To The American Academy of Pediatrics,

Warning labels on food for choking? You're kidding right?
When I read this article about choking and food labels, I knew it would be perfect for Free Rangers!
The conclusion that I have come to is that you, the American Academy of Pediatrics, must think parents are morons.
Morons.
I admit I have seen some parents who would certainly fit the bill but most of us out there are not morons. I marvel at the advances in science and medicine, modern technology and the fact that we can shoot human beings into space. But now we are being told we need food companies labeling certain items that may be a choking hazard? Please.
Isn’t anything you put in your mouth, or in this case your child’s mouth, a choking hazard? It seems we live in a society where someone or something is always to blame when accidents do happen. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is one of my favorite sayings but no matter how hard you try, some things just can’t be prevented. I think we just need to chill out a little.
Almost two years ago a friend from my hometown lost her
baby (she was almost two) to a choking accident. The baby was eating a very small piece of cut up apple (without the peel) and she choked and died a short time later. The Mothers grief was painful to say the least. I have cried as I’ve read her struggles and feelings on her blog. Did she start a campaign to ban apples or have them labeled as dangerous? No. She turned something that was very tragic into something positive by starting a website and support group to help other mothers and families who have lost a child regardless of the circumstances. I admire her for her courage and honesty.
My point to this story is that sometimes no matter how careful and cautious you are as a parent, accidents do happen and they are just that: accidents.