Kids and the Economy

"Mommy, Daddy, the sky is falling..."

How do we reassure our kids in these days of economic crisis? How do we talk to them when we are scared ourselves? Here are 5 tips that will help.

1. Remind our little ones that we will always love them.
2. Tell them that it is Mommy's and Daddy's job to worry about money. Their job is to go to school and to learn as much as they can. If they can focus on their job, you can focus on yours.
3. Remember that time well spent with your kids is far more important than buying them "things". Instead of going to McDonald's for dinner, have them help you make a simple dinner at home. Even grilled cheese and a can of soup is time well spent and money well saved.
4. Work to create memories with your kids. A walk to the park can be meaningful. Tossing a ball in the backyard is unforgettable.
5. Take care of yourself. Take time to relax, meditate, and let go of your adult stresses. Kids feel and sense far more than you tell them.

More Recalls

Parents, Alert! More recalls from the FDA!

Two new FDA recalls have recently passed through the news wires.... Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products and White Rabbit Candy. Since it is our job as parents to protect our children, I recommend you sign up for email alerts from the FDA. I will work on finding other sources of children's product recalls and will provide that information as I can.

In today's global economy, we must be alert to all potential issues that face our children. My children are young adults now, but I have other youngsters in my life. Life was a bit simpler 20 years ago! It was easier to know the details of all threats.

Are Plastic Baby Bottles Safe?

I listened to the news last night with concern. More and more plastic bottles are being proven unsafe to use because of the levels of bisphenol a (BPA). I went looking for more information on this potentially unhealthy compound, and wound up at the FDA's website. It says:

Message for Consumers
At this time, FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process. However, concerned consumers should know that several alternatives to polycarbonate baby bottles exist, including glass baby bottles.

Pretty scary! My sister is expecting a baby next March, and my grown daughter drinks from plastic water bottles every day. Below are some links to help explore the topic of BPA.

• FDA re: Bisphenol A
• MSNBC News re: Baby Bottles
• Wikipedia re: Bisphenol A

As quoted on MSNBC News, Laura Tarantino of the FDA says:

"...consumers can avoid plastic containers imprinted with the recycling number ’7,’ as many of those contain BPA." "...They can avoid warming food in such containers, as heat helps to release the chemical."

Welcome Moms and Dads!

Welcome to Addy's Place for Moms and Dads! I have spend most of my life caring for children - my sisters, my own two kids, and my two girls. I welcome your comments, thoughts and questions.