After Mattel (NYSE: MAT) announced its first huge lead-based paint recall spanning dozens of my children's favorite toys, from Diego to Elmo (how could you?), my initial response was something along the lines of: no more Chinese toys, ever! After the second recall, largely focused on Polly Pocket dolls (I have boys but still, Polly Pocket is hard to resist) and choking hazards, I went even further and darkly considered removing the plastics from my family's consumption altogether -- more than one friend made that decision, too, putting plastic toys and Tupperware in garbage bags and divesting entirely.Late last night, Mattel announced yet another recall, this one not quite so big as the others and focused largely on small parts of Barbie accessories -- the dog from the Barbie Dream Puppy House; the cat from the Barbie Dream Kitty Condo; the dog and dinner plates from the table and chairs kitchen playset -- as well as a few toddler toys, two GeoTrax trains and the lid from a bongo drum in a Big, Big World playset. And I? Had almost no reaction. I didn't frantically root through my children's toy boxes, searching for toxic toys. I didn't email all my friends, using a subject line with several exclamation points. I didn't call my pediatrician's office to schedule a blood lead test (ok, so I've already done that). Mattel, I've decided, isn't the bad guy here; nor am I quite as angry at China (even though I'll admit to a greatly heightened blood pressure when I heard that a Chinese government official objected to lead limits in children's jewelry).
The thing is, while I've decided to severely limit my consumption of plastic children's toys, this isn't about them anymore.
It's about me, and my kids, and how it's time to focus on quality and longevity over quantity and "oh it's on sale now!" and "how can I get my kids even more hooked on TV?" I've stopped blaming the toy companies and the government and focused on my own behavior. Mattel isn't at fault, and I wouldn't sell the company's stock if I owned it -- plenty of parents like the old me will keep on buying toys, comforted by the obvious detail with which the company is inspecting its toys (I mean, really, the top of a bongo drum? That seems extremely careful, and worthy of any parents' trust).
I am at fault for exposing my kids to this stuff, and it's about time I stopped taking the easy way out and buy handcrafted toys for my kids -- or make them myself -- and stop babysitting the kids with Nick Jr. and Disney TV and the toys that shill for the cartoons. It's time I got more involved with these choices; it's time I let my kids' imaginations trump the corporate ones.
The question is: how many parents are making the same realizations? Mattel and its competitors had better hope, not many.
Click here for Mattel toy recall news
Julie Tilsner: What's under the tree this Christmas season? 'Made in USA' toys
Brian White: Recalled Mattel (MAT) toys found to have 180 times the lead limit
Peter Cohan: Is China hurting Disney's (DIS) reputation?
Zac Bissonnette: Toys 'R' Us joins the recall club -- and how you can capitalize
Michael Fowlkes: More children's products join the Chinese recall list
Beth Gaston Moon: Mattel (MAT): Looking into the latest recall
Michael Fowlkes: Chinese executive found hanged following Mattel (MAT) toy recalls
Hilary Kramer: Mattel, Inc. (MAT): Buy or sell after recall?
Tom Taulli: Mattel toy recall: Lessons for business owners
I am at fault for exposing my kids to this stuff, and it's about time I stopped taking the easy way out and buy handcrafted toys for my kids -- or make them myself -- and stop babysitting the kids with Nick Jr. and Disney TV and the toys that shill for the cartoons. It's time I got more involved with these choices; it's time I let my kids' imaginations trump the corporate ones.
The question is: how many parents are making the same realizations? Mattel and its competitors had better hope, not many.
Click here for Mattel toy recall news
Julie Tilsner: What's under the tree this Christmas season? 'Made in USA' toys
Brian White: Recalled Mattel (MAT) toys found to have 180 times the lead limit
Peter Cohan: Is China hurting Disney's (DIS) reputation?
Zac Bissonnette: Toys 'R' Us joins the recall club -- and how you can capitalize
Michael Fowlkes: More children's products join the Chinese recall list
Beth Gaston Moon: Mattel (MAT): Looking into the latest recall
Michael Fowlkes: Chinese executive found hanged following Mattel (MAT) toy recalls
Hilary Kramer: Mattel, Inc. (MAT): Buy or sell after recall?
Tom Taulli: Mattel toy recall: Lessons for business owners
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-05-2007 @ 2:59PM
beachygirl77 said...
Right on! You took the words right out of my mouth. To start you on your quest to better toys look here ... www.woodentoy.com ... he may be a bit more expensive but it is made in America and is all natural.
9-05-2007 @ 6:54PM
macuser25 said...
It's really shocking how many lead recalls there are that you never even hear about. I found a site that tracks all of them and sends me emails whenever there are new ones.
http://www.leadtoyrecalls.com
It's time for the US to get serious about inferior toys being imported. We need to protect our children.
11-08-2007 @ 1:41PM
DJ said...
You don't have to throw away your Tupperware! It is non-toxic, contains no lead and is completely safe! Tupperware (true Tupperware- not rubbermaid) has NEVER been recalled!
Tuppertoys are completly safe! Made from the highest quality materials that even exceed the government requirements!
If you are looking for Lead Free Safe toys for your little angels this year - please visit my site!
http://www.my2.tupperware.com/oceanpatriot
Go Diego!, Dora, Little Mermaid, Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Blues Clues and even Shrek! My personal favorites are the darling Mini Cake Taker set - it's just like Mommy's! and the Mini Serving Set with a little pitcher and tiny cups and bowls!
Tupperware is guaranteed never to break or splinter! Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!
11-08-2007 @ 1:39PM
Joan said...
Tupperware is completely safe! And Guaranteed Lead Free! Check out the Tuppertoys! Items include Go Diego!, Dora, Little Mermaid, Micky Mouse, Pooh, Cinderella, Blues Clues, Sponge Bob and even Shrek!
My favorites are the cute Mini Serving Set and the Mini Cake Taker Set - Just like Mom's!
Tupperware is also holding a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs featuring Dinosaur Sandwich Keepers- $5 of every purchase goes to the Club! and Another fundraiser for victims of the California Wild fires - 100% of the proceeds from sales go to the families in the effected area.
Visit my site at
http://www.my2.tupperware.com/oceanpatriot