for the law; a place with ardor for informing parents; a place with eagerness to connect with other moms; and a place with loads of emotion concerning all of these things.

Consumer Safety & Bounce Houses

One of the things that I am quite passionate about and I take quite personally is consumer safety and kids. As I mentioned on Monday and as every parent knows, kids love to jump and bounce on any surface they can. Bounce houses have become the norm for kid activities everywhere. These structures are fun and seem as safe if not safer than most equipment on the playground.

The problem is they can be quite dangerous depending on the set up, the weather conditions and the number, ages and sizes of kids. In 2004, there were 4,900 injuries reported. Numerous deaths have been reported of young children, teenagers and adults. One orthopedic surgeon in Texas reports that he treats people with bounce house injuries 5 to 10 times a month, many requiring surgery.

Safety Tips

If you're still OK with allowing your kids to frequent a bounce house after that last paragraph, then try to implement these tips to make the bounce house experience safer:

1. Make sure the bounce house is securely staked to the ground and weighted down;
2. If it's windy or there's other inclement weather, keep everyone out of the bounce structure. Some inflatable should be taken down at 15 mph gusts and others can withstand 25 mph gusts; that's not much;
3. Check for an inspection sticker. Not all states require an inspection; in fact, only 19 require it. But if an inflatable structure has an inspection sticker you know that the operator is complying with the state law or has gone the extra mile to ensure the structures are safe;
4. Be sure to have age limits as to who can jump together at one time; just 2 and 3 year-olds and then 4, 5 and 6 year-olds, etc. This can be more difficult when out in public in a bounce structure that is not monitored, but you can self regulate a bit when it comes to when your kids can jump;
5. Watch your kids. Many parents think it's a safe place for kids to be and wander off to chat with friends at a party, etc. and don't watch who is jumping and what's happening in the bounce house; if it's a backyard party, make sure there is a one adult monitoring at the door at all times;
6. Read the rules posted outside of a bounce house; if there are rules. This way your children will be reminded of appropriate behavior in the bounce house each time they play there; and
7. Lastly, a reminder from yesterday's post; always have your kids wash hands and face after jumping to be sure to wash away any lead dust from the vinyl of the bounce structure.

Source: www.ivillage.com

The Scoop

Before you run out and try these tips, read my post tomorrow on liability issues. You may decide it's simply not worth the risk of allowing your child to bounce or renting an inflatable bounce structure for a party, etc. I'm really considering avoiding them altogether, if that's possible, after doing this research. What are your thoughts on this? Over and out...

Anna

Dirty Little {Hidden} Toxins: Exposure to Lead in Bounce Houses {2012 Reminder}

Dirty Hands

My Darling Boys are always sticking their fingers in the mouths or grabbing a snack with their fingers and eating it after playing at the park or in the dirt before I can clean off their hands or send them to the sink for a thorough washing.

This grosses me out and sends thousands of warnings messages through my neurons. I try to stop them and get their hands clean before it happens, but it invariably does happen. Darling 2 will say, "Why, Ma?" as he sticks little goldfish crackers in his mouth with his filthy little hands. And yet, they have survived and a little dirt is OK, but it's all the chemicals and germs that scare me. And now, another danger to be wary of...

Hidden Bounce House Dangers

We are aware of the threat of lead in old paint, in toys, in jewelry and on strands of Christmas lights, but here's one that might surprise you: beware of dangerous levels of lead in inflatable bounce house vinyl. Last August, the CA attorney general's office filed a lawsuit against 8 bounce house manufacturers claiming there are unsafe levels of lead in the vinyl. In February, a settlement was reached with 2 of the major suppliers to reduce the lead in the vinyl, making it safer for about half of the bounce houses.

The lawsuit was filed after the Center for Environmental Health tested dozens of bounce houses. The advocacy group focused on the vinyl of the structures; the very thing that makes them bouncy. The group used Field Portable XRF analyzers with X-rays to determine the chemical makeup of solid objects. What they found was surprising.

