Released Dec. 14, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- "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 http://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 http://www.uaex.edu. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.

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http://www.uaex.edu/news/december2007/1214toys.htm

Contact: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207, ljames@uaex.edu