and so it begins...

while i am far from the most relaxed person in the world i like to think i've taken a fairy laid back approach when it comes to the kinds of toys and games and whatnots that the chubbies decide they want to play with. apart from trying to avoid things that were excessively nasty or horribly violent i've pretty well given the kids free range when it comes to choosing stuff they want for birthdays, christmas and life in general. about the only exceptions to this are a reluctance to let them engage with super hero type products until they're old enough to critique them, and an absolute, cast iron, total embargo on Barbie products. There are about a billion reasons for this but as a parent i think i am entitled to ban the odd thing from time to time JUST BECAUSE I HATE IT. So far this has gone quite well. But the illusion of control is fading fast. Received in the mail today: a parcel for the chubbies from generous and loving aunt. A package containing two lovely, soft winter jackets for two lovely kids. One has a spider man print. the other is plastered with barbie...why is it only the WRONG mail that makes it through?