Lead Exposure

The tests revealed that the vinyl tested contained lead in levels of 5,000 parts per million to 29,000 parts per million. These number far exceed the federal limit of 90 to 300 parts per million. These levels are potentially toxic.

Lead is a cumulative poison; every little bit exposed to can make a big difference in the long run, particularly for kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that exposure to lead can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and seizures, coma and even death, in cases of extreme exposure.

Precautions

If you choose not to boycott bounce houses altogether, based on this issue and others, then be sure to wash hands and face after your child is finished in the bounce house and before eating. What happens is the lead dust gets on a child's hands and face and clothes, the child then gets out and grabs a drink or eats some food and ingests the lead dust in the process.

The two manufacturers who agreed to the settlement in California also agreed to test their structures that are already in circulation for rental for parties and events and replace those with dangerous levels. However, the safe assumption is that your child may be exposed to lead when using a bounce house. So, make sure to wipe your child's hands and face after playing in a bounce house.

The Scoop

We can choose to be overly cautious or throw caution to the wind or settle somewhere in the middle. We fall in the middle ground. I'm not a fanatic about washing hands every three minutes; I let me kids play in the dirt; we swim in lakes; and haven't had all of our toys tested for lead or other dangerous chemicals. Yep, we're living on the edge. Over and out...

Anna

Recycled Post: Fireworks Safety Tips

Note: When I read this post from last year, I was thankful that much has changed. Our Darling Boys are now almost 5 and almost 3. Our lives are still filled with chaos, and we all still throw fits from time to time, but our Boys are a little less unpredictable.

Fireworks, on the other hand, are still quite lethal and tricky. Handling these explosive devices can turn a fun holiday tradition into a fiery nightmare. Please read or re-read this post on Fireworks Safety.

If You Play with Fire You Might Get Burned: Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

The Fire Storm

Our household is in the midst of those precarious years called "The Toddler to Preschool Stage." It's a stage that's filled with risks. That is, risks to the parents. One of the biggest issues in our household involves naps, or resting, as Darling 1 prefers to call it. On some days, our Darling Boys nap with minimal struggle before they actually nod off to sleep. On other days, the Darling Boys scream, shout, cry, whine, throw books and other objects in protest. It's those days that I know they need to rest the most, and usually after much struggle on my part, they both sleep peacefully for a few hours. But then there are the days that the schedule gets filled to the brim and there's no time for a nap or they simply keep on happily playing, reading and laughing which tricks me into thinking they don't need a nap.

These are the days that will really get you into trouble by dinner time. Everything seems to be going along well; everyone is happy. But then some small thing happens like a wheel coming off of a toy car that Darling 1 is playing with or Darling 2 can't quite get the page turned in the book he is "reading" and it all starts to crumble. It takes only one to get upset about something, the other Darling Boy will soon follow, whining and crying, miserably inconsolable. At that point, you might as well skip dinner and go straight to bed, which is what happens on occasion.

At ages 21 months and 4 years old, and being highly spirited individuals, it isn't just missing a nap that can set them off, it could be too short of a nap, too long of a nap, the wrong part of the day, the wrong side of the bed, the wrong toy, the wrong snack, the wrong book, the wrong week or month. The toddler to preschool years bring lots of angst, independence and exploration. Fortunately, these volatile moods or years don't last long …usually. Yet, right now the fact remains that our household is smack in the middle of it, and if you play with fire, you might get burned. So, we as parents must do everything within our control to play it safe, with naps, or resting time; plenty of breaks to re-group and lots of very parent-sounding lines like, "Don't slap your brother. Use your words! Tell him how that made you feel when he tackled your head." at the ready.

Fireworks Safety Tips

So it is with fireworks. It seems like such a happy, fun, holiday tradition to have a little fireworks display of your own. The problem is that things can go from fine and safe to bad and dangerous very quickly. It's safest to plan to attend a professionally orchestrated city or area-wide fireworks display, but if you insist upon setting off a few of your own, please take the time to read these safety tips and visit these great websites in order to be fully prepared should an accident occur.

