Joey went back to school yesterday.  I think he realised that school was not so bad compared to having to work with Anne and no TV etc all day!  He had a good day today, at school.  But again had an over-reaction when Anne was working with him on his homework in the car whilst waiting for Izzy.  Frustrating and heartbreaking.

You have to wonder with some people.  Mrs H and the other teacher decided not to have the usual candy crap for St Valentines Day and instead have a fruit salad.  Most parents either Ok or v supportive (libe us!) but some moaned and complained.  Andrew's mother actually called the Head to complain. And has also, we think, called to complain about Joey.  Anyway, despite the v clear message from the teachers, she sent her son in with some Wonka Rainbow Nerds.  Utter crap - see ingredients;
Dextrose, Sugar, Malic Acid, Contains less than 22% of Corn Syrup, Flavor(s) Artificial,Carnauba Wax, Color(s) Added, Carmine Color, Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Blue 2 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake

I mean, seriously.  Utter garbage.  And the kid didn't even stay for the party!  Went home at midday to fly off to Florida for the weekend!  Somebody else sent in cupcakes for the kids to take home to decorate and somebody else sent in Gatorade.  On the last, whoever sent in probably thinks that it is healthy.  It might be OK if you have done a serious workout and need to boost your energy.

According to Scientific American, BVO has been patented as a flame retardant and is found in some beverages including some flavors of Gatorade. It is “under intense scrutiny because research has shown that they are building up in people's bodies, including breast milk, around the world.” The same article also mentions that there are “links to impaired neurological development, reduced fertility, early onset of puberty and altered thyroid hormones.”

We don't want to be too harsh because we are far from perfect, and even further until a year ago.  But when the teachers actually ask you NOT to send any junk in and you do?  I do despair. 

We suspect also that Joey's hyper behaviour and over-reaction to homework may have resulted from some illicit consumption of said crap.  It was worse than usual!