(Megan Curran de Nieto)

Last weekend I was doing some shopping at a local party store. I was in search of a specific color of napkins and coordinating table cloth when I wandered into the isle with the party favors and trinkets. My eyes widened like a kid in a candy store, only I was thinking wow…wall to wall, floor to ceiling LEAD!!! I was almost taken aback by the sheer number of cheap trinkets and lead-laden items that adorned the shelves and racks. While I was walking towards the other end of the isle, a mom and her young daughter turned the corner. The little girl was about 4 or so and they were shopping for her birthday party. Clearly a princess theme because their cart was very pink and full of napkins, plates, cups, balloons and other items fit for royalty. They were looking for party favors. “Mami, pink necklaces!” “Mami, princess rings!” “Mami, sparkly magic wands!” Her eyes filled with glee as she planned her party. The lead educator in me reared it’s head and I thought, is this the time and place for lead education? Should I say something? What should I do? While I contemplated my next steps, I heard mom say something that was music to my ears. “Honey, those things are dangerous for little princesses. They have lead and it can hurt you.” WOW! I was so impressed and happy! Yea mom! Yea mom! Yea! I smiled at her and went on my merry way. Three cheers for lead-free birthday parties!