The good news is despite the fact that the American fireworks consumption has dramatically increased since 1976 from 29 million pounds to over 265.5 million pounds in 2007 there has been a 90% decrease in fireworks-related injuries since the Consumer Products Safety Commission began to closely monitor the fireworks industry. That said the need to always use precaution and take safety measures when around fireworks remains.

Here are some great tips for staying safe around fireworks:

• If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. In 2003, six deaths were linked to fireworks and hospital emergency departments treated 9,300 fireworks injuries.
• The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.  
• Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:
  • Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.
  • Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
  • Never try to make your own fireworks.
  • Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
  • Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
  • Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
  • Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
  • Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
  • Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
  • Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
  • Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
• If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Websites

This is Phantom Fireworks' website. It has all kinds of information about fireworks from safety tips to how fireworks are made to history and trivia. Check it out at: http://www.fireworks.com/safety/. I think this is a great site with so much information.

Another good website for fireworks safety information is www.Fireworksafety.com. This is the site of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. This site offers information on state laws, injury statistics and safety concerns.

The Scoop

I wish you all a happy, safe, fun-filled 4^th of July weekend. Please do take a few minutes to read these safety tips here and on the websites. It's important and could save a life. Over and out…

Anna

To Vaccinate or Not: The Legal Requirements

Brother's Keeper

At the Minnesota Zoo play area last week, I overheard Darling 1 tell a boy much older than himself, "I don't think that's very safe," when he noticed the boy scaling the rocky side of the play area {I had been thinking the same thing}. Then, in the Aquarium wing of the Zoo, Darling 2 nearly tackled his brother when Darling 1 started to stick his hand in the tank to pet the sting rays and small sharks, something that is allowed in that tank. Darling 2 grabbed Darling 1, pulling him back, saying, "No, Brother," thinking he was about to topple into the tank with the sharks.

My Boys certainly take risks and don't always think before they act, but they're always on the lookout for safety issues. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I see them looking out for themselves, each other and total strangers; just maybe the teen years won't be overly risky; or maybe I'm just dreaming, but it's still soothing to see.

To Protect Always

I want more than anything to protect my kids from any and all harm; well, as much as possible, that is. We make choices based on this credo in order to protect them from mental and physical pain, injury, illness, poisoning, etc. and to preserve their health for the future. For the most part, these matters do not concern or affect others.

One decision that does indirectly affect many others is the decision to vaccinate our Boys. Since becoming a parent in 2006, there have been conversations with other parents, stories in the news, articles in scholarly journals and discussions with the pediatrician about whether to vaccinate or not. There have been reports falling on both sides of the issue. Back in 2006 when I became a mom, some studies still claimed there was a link between vaccines and autism.

As a new parent, I skimmed the articles, listened to other's point of view and then had my Boys vaccinated. To me, the threat of my Boys acquiring these dreaded illnesses and perhaps dying is much scarier than autism or a reaction, etc. It was a risk I was willing to take in order to avert the risks of potentially deadly illnesses.

Generations Past

My own parents and DH's parents also made the decision to have their children vaccinated. Our parents are older enough to remember having some of the now preventable illnesses themselves or seeing others suffer from them.

Viral outbreaks and epidemics are not something we want to be the norm again. And yet, in the past several years, the flu, measles and whooping cough have been spreading and many warnings have been issued. Just this spring, the Boys' preschool sent home a warning about a recent uptick in measles being reported in the county.

Required by Law

If people are vaccinated against as many communicable diseases as possible, fewer deadly pandemics will occur, as has been the case until recent years. The states do mandate that children in schools and daycare are vaccinated with a few exceptions. These laws are in place to control the spread of disease.

While it's recommended that the required vaccines be administered, there are religious, philosophical, medical and proof of immunity exemptions. Each state varies with the exact requirements, but in general the following vaccines are required by law for children:

• Diphtheria;
• Polio;
• Measles;
• Mumps;
• Pertussis;
• Haemophilius influenza type b;
• Hepatitis B;
• Rubella; and
• Tetanus

Minnesota also requires vaccines for Varicella (chickenpox) and recommends Hepatitis A, Influenza, Meningococcal and Human papillomavirus (for girls). Each state may require varying doses, require more vaccines or fewer vaccines or make other recommendations. For a link to your state's immunization website, go to the Immunization Action Coalition page and click on your state.

