You'd Better Watch Out

There are many items that offer consumer warnings. I am finding, however, that some really important things that we use or come across daily -- don't. I would like to perhaps make you aware of some drawbacks that may prevent you from managing your time efficiently when using these items.

For instance: A piece of string (from a balloon, from a ball of yarn, from a sweater that is beginning to unravel) can be a serious distraction for blond, blue-eyed, 7 year old boys before school (almost paralyzing). Combing the general area for stray strings or toys or books may prove helpful but is in no way a guarantee that such boys will stay focused on the task at such an early hour.

Containers specifically designed for toy organization require a very limited warranty on serving their proper function.

A full length bathroom door may ostensibly offer the privacy you seek, but the 2" space beneath that door is an inviting place for little hands ("Mama, can you see my fingers? Can you see them now?").

A plastic bib is ideal for protecting a child's clothing or face, but it can also prove to be a real vision impairment.


Portable hair brushes, portable uniform items and portable shoes require a warning: if they are taken off or taken to a wide variety of locations, girls with very long hair will have harried mornings.

And the piano, centrally located in order to share "a joyful noise" needs a large sign that reads, "If you should be doing chores, homework, feeding the dog, or listening to your Mom, very spirited renditions of 'Praise To The Man' are strictly prohibited."


Perhaps one that can and ought only to be realized through experience: Caution: If you marry a guy, and have children, and those children like you (and that silly guy does too) -- you won't have a whole lot of time to yourself -- for a very long while.