I just have to say...
I have never been more thankful that we've chosen not to do many toys at our house.
We thought we were doing it for the sole purpose of keeping things simple but after all these massive toy recalls, I realize it could have just been God's protection on our children.
It takes a lot to get me completely disgusted, but I am completely and unashamedly disgusted by all these chemicals and drugs turning up in toys for our precious little children!
Anyone else feel as bothered about this as I do?
We thought we were doing it for the sole purpose of keeping things simple but after all these massive toy recalls, I realize it could have just been God's protection on our children.
It takes a lot to get me completely disgusted, but I am completely and unashamedly disgusted by all these chemicals and drugs turning up in toys for our precious little children!
Anyone else feel as bothered about this as I do?
posted by Crystal Paine at 8:59 AM
41 Comments:
I agree wholeheartedly. I was just thinking this morning that this may be God's way of letting us know that we are spoiling our children and enabling them to the bondage of materialism and commericialism. All the while some of these toys are killing our precious ones physically, mentally and spirtually. I told my girls this morning as they watched the news with me that this is why mommy doesn't like to spend all of her money on toys and that we can be more creative and focus more on buying things that are educational and practical. My eldests wants a set of pots and pans for Christmas.. Now talk about something that will last through the ages!! I want my children to play with things that foster creativity and practicality, and are fun in the process.
I do...and my family (who aren't Christian) have nearly called me a bad parent for not filling my sons room with all the latest, current toys. My cousin called me cruel because we don't have any video game systems. I'm thankful each time I hear about a recall that I don't have to go through a ton of toys to see if I have one.
VERY disturbing!
I am just blown away! It breaks my heart. A local store had those "dots" and pulled them off the shelf last night.
It's hard to believe.
Maybe we should start praying before they play like we do before a meal! ;)
We don't do any toy that is plastic or has lights or sound. We originally decided this because we wanted to avoid having tons of stuff that we would find annoying and/or that a child would tire of quickly. Plus, they just aren't aesthetically pleasing to have around. Now I'm even happier with the decision we made knowing that it's so much safer for our child!
We probably do have more toys than most people posting here, but I can rest knowing they are high quality items (wood and mostly US made from WAH families) that are aiding our son's development. Could we do it without the toys? Absolutely! Are the toys just as fun for DH and I? You bet! We all have fun playing! :-D
I just posted about this too! And I feel the same way, disgusted.
We do have toys in our house, but have not been impacted by the recalls.
Compared to our friends our pickings are rather sparse, but it is lots for our daughter who loves to be read to!
Christmas will be lots of books as well as a couple learning toys from us. We love the learning toys as she plays with them more, and longer, and they seem to be much better for pretend and creativity!
But it seems like we are all saying the same thing - another week, another recall.
Yes, it bothers me very much. And not only toys, but really anything and everything. We have so many cases of cancer and autism cases seem to be growing daily; it makes me wonder what kind of chemicals go into our bodies on a daily basis. As a keeper of my home, I consider it my duty to buy as much organic food and natural products as possible. I'm nowhere near perfect, but I'm slowly getting there.
I am so concerned about this issue. Please also take note of where your food is coming from. All garlic in Canadian grocery stores comes from China. MY husband and I are very weary of products from China and are trying to be as selective as possible.
It's not just the chemicals in the toys that bothers me - it's all the hazardous-to-our-health chemicals (cancer-causing, etc) in food products, personal care products, and even furniture, carpeting, etc. The general population has no idea what they are being exposed to on a daily basis and the government does and still allows it. I don't understand why. But it does explain why there's so many more people with chronic illnesses these days (allergies, diabetes, cancers, high blood pressure, migraines, etc). I really think we "create our own misery". It's the consequence of our materialism and laziness. We want - everything! Our kids "need" new toys to keep them occupied (so we don't have to). We buy processed foods to make meal preparations quick and cheap (we don't want to spend the effort or money to eat healthy). In addition, processed foods actually taste good - they're filled with sugar and high fructose corn syrup, MSG... We satisfy the desires of our flesh. We want our houses to look like a page from Better Homes & Gardens (the trade off - sick houses filled with formaldhyde). It's the American way. I pray for revival in our nation. I pray that God would turn our hearts toward Him and that we would cast down our idols of materialsim and money and the "easy" (lazy) life.