Exemptions

As mentioned, there are a few reasons the states will allow children to be exempt from the required vaccines. And while I personally think that getting vaccinated is the way to go, I also think that if you have a reason and feel strongly about your child not getting a particular vaccine or any required or recommended vaccines, then you should stand up and advocate for your child.

Once again, the exact requirements and documentation for each state varies, but here are the reasons allowed for exemptions from vaccines:

• Medical

  All states offer a medical exemption for children who have allergic reactions to ingredients in vaccines; who have compromised immune systems; or who have severe illnesses which could be exacerbated by and the vaccine. To use a medical exemption, a medical doctor must sign a statement advising of the medical reason why a vaccine should not be administered to a particular child.

   

• Philosophical

  Only 18 states allow for vaccination exemptions based on philosophical or personal beliefs. Most of these states require a person using this exemption to object to all of the required vaccines, not just one particular vaccine. You must be prepared to explain your objection and prove that it's a tenet you hold fast to.

   

• Religious

  This is a serious exemption, not to be used lightly. All states except Mississippi and West Virginia allow for a religious exemption. According to the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), "The religious exemption is intended for people who hold a sincere religious belief opposing vaccination to the extent that if the state forced vaccination, it would be an infringement on their right to exercise their religious beliefs."

   

  Some states define religion loosely, allowing for personally held beliefs to fall into this category, but other states allow only members of The First Church of Christ, Christian Science, or other legitimate religion denomination to use this exemption.

   

  If a state challenges a request for exemption, you may end up in court defending your choice to claim religious exemption. States have a legitimate compelling interest; that is, to prevent the spread of illness. However, this exemption is protected under the First Amendment right to exercise your religion so long as your religious beliefs don't harm others.

   

  It could be argued that the spread of disease from lack of vaccines does put others at risk. This is not to say that it can't be successfully challenged based on religious beliefs; it has been and can be.

   

• Proof of Immunity

  This exemption is allowed by states for vaccines for particular illnesses if it can be proven that your child has had the illness already or has been vaccinated previously. For instance, if your child has already had chickenpox there is no need to get the Varicella vaccines required in many states because once you have had chickenpox you can't have it again.

   

  You may have to have a private medical lab take blood and check the level of antibodies present for the particular illness you are requesting the vaccine exemption.

The Scoop

Later this week, I will discuss the now-debunked studies regarding the link between vaccines and autism and examine the reasons why parents opt not to get vaccines based on one of the above exemptions. I will also provide resources for getting free or reduced cost vaccines for your family, and the federal law requirements for keeping you informed regarding the vaccines give to your child.

Where do you stand on this issue? Over and out...

Anna

Before You Jump In: Pool Drain Covers Recalled

CPSC Investigates

As the temps soar in many parts of the country pools, both public and private, will be filling to be sure. In the Twin Cities, pools are just beginning to open as we have abnormal near 100 temperatures this week. So, the question is how safe is the drain in the pool?

I have mentioned several times now that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been investigating what had been thought to be new and improved pool and spa drain covers that complied with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. These drain covers were supposed to have been designed to prevent drownings and injuries by suction entrapment.

Safety Recalls

However, the CPSC issued a press release a little over a week ago announcing widespread recalls of 8 manufacturers' pool and spa drain covers. In its investigations, CPSC strived to determine whether the testing methods used to approve these new drain covers were sufficient in checking the safety of these products.

Drain covers from A&A Manufacturing, AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., Color Match Pool Fittings, Custom Molded Products, Hayward Pool Products, Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Rising Dragon USA and Waterway Plastics have been recalled. These drain covers were incorrectly rated to handle the flow of water through the cover and could still pose an entrapment hazard to swimmers.

