Thus, one embodiment is a method of preparing a thermoplastic composition, comprising: melt kneading a poly(arylene ether), a polyamide, about 5 to about 15 weight percent glass fiber, 0 to about 5 weight percent of a copolymer of acrylonitrile and an alkenyl aromatic monