The LEGO age

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Who hasn't seen this label? Cautious mommies and daddies patiently await the age of freedom - 3 years. By that time your precious child realizes that plastic has no nutritional value and is better looking put together in some fairy-tale town than in a slobbered goo. Of course, there is no absolute guarantee that "no plastic for food" moment magically occurs the minute your child turns 3. But at least now you have hope baby will use mouth technique only in rare occasions (like to pull those stubborn lego pieces apart).

I've always been a sit-down-and-watch parent and would let my kids explore the world on their own instead of guarding them every moment. I know there are different opinions on what's the best way of raising a child, and I am sure, even my mom might think I'm a careless parent. Regardless, the dangerous-under-3-age passed. Welcome LEGO! Can't wait for elaborate houses, castles, zoos, and whatever else kids' little hands create! Potential pain of stepping on those ouchie lego bricks can be minimized by this clever idea.

Bring on the bricks!