No incidents have been reported, but the CPSC has advised pool owners with these drain covers to close until drain cover is replaced or retrofitted. Some of these manufacturers do have replacements or retrofit available now. For more information, regarding the manufacturers and the drain covers involved in this recall, please see the CPSC press release.

It is vital that if you have a private pool or frequent a private pool that you check the drain covers and discontinue use of the pool or spa if the recalled cover is being used until a new drain covers is in place. Entrapment injuries and deaths are tragic and horrific. You do not want this to happen to your family, friends, or anyone using your pool.

The Scoop

I understand it's hot, but it's not worth the risk involved in using an unsafe pool. Need another reason? Read my post on Abigail Taylor who eventually died from excruciatingly painful and horrible suction entrapment injuries after sitting on a drain cover in a kiddie pool at a country club. If you are using a private pool, be sure to ask about their drain covers. It may sound over the top and paranoid, but better than dead or disemboweled.

Tomorrow I will post about lake safety. After all, I live in the land of 10,000 plus lakes. Be sure to peruse my sun and pool safety posts below too. Over and out...

Anna

You may also like:

The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips

Distracted Vigilance: Tips for Preventing Drownings

What's Your SPF? The Dangers of Sunscreen

Sunburn... I mean Summer Memories: Tips for Playing it Safe in the Sun

Sunburn ....I mean Summer Memories: Tips for Playing it Safe in the Sun

The Beach

My first 11 summers were spent in south central Texas. Much of that time was spent on the bright, hot, sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, letting the waves crash into me and carry me back to shore again and again. I recall time after time of looking at myself in the mirror after spending a whole day on the beach; red as a lobster with skin as hot as a heater to the touch, yet shivering with chills from the burn.

I'm sure we always slathered sunscreen on when first arriving at the beach, but who knows what SPF it was or the ingredients in that white cream or how often we actually smeared it on after frolicking in the waves for endless hours.

A New Era

It was the 70s and 80s. There were no seatbelt laws or car seat laws. No one wore a bike helmet while riding around the neighborhood, and we certainly weren't concerned about the BPA lining the cans of green beans, pineapple or pop. Clearly, we were living on the edge. We now have a greater awareness of our health and the causes of certain diseases and take more preventative measures to avoid exposure to certain things; including the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Lately, there has been a big push to get our kids {and their parents} outside doing physical activity. In Minnesota, we must use the warm days of summer to our advantage and spend as much time outside as possible. Being outdoors is what summer was made for; swimming, gardening, riding bikes, playing at parks, walking around lakes, playing baseball, etc. So, the challenge becomes trying to be outside in the warm sun without getting too much sun and causing skin damage.

Tips for Lowering Risks of Sun Exposure

According to KidsHealth.com, "Most kids rack up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18." So, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared when going outdoors.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides this list of fun in the sun safety tips:

• Avoid summer sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it's best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. Use these options to prevent sunburn, not to seek relief after it's happened.
• Wear clothing that covers your child's skin helps protect against UV rays. Although a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, they aren't always practical. A T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too—but it's wise to double up on protection by applying sunscreen or keeping your child in the shade when possible.
• Wear hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don't protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
• Wear sunglasses that protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.
• Skin that looks a little pink now will probably be burned later: "Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure."
• A common misperception is that a suntan is alright. A suntan is damaged skin, just as a burn is damaged skin. Any color change in skin after being in the sun is indicates skin damage by UV rays.
• Be sure to read and follow the directions on the sunscreen container. Also, be sure to keep a bottle with you in the car, in the beach bag, by the back door, etc.

Over the Top?

I remember reading an article in a parenting magazine years ago that mentioned a mom who was also a dermatologist. The article said she kept the sunscreen in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Each morning after her kids brushed their teeth, they applied sunscreen before heading outdoors. Excessive? Well, you be the judge.

The Importance of Vitamin D

In recent months there is the fact that many people are not getting enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D maintains normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous and aids in the absorption of calcium. Recent studies suggest that Vitamin D even provides protection from osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer and some autoimmune diseases.

