Balloons

As we celebrated a birthday in the daycare yesterday I had decorated the house a bit with a "Happy Birthday" banner and balloons.  We had cupcakes ready for after lunch and a few games to play.  Well once the kidlets all got here.... all plans went out the window. And down come the balloons.  Kids love balloons, well most do!  It was to my surprise that young ones have a great imagination even with only a simple balloon.  I have seen this imagination with boxes, in the sand box, and of course with toys, but this is the first time I have seen children have so much with such a simple item. 

At first they started off playing with their balloons, as usual kids do.  Tossing them around, keep off the floor, catch......

But after a while I noticed them playing house, at first I thought it was with the dolls, but was I wrong when I went to check on them in the bedroom.  There they were, blankets folded down on the bed slightly and there "babies" sleeping.  Yep that's right the "babies" where their balloons.  Each one had its own name too.  Two asleep in the bed one sitting in the chair reading a book.  It was all to cute listening and hear them play.  The children made lunch for the "babies", walked them in the strollers, hugged and kissed the boob-boos if they fell.  Not to long later they came out of the room wanting more balloons.  One, because 2 popped on them, two because they needed "dogs".  While I was blowing up some more for the kids, my daughter goes digging through the drawer for the dogs leashes.  Attaches them to the tried end of the balloons and off they go again.  So now not only do they have "babies' but also "dogs". 

It just amazed me that children, ages 4 (the birthday girl!) and 2 can mimic and play out something so amazing.  With such a basic decoration.  I ended up putting off the games and crafts for the day, because they were in their own little world, having a blast together.  For a first day in a long time, we had no fighting, whining, or crying.  It was a great day all around for the kids and for me.  I enjoyed myself watching them and even giggled a little at the things they would say.

Cautions on Buying Cheap

With Christmas just around the corner many people are starting to think about gifts for others.  Well, there are some items that you should be aware of when buying from "dollar stores".  I know many, myself included that like to shop at "dollar stores"  because you can get more for your buck.  Although when it comes to your child(ren) you should be aware of some things when you purchase items at a cheap price.  I never really thought about some of these things before, I have even bought my children some things from these stores, that I now wish I shouldn't have and will surely be aware of how my children will be playing or using some of these purchases.  Please don't be discouraged to buy items from "dollar stores"  as I still will  be a huge fan of them, just remember some of the following information when making your purchases.

All items
Warning Signs: 1~ no manufacturer information
                       2~ packaging doesn't come in both English and french (which is mandatory in Canada)
                       3~ spelling mistakes on the packages or instructions
Potential Hazards: No recourse if something goes wrong with the product

Electrical (power cords, extension cords, switches, light bulbs, etc.)
Warning Signs: no certification mark- or a false/fake mark
Potential Hazards: product could cause shock
                           fire hazard

Health products, medications, vitamins
Warning Signs: the item does not contain an 8 digit DIN (drug identification number)
Potential Hazards: 1~ products with the wrong ingredients or dangerous additives
                           2 ~ products past their expiry dates
                           3 ~ products may contain no active ingredients; active ingredients may not be listed or are listed incorrectly

Kids Toys and Jewellery
Warning Signs:  items made with a high percentage of lead are typically heavy for their size.  Unless coated, they may leave a gray mark when rubbed on a piece of white paper.
                       
Potential Hazards: 1~ lead is toxic if ingested by children
                           2 ~ cadmium, often used instead of lead is carcinogenic if sucked on or swallowed
Any toys with electrical components could potentially start a fire and those are the ones that need to be used safely. It might seem like the burn hazard would be associated with the fire hazard, well it is. Obviously you could get burns if a toy started on fire, but you could also get burn from touching a surface on the toy that has gotten really hot, usually from a battery or needing to be plugged in.

Now please remember that these hazards are not always going to happen with an item you have purchased but if you do decide to buy something for your child(ren) from a "dollar store" just be cautious.


*Some information was taken from an article out of Reader's Digest