In the News -
December 2007
Caution, common sense needed in buying toys for children
LITTLE ROCK - "I want this!" "I want that!" Sometimes, it's hard to shop with
your children present, since some younger children may want everything in sight.
Dr. James Marshall, family life specialist and assistant professor with the
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, says, "It depends on a
parent's relationship with his or her children."
When buying presents for children, Marshall suggests parents and caregivers
take a day with their children to just look around without the expectation that
any toys will be purchased. He says, "On this day, parents should inform their
children that they will only be looking, but not buying." This allows parents
the freedom to see some of the things their child is interested in without
feeling the pressure to make an on-the-spot purchase.
Following the recall of millions of toys because of lead-based paint, many
parents are shopping with a cautious eye for the warnings, hazards and
appropriate age ranges printed on the packaging, as well as to recall messages.
Most stores clearly post recall messages. Additional recall information may be
found at the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site at
www.cpsc.gov, or at
various retail or toy manufacturer sites.
Parents should heed the age and hazard labels and use common sense.
"Don't buy a pocket knife for a 3-year old," Marshall says.
Parents should check for other potential hazards such as small parts that
could choke a child, he says. Even the packaging can be dangerous. Toys packaged
in materials that are safe for your older children may be harmful to younger
children that may be in the home.
"Because of safety concerns, some parents may be shopping for alternatives to
standard toys this year," Marshall says. "There may be more parents shopping for
music, books, clothes, sports equipment or other things that don't run the risk
of containing lead paint."
What about budget? Would most children like to have a few large items their
parent or caregivers can afford or maybe a larger quantity of smaller items?
Marshall says it depends on the child.
"As long as a child gets one item he or she thinks is 'cool,' then the
parents shouldn't have to worry about the quantity of toys," he says. "Many
parents get for their child one item that a child wants, one item that a child
needs, and one item that is spiritual or educational in nature that the child
may see as a blessing."
For more information about child safety or shopping for and purchasing toys
for children, please contact your county extension agent or visit
www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
December 14, 2007
By Rhonda Conner
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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