We naturally absorb Vitamin D through our skin when out in the sunlight. As little as 10 minutes of exposure to the sun per day can prevent deficiencies. It's thought that the increased use of sunscreen has led to this increase in Vitamin D deficiencies.

We have become very sun sensitive with sunscreen in our moisturizers, makeup and lip balm. Even some clothes are made to block the sun's rays from reaching the skin. The bottom line is that every person needs Vitamin D. Besides the sun, Vitamin D is found in fish, eggs, cod liver oil and fortified milk.

The Scoop

One must be careful to ensure he or she is getting appropriate amounts of Vitamin D whether from the sun, foods and/or through vitamin supplements, especially during the winter months.

Be safe! Enjoy the beautiful summer months on the beach, in the sand, at the pool or running through the sprinkler in the front yard. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

What’s Your SPF? The Dangers of Sunscreen

A Sunny Day: Things to be Thankful For Today

The Five Senses: Finding and Disclosing the Presence of Radon in Your Home

Some Call It Worrying, I call it Accident Prevention

Mommy Brain

As a mom, part of my brain is dedicated to coming up with worse-case scenarios of what might happen to my Darling Boys if.... and then devising plans and solutions to avoid and/or survive such imagined occurrences.

Much has been written, spoken and tweeted about the death of Osama bin Laden this week. I'm thrilled he is out of the picture and that the U.S. has been able to thwart so many terrorist plots over the last 10 years, but interestingly enough, as much as I'm horrified of being caught in a terroristic attack, that's not the kind of scenario that usually pops into my head.

It's the everyday, freakish, what-are-the-odds-of-that-happening kind of catastrophic event that really concerns me.

Here's What Really Scares Me:

I'm scared to death of the day they are old enough to take off on their bikes {wearing well fitting, undamaged bike helmets} on adventures up and down and across streets; streets with no sidewalks or shoulders where drivers recklessly careen about in their vehicles without concern for the well-being of my children.

I'm petrified my Boys will choke on popcorn, marshmallows, tomatoes, small Lego pieces, Star Wars figurine heads {why, oh why do they detach from the body} or a million other items. Darling 2 did choke on a tomato just a few weeks ago. I did not freeze up and was able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him and get the tomato unstuck. Thank God! I have played this scene over and over and prayed I would be able to do what I needed to do out of instinct; and I did.

I worry that my children won't get the proper servings of veggies per day or enough of the right kind of veggies or that the veggies they do eat will be contaminated with pesticides which will lead to cancer in the prime of their lives.

I contemplate what I will say when they come to me with broken hearts because their true loves don't love them back or kids they thought were their friends did something or said something that was not at all friendly. I fret about whether they will be well liked, well mannered, well accepted, well adjusted and happy as they grow and mature and become young men who never think this world is too much and contemplate their own demise.

I pray that a driver distracted by sending a text, reaching for coffee, putting on makeup, looking for a CD or having an in depth discussion over the phone does not cross into the lane I'm driving in and smash us to smithereens, but should this happen I pray that I will not die or be critically injured and leave my babies; and that the hand of God would protect my precious boys securely and lovingly strapped into their seats behind me.

I hope they never ride their bikes or run while listening to music through earphones that could muffle the sound of a trash truck, train or rabid dog fast approaching.

I take measures to ensure they don't accidentally ingest a poisonous plant or mistake a bleach bottle for a milk bottle or have access to brightly colored pills of medicine that look eerily like candies.

Crazy Lady?

Whew! I said it. Sometimes I even worry that by actually voicing these fears, they could come true. This list is not exhaustive and it changes as they grow, but this is how my heart and brain work; this is how I get through the horrible things that happen all in our world. And then I can focus on the beautiful, wonderful, magical things that also happen every day.

I think through these things; I take precautions; I implement plans; I teach my boys safety; and I pray a lot! Now don't mistake me for saying that I dwell on these things constantly and am all-consumed by tragedy and disaster. I'm not. Intense; paranoid; empathetic; analytical; planner; pray-er: yes.

