This month’s recognition is not addressing cardiac conditions, diabetes, or arthritis. In fact, the topic discussed herein is quite diverse, but it affects out most treasured gifts – our children. We don’t always stop to think we have the capability to harm a child but selecting an inappropriate gift could inflict the harm we try so hard to avoid.
With the holidays upon us, we are likely to find ourselves in department stores and scanning gift catalogs for that right something for a child or children, and, there are seemingly thousands of items from which to choose. Before making any purchases; however, keep in mind that in the year 2007 alone, toy makers recalled over 19 million toys worldwide. Yes, 19 million! The reason? Some contained small parts that could easily be removed and swallowed, others contained lead-based paint, and still others contained magnets. While we have the perception that each child is intelligent enough not to put toy parts in their mouths, noses, ears, or otherwise be harmed, this isn’t always the case. We constantly read about freak accidents in our local newspapers and hear about them while watching the news on television.
There are considerations that should precede purchases. How old is the child? Has the gift passed a safety inspection by the ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials standards? Following 1995, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission became heavily involved in toys manufactured in the US and those from foreign countries that were imported here. Toys had to be labeled as flame retardant or flame resistant. Stuffed animals are to be made of materials that can be washed. Art materials had to be non-toxic. And, the restrictions are for everyone’s benefit. Consider if there are sharp edges that could injure a child if he or she falls onto the toy. Do crayons have non-toxic labeling? Does that seemingly perfect gift have ropes or attachments a child could tangle up in? Are there heating elements in the electric toys that could overheat and start a fire? Does that pop gun have soft, spongy “bullets” or hard plastic shells that could damage the eyes of someone the child “shoots” at? Is the toy solidly constructed, or are there small, removable parts that could cause harm? The questions are endless. It’s up to each purchaser to read the gift’s packaging in relation to the age recommendations and safety features.
Children have been described by some people as “accidents waiting to happen”. In fact, every one of us has had an “accident” by tripping over something, slipping on a sidewalk we know has icy patches or catching a finger in a door while rushing around during our lifetime. We say it was just a silly accident and in retrospect, we should have known better. But accidents do happen to people of all ages and children are not excluded. All too often accidents can result in injuries to eyes and other body parts. Therefore, when selecting a toy, game or other item, buy one appropriate for the age of the recipient. Hopefully you will be with the child when he or she opens the gift and that is an excellent time to review how to safely play with the toy, if appropriate. If you’re dealing with a bright set of blocks that is one thing, but if you’re dealing with a model airplane or other toy that requires assembly and has removable parts, a few words of knowledge from past experience might be well-worth the time. If a child or children has special needs or is under the age of three, consider safe gifts that might incorporate movement, sound, or other appealing features. If there are restrictions, explain that and oversee the child during playtime to be assured those restrictions are not violated.
Keep your holiday as safe as possible and protect our nation’s children this holiday season.
