MORE things that will NOT kill your child

I got such an awesome response to yesterday's post about things that won't kill your kids that I decided to continue the post today.  Below are 5 more things that will not kill your child, along with a list of things that other people assured me (via my Facebook page) will not kill your child.

1. Dog Mouth Kisses.  Yup.  We are those people.  Scooter is a part of our family and we have always treated him that way.  He has been allowed to kiss her since day 1.  Sadly for her, he is a deep throat kisser.

Kisses from her big brother.

2. Store Bought Baby Food.  For the first 6 months or so, I made most of Moose's baby food.  It had been something that was always important to me.  Then I discovered those handy little packets of organic baby food.  Brilliant!  Not only were they convenient, but they exposed her to foods that she would not have otherwise been exposed.  I mean, where the hell can I find organic rutabaga?  I still make a lot of her food, but I also buy a fair amount, including those amazingly convenient packets.  So, for all of those Mamas who are grinding out food from their Baby Bullets, good for you.  If you are too tired to do it though, take this post as reassurance that buying some food won't kill your baby.

3. Eating directly off of the table at restaurants.  Is it the cleanest thing in the world?  Probably depends on the restaurant.  Do we do it anyway?  Sure do.  What's the alternative?  Oh, here you go, Moose, eat off of this glass plate.  I trust that you won't throw it against the table and cut a major artery.  Right.  I know what you are thinking: could I bring those disposable placemats?  Yup.  Do I ever remember them?  Nope.  Hasn't killed her yet.

4. Dessert for dinner.  Sometimes it just happens.  Especially in the summer when you are having fun playing outside on a beautiful evening and don't want to make your toddler come inside for dinner.  Those are the nights that you bring out the chocolate peanut butter cups (full of antioxidents, dairy, AND protein, I am not sure why they are not considered a superfood) and call it a night.  It doesn't happen most nights, but it happens enough to create special childhood memories.  Sometimes you just gotta have fun.  It won't kill them.  I promise.

Milkshake for dinner.  Yummy!

5. Watching TV.  Ah, this one I struggle with and I added it for your reassurance.  Although I know that watching TV in moderation won't kill my child, I still feel guilty if I turn it on, even for a few minutes.  Moose's TV is limited to long car rides (or shorter ones if we are in meltdown mode).  I haven't let her watch TV inside yet, mostly because I am afraid that I will like the "break" so much that it will become a habit.  It is stupid, I know.  I am a logical person and I truly believe that everything in moderation is okay, but the TV thing makes me feel lazy and guilty.  So, PLEASE, I beg you, talk some sense into me and tell me that your kids watch TV and that it hasn't killed them.

Other things that will not kill your child (provided by my friends on Facebook):

• The occasional hot dog. Agree!  Moose had only eaten grassfed "hot dogs" until we went on vacation.  When she first bit into the "real" hot dog, it was like she had gotten a new lease on life.

• Eating food that has fallen on the floor.  We do it all of the time, especially if it is dessert.

• Cleaning the paci off with your mouth.  Agree. Why not?  It beats not cleaning it off at all.

• Letting them drink juice or, God Forbid, the occasional caffeine free soda.  You gotta have "treats" in life or you will go nuts.  When we go to our neighbor's house, they always give Moose a juice box and you would think she had won the lottery.

• Drinking a glass of wine while nursing your child.  If nursing would have worked out for me, I would totally have done this.  Worst case, it is a non-issue for the baby.  Best case, it helps them sleep.

• Letting the baby drink from the sippy after the dog has licked the top of it.  We do this all of the time.  For some reason, Scooter loves the sippy and Moose likes to share it.  Win-win.