The Scoop

I cannot always be there. I cannot stop everything from happening to them; and nor would I want to. In the words of a spunky, blue fish named Dory, "Well, you can't never let anything happen to him. Then nothing would ever happen to him. Not much fun for little Harpo. {Nemo}" From Finding Nemo.

I want them to take risks; the kind of risks that lead to innovation, creativity, discovery, love, laughter, success and sometimes failure. After all, it's from good, bad, happy, sad, interesting, boring, small and big happenings that a person learns and grows and experiences. These are good things, but, Please Lord, no shattering events that would break my heart in two forever!

You can tell by the links in this post that I've written posts about many of my motherly fears. What do you worry about? Or maybe you don't! Here's to a safe Thursday! Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

The Right to Bear Arms in Your Home: McDonald v. City of Chicago

Celebrating the Red, White and Blue: Be Prepared to Follow the Law

Not Even for a Minute: Children Left Unattended in Vehicles

Spring Fling: Getting the Properly Fitting Bike Helmet {with Video}

Bike Riding Season

I realize that for many parts of the country, spring is in full bloom, but here in the Northern regions, we are looking at a forecast full of snow this week. We've had a few glimpses of spring; just enough days to get out for a walk or let the kids play at the park or ride bikes...which brings me to my point; bike helmets.

Last year, we bought cheap helmets at Target and thought we had them fitted properly; maybe we did, but maybe we didn't. Fortunately, nothing happened and we didn't have to find out if we had followed the instructions for a safe fit. This year, we decided we just weren't comfortable with the way the helmets were fitting. We decided to visit our local pros...Erik's Bike Shop.

The Right Fit

Cassandra W., the Assistant Manager of the Bloomington location was quite helpful with finding the best fitting helmet. Cassandra also agreed to allow us to film her demonstrating how to get the proper fit. See the video here:

 

   

 

Follow Directions

Cassandra said that a bike helmet that is not damaged should last 5 years, but children may outgrow their helmets in 3 or 4 years. While it's tempting to buy a used helmet at a garage sale or hand down an outgrown helmet to a sibling, it's simply not safe.

Hot and cold temperatures, normal wear and tear and impacts break down the plastics and padding over time. The same safety concern exists for car seats. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines concerning terms and length of use for any gear, but particularly equipment that is by its very nature intended to protect you or your child.

Helmet Costs

Cost can be an issue when it comes to bike helmets. While you can get cheaper helmets from large discount stores, you won't have anyone who can guide you to the right helmet and ensure a proper fit. Going to a bike shop will give you added confidence that your child is protected while riding his or her bike. Cassandra assured me that people often bring in helmets bought elsewhere for tips on proper fit; and they are glad to help them.

There are a number of programs and organizations across the country that help provide reduced cost or free bike helmets to students and youth. You can find a program near you by searching "free or reduced cost bike helmets" along with your location.

Resources

Erik's also partners with area events and organizations to conduct safety clinics, including how to get a proper fit for a bike helmet. Cassandra said it's still early in the season yet, but you can check Erik's Event Calendar for safety clinics, etc. Additionally, June 5, 2011, is this year's date for the Blessing of the Bikes. Many churches have safety fairs in conjunction with the Blessing event.

Other resources that I have referred to in the past bike helmet posts regarding helmet laws and bike safety:

• www.cpsc.gov
• www.bhsi.org
• www.nhtsa.dot.gov
• www.iihs.org

The Scoop

By all means, get out and soak up the warm sun and beautiful days ahead, but be sure to be safe out there. If you or your child is riding a bike, a scooter, a skateboard or other type of vehicle, wear a helmet that is properly fitted and not worn out; it could save your life.

Anna

You might also like:

Protecting the Ol’ Noggin: Why Your Child Should Wear a Bike Helmet and How to Choose One

A Parent’s Credo: Love and Protect

The Unintended Result: When "Good" Laws Go Awry

Motherly Law Year in Review: Updated Posts

Trial and Error

Parenting is largely trial and error, a learn-as-you-go, kind of job. It's been my experience that many times a well-thought-out plan for dealing with a developing issue or setting a goal or laying down the law may not work or have an unintended consequence and must be re-worked to some degree.

