Yes, it's true. Toddlers put lots of things in their mouths. It's just a part of normal development. But in the 21st century, with all kinds of hazardous chemicals in our environment (BPA, phthalates, lead..), how can we assure that our kids stay safe? We Can Too has come up with their own solution: "edible art supply."
We Can Too provides a range of products, but their newest is what they call "Edible Sidewalk Chalk." It contains no harmful chemicals and is safe for kids with food allergies, since it's wheat- and preservative-free.
But is edible art supply the answer? Using this kind of product frees parents from worrying about the potential dangers of ingesting something harmful. But could it create a false sense of security? Could it be used as a crutch, so that parents don't have to watch their kids so closely? Is it possible a better solution is to engage with kids and to teach them not to put things in their mouths?
We're curious what you think. Should we protect our kids at all costs with products like these, or is a little bit of "danger" part of parenting and growing up? Let us know your opinion in the comments.
Edible Sidewalk Chalk available for $12 at We Can Too.
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I don't know if it needs to be edible, but at the very least children's art supplies should be non-toxic.
Non-toxic and even edible play items are great as a safety net, but I don't think they should be sought out as an excuse to let your kids eat chalk. You'd still have to teach the kids not to eat it, in fact, because the first time they encounter chalk elsewhere (that's actually inedible) they're going to attempt to eat it. I think something like this just exacerbates the problem. I'm all for all-natural and non-toxic, but just don't let your kids eat it in the first place!
I think making edible art supplies is totally ridiculous. It's great to make all children's items so harmless that they could be eaten without causing any problems, but I don't like that they're advertised as edible. What happens when you send your child to daycare, preschool, kindergarten, or a friend's house where the art supplies are not edible? Your child will start munching on chalk, playdough, and paint that is not intended for eating. Gross! Way to make things even more confusing for them... (eating chalk at home is ok, but eating chalk at preschool is not ok?) If your child needs to eat something so badly, give them a snack before art time. I also think that encouraging your child to put so many things in their mouth could put them at a higher risk of choking.
I think this and other products that are like it are great ideas for SPECIAL needs children. We forget how hard to handle some kids can be. I vote yes for these products just for those parents with kids who would like to be creative with out harming themselves.
This just makes me think how short the phases of childhood are *sniff*. It seriously seems like about a week in retrospect where my son was putting inedibles in his mouth.
In this case "edible" seems to be a bit of a misnomer. They aren't flavored and definitely intended as art aupplies, not snacks. I don't know one parent who would think this chalk is an excuse to not watch their child. I think it is great to have products that are safe for kiddos of a certain age. It takes away the fear of harmful chemicals and makes it safe for them to learn.
I agree this is just silly. They should of course be non-toxic so therefore technically safe if consumed, but don't go around showing kids "hey, you can eat this chalk!" Why would anyone do that??
Remember that non-toxic Elmer's paste form when everyone was kids? I don't think they make it anymore but even in kindergarten I was SO confused why they added sweetener and wintergreen flavoring to it. And other kids would lap it up! Why encourage your kids to eat things they clearly shouldn't? Sends a weird message.
I don't think it is silly at all. I still wouldn't let my kid eat these because then we'd be out of chalk! But its nice to know that it is safe if he gets a little in his mouth.
I am the founder of this company and really appreciated reading all of your comments whether they were positive or constructive. For the parents who think that this product was created for food purposes, you are missing the point. We have labeled these supplies as "edible" simply to ease the parents into knowing that these art supplies go beyond just non-toxic, they are okay if swallowed, because lets face it, babies DO put things into their mouths. Babies are not animals. They will not be "trained" to eat their art supplies. Both of my children were raised on these wonderful products. The purpose for them being edible is to take the reaction out of the parent. If a baby puts a crayon in their mouth and mom shrieks, "NO!", the baby will be encouraged to continue this behavior because they got the reaction they wanted. If the mother doesn't have to worry about baby sucking on a crayon and doesn't react to it, baby will eventually stop doing it on his/her own. I have proven testimonials about this. Yes, do not encourage your children to eat the products, that is not what they are for. But my son ate chalk as a baby, especially after yelling, "NO! ICKY!!" and when I looked up the "non-toxic" ingredients and researched chalk it was very disturbing what was going into his body...non-toxic just isn't enough for our babies these days. Don't trust that. You can also see our website and blog for more info: www.weecantoo.blogspot.com www.weecantooart.com Thanks! Sarid, Founder