Chris
Yes, I agree. We have accumulated way more toys than I realized we had, though not as many as most of our friends and family. And thankfully, nothing that has been recalled thus far. I will be placing a moratorium on toys this Christmas, opting instead for books and other educational enhancements. Our toddler has enough toys!
Yes, Yes and YES!!!! I couldn't agree more with you. I have often wondered too, if it was the Lord pushing me towards simpler, fewer and homemade toys. My first thought about toys is how loud and crazy they can be. If they make me go nuts, I am thinking that they probably have the same effect on my boys too. I mean, how many lights, bells and actions does one need to PLAY?????????????????? If they toy plays itself, then where is the fun in it??? Duh?
Totally! We got several odd looks and lots of people (family included) thought we were unstable when we asked for no toys at our baby shower and took back the ones we got. My mom actually apologized after all the recalls started happening! Now she's started ordering toys from companies mentioned on www.notchinamade.net and my dad and husband want to make wooden toys. Any excuse to bust out their saws and drills! :)
While I am upset about all the chemicals and grossness in typical manufactured toys, I am thankful it gives me the opportunity to ask for books and real-life toys (pots and pans, etc that aren't "kid-ed down" in plastic and pink paint) without getting blank stares and an accusation that I'm depriving my child!
We have two sons both born near christmas time. I got so out of control with the toys that my husband built a large toy box and put a padlock on it. We put all but a shoebox full of toys in it and have looked back. My kids don't seem to care and I love not having to pick them up (or make them pick them up) several times a day. We also told all the grandparents not to buy them anymore toys unless its on the lists we give them. We are opting for school supplies and books. Life has never been better!
I was sickened when I read this article this morning about the newest recall. I never tend to buy "chemical-type" substances like this for my kids; you just never know how the stuff is made. Now I'm skeptical about their Play-Doh! I hate that this has made me even more paranoid than I already was. Christmas shopping will be an incredible challenge this year, for sure.
I personally think it comes down to us consumers taking more responsibility for what we spend our money on.
I've been thinking about this all morning and wondering whether it's the government's role to step in and create new legislation to help prohibit this. What do you all think? What's the solution?
I just put away two full boxes of toys... simply because our children fight over them! Have you ever noticed that advertising deceives us into believing our toddlers will play so intently with the toys in the manner they show on tv? This just isn't the case! For Christmas we bought the boys an easel/chalkboard paper set that we can also use for homeschool. I'm moving away from mindless to toys to toys that can actually teach! And BOOKS!! We love Books!!
I don't even have children yet but am disgusted by the whole thing to!!!
I've read all sorts of news articles on all the horrid problems with toys... and I will probably have to say.. my children will probably have to go with the old fashioned way of having toys... :-D
And to waste that money on them in the first place??? lol
I think it's absoulutely ridiculous that these toys have chemicals in them.
My husband and I love to keep it simple it here. We live in a condo, so it's the perfect excuse to give when people want to give us toys and/or gadgets. We simply just don't have the room.
Plus, I think one of the greatest gifts that God gave children is imagination.
I remember growing up with very little toys, but man did our friends and I have fun playing all sorts of imaginative games. We loved playing outside!
I think it's absolutely silly that kids are kept confined, more specifually their rooms, to be babysat with all sorts of useless toys. There's so much more to life, you know?
Aisha
We didn't use to really care about this sort of thing ... but almost 6 months ago, we decided to start living healthier in every aspect -- the way we eat, the way we clean our home, the furniture we buy, and the toys our daughter plays with. She's still got some toys that I would love to get rid of, but if I did it right now, she wouldn't have ANYTHING to play with. But we have been being much more careful about what we buy her ... and slowly replacing toys.
This is just a symptom of a much deeper problem within our nation. GREED, IDOLATRY, COVETOUSNESS - all of which is labeled "the American way". This is what happens when companies that once produced quality materials in our own country, now, out of greed, outsource the production to third world and/or communist countries. We indeed are reaping what we have sown.
I have a 2 1/2 year old. She has very few toys, but many, many books. Children need to learn that satisfaction does NOT come from an abundance of things. This starts with the parents. I pray that God roots out any areas of covetousness and materialism in my own heart.
yup--might daughter refuses to buy any toys made in China--not just because of the dangers---the persecution of Christians is ongoing--get updates from Voice of the Martyrs.
Not only am I bothered by it... but I'm wondering how many bad things have been in toys and not been caught! After all, it seems strange this would be a recent phenomenon. And, it makes me want to throw out the toys we do have!!
When my oldest child was in 2nd grade, about 14 years ago, we were convicted about buying things made in China, due to their persecution of Christians. This has become increasingly harder as more companies are going to China. I knew my children had become more creative because of our carefully selected gifts, but I had no idea about the harmful chemicals. I am in awe as I look back and see how the Lord has protected our family over the years from toxic products from China.
Too many Americans are depending on government regulation. The government inxpects only a small fraction of imports. Today FOX news reported on this, and it appears that the US didn't begin the recall until after another country recalled this last batch of toys. I believe we, the consumers, are more effective than the government. If we don't buy cheap garbage from other countries, American companies will change their standards to meet the demand.
Valerie
Dear Crystal,
I have been lurking around your blog for couple of months now and i must say that you have a wonderful thing going on here. Your blog helped me realize, more than ever, what being a wife and a mother was truly about. I have great admiration for you and for what you are doing for your children.I am a new mother to a very happy 7 month old boy,for whom i wish nothing more than to be a tool through which our
Lord can be glorified. Your blog has been more than an just an inspiration. Speaking of which, Since i am sure i can count on you for good advice,Can you suggest a good book for men, specifically about their role as a christian husband and father? Me and DH have our anniversary coming up next month and I thought it might be a nice gift. Any other frugal ideas will also be appreciated cause I would love to do a combo gift kinda like your husband with the timer and the candle ;)
God bless you dear.
This is disturbing that companies do this. I do believe it is a greed problem. But, whether this bothers us or not, please remember as Christians that we are to have faith. The Bible teaches us not to worry and to trust in God. God knows what is going on.
My favorite comment was from NannyKim. That is the best reason for boycotting. Think of what the people in China who make these toys are exposed to daily. It makes us seem selfish and greedy to worry only about little Jr when the Chinese people are put at risk for the American greed.
My son LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine. My daughter loves Elsie Dinsmore. I have already purchased trains and a doll as Christmas presents for them that were made in China (I went to look). Do I take them back or do I just not worry? Truthfully, I am struggling because these are the only things they have asked for, and the only things they are getting.
But then again what do I know, I'm 40 and grew up with a dad who smoked in the car while we were unbuckled sitting in the front seat. We had just come from our house that was painted in lead paint, (along with our toys) and we had probably just been playing 3 streets over and my mom didn't know where we were. ;-)
In light of this situation, I have a question. I am currently the Mom of an only child and am always looking for ideas to keep him occupied, but it can be hard to fight the temptation of just simply going out and buying a new toy. With winter quickly approaching and playing outside limited, I need help. Does anyone have some ideas as an alternative to the mind-numbing toys that I think we've all had enough of?
Thank you for posting about this Crystal. That is definitely disturbing. We try to buy or make mostly wooden and cloth toys for our children. For the first couple of years when we had one child and one on the way, we hardly had any toys. Others wondered how we managed. We invest a lot in books and arts and crafts materials.
Over a year ago, we had accumulated a lot of toys for free (either new through gifts or second-hand). It's hard to pass up something free :-) It's hard to quite explain but there was something in their attitudes that we could tell came from their having much.
After reading some advice from a Christian book about recommending against having much stuff for the kids and when reaching that point in our lives, that we should a lot of our belongings away so that our children will learn more than those things could give. We did just that with their toys. Most we donated and some we tried to sell. We wanted it out of the house soon. They recommended having a toy or two for the children, like a truck or car or so for a boy and a baby doll for a girl. My mother-in-love made some cloth dolls and dresses and diapers for our girls for all their first birthdays. I have made some cloth dolls and accessories for them and that is their main toy now, especially since all their things are packed away. They are quieter and help them to practice mothering early on :-)
I could go and on but I will stop :-) So glad to read your posts.
Franicia
OOPs! I was under my husband's name. The comment from "Jeffery" is actually from Lesley. Sorry.
I can not believe all the recalls this year, I am so thankful that we do not have alot of toys. We have alot of books.
My boys really liked it when my brother brought them a whole tub of blocks that he had cut from ends of 1x4's. They are great toys!
Our children have more toys than we would like thanks to well meaning family and friends. I just went threw them and donated a lot. We are keeping it to a minimum this Christmas. We prefer wooden toys if we do get toys. What I have found is my children don't use toys the way they were intended to be used anyway. Their imaginations are always working so why not foster that creativity with other "non-toy" things? Our son loves to role play. By far one of the best toys that they have ever gotten was a wooden kitchen set. They play it with for hours. However, not always as a kitchen. It is currently on its side being used as a truck! As far as the chemicals and what not...I think our gov't needs to step up the reg's to protect our children. If toy manufacture's are going to take their factories out of the country their product should still have to meet our standards to be sold here!
We live in Mongolia and Chinese toys are our only option. The ones found here are not even fit for export to the States so you know they are really dangerous!
I try to stay away from the toys here as much as possible (even before learning about the lead and chemicals) as almost all toys here pose choking threats.
This Christmas I want to make a puppet curtain (theater) and a bunch of finger puppets for our children. I have an extra shower rod that I'll use to hold it up. I have a 5 yo and a 3 yo who love doing puppet shows and a 1.5 yo who will no doubt enjoy watching them.
For my daughter's 4th birthday in March I'm already planning on getting a carpenter friend to make her a doll house.
Handmade gifts are a great way to go. Just use your imagination! Kids do it all the time.
I'm angry about this, but this is just the fruit of letting China make our products in stead of paying more and letting Americans make them.
My girls are now 17 and 20, but I'm still bothered by all that's happening with children's toys. I told my sisters-in-law last month that I would not be buying toys as Christmas presents for our nieces and nephew this year, so we would have to come up with other ideas, which we have. If I wanted to give a toy, I'd make it myself. Books are always a great gift, too. Whatever happened to letting children play with food storage containers? Perhaps a return to the "old days" when a child had only one or two toys and had to rely on their imaginations to keep themselves occupied is what we need.
Indeed. I have been blown away by the overwhelming deluxeness of the toys available for our children these days. What happened to letting them use a little creativity on their own and make up their own games and toys? A friend just offered to lend me an exersaucer for my 6 month old, and boy was I overwhelmed by this thing! IT IS HUGE! And has 10 different gadgets on it. My oh my what will they think of next.
I am also disgusted by this. I'm afraid that with so many aunts and uncles, there is a steady barrage of toys into my home. I am more than desperate for tips on curbing this. It's not us, and it's not really the girls'. It's everyone else! How do you tactfully say "no thanks" to people giving your children gifts? It's not the gift or gift giving I mind so much as the overabundance of plastic-y toys.
We just try to make good choices with what we buy, and try to give away things regularly.
Yes, I am. We are "expecting" our first to come in January and have been searching out toys that have NOT been made in China. Lucky for us we live in Europe right now and there are quite a few other options available. For a first time mother these recalls are a real eye opener.
Crystal,
Would there be a way of posting a list of all wood, natural, WAH, American, etc. toy resources? Like a link to a different page that lists recommended companies? I would be highly interested in exploring this type of information. Thanks!
Johanna
It comes down to enforcement of the legislation already on the books and the companies checking the toys out thoroughly when the get shipments in, not just at the beginning of the process but all the way through and spot checking all orders (I used to order from China in my previous work before kids and we had all kinds of problems until we instituted spot-checks of every order, every time no matter what and forced them to toe-the-line and we were only dealing with watch straps and bands!)
My kids had been wanted the dots for Christmas and I almost bought but I had a voice telling me no do not get them (and no it wasn't dh he thought they were cool!) and I out them back. Boy am I glad I did that now!
My kids have been asking for books this year! YEAH!!!! So those will be tops of the list this year!
In China, they have no regulation. These poisoned toys are what you get when there is no regulation.
My son begged me for a set of Aqua Dots on Monday at the store. I looked at the package, saw "Made in China" and told him I won't buy toys made there because of the safety issues. Imagine my relief when I learned of the toy recall Wednesday--my youngest still puts things in his mouth and aquadots look like candy. Miss Krs
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