This is also the case with the law. As I have mentioned in the past, the law is ever-changing depending on current trends, new research, new technologies, and old lessons learned. Laws are passed, amended and repealed every year; for better or worse.

Updated Posts

Therefore, due to changes in laws, guidelines and recommendations over the last year, there are several posts that need to be updated. Here are a few words regarding the changes for each one of these posts, plus links to the changed, updated information. The posts themselves have also been updated with new links, etc.

Bisphenal-A {BPA}

My second post on ML was about BPA-free products and the laws banning this chemical in certain items. Most of the state laws in place regulate BPA in baby/child products. GreenBiz.com reports "17 states and the District of Columbia will be looking at new legislation to ban BPA from baby bottles, infant formula packaging, receipt paper or a combination of items." Currently, ME, MA, MN, CT, WA, NY, VT, WI and MD have state laws in place banning such products.

Birth Centers

Many women are turning to alterative choices when it comes to where to have babies and who is delivering babies. One choice that seems to be gaining popularity is a birth center. A birth center provides a homelike, comfortable setting in which to give birth with a midwife overseeing the pregnancy and delivery. Birth Centers are often covered by major health care plans and are an attractive alternative to a home birth or at the opposite spectrum, a hospital birth, for those who feel a hospital is too invasive and uncomfortable. Over the past year, accredited birth centers have been popping up all over the country. Click here for a current list of accredited birth centers.

Bike Helmets

There's been some discussion over whether bike helmet laws and recommendations are causing kids who can't afford helmets or find them "uncool" to simply stop riding bikes. This result, of course, was not what was intended by lawmakers who passed these state laws requiring helmets to ride bikes, scooters, skate boards, etc.

Regardless, 21 states, plus District of Columbia have bike helmet laws, covering various ages. Here is a table and accompanying maps that show what the helmet laws are for each state, whether it's for motorcycles, scooters or other low-power cycles and bikes.  

Pool Drain Safety

Last summer, I wrote about the new mandatory pool drain covers that were meant to ensure that people, and in particular, children could not become trapped under water or disemboweled by broken/malfunctioning pool drains. However, just last week there were reports that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating whether the pool drain covers were improperly tested. After issuing subpoenas to three independent laboratories, the CPSC is reviewing more than 17,000 pages of documents to learn more about their testing methods.

Pool & Spa News reports, "The investigation has revealed that the testing protocols used by some laboratories may have been improper and, as a result, some covers certified by these laboratories may not comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act." This means that some drain covers may not have accurate flow ratings and may not prevent entrapment. CPSC is trying to have finished this investigation by the start of pool season, but warns pool owners to keep children away from drains, especially the shallow areas.

Car Seats

While my posts on car seats have been focused on booster seat laws and finding the car seat that best fits your car, there are new guidelines for rear-facing seats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that infants remain in rear facing seats until 2 years of age or until reaching the maximum weight or height allowed for the rear-facing infant, convertible or 3-in-1 seat being used. This recommendation may seem extreme, especially for those who have giant toddlers like I did, but it's based on research that shows this is the safest position for a small child to be in should a crash occur. And as parents, ultimately it's our kids' safety that matters most.

For additional information on this subject click on these links:

www.aap.org

www.heathlychildren.org

www.ghsa.org

The Scoop

It's interesting to watch the progression and/or reversal of laws, regulations, guidelines and recommendations on these and other issues. The great thing about a law or guideline is that it can continually be molded or completely done away with depending on the current school of thought, needs and purposes of our society. Many guidelines or recommendations of organizations like AAP do eventually become law and others retain their status as merely guidelines of a particular organization.

Next week, I will have a guest post on what to look for in finding an attorney to help you with your estate planning needs; how to approach your digital legacy and more. Over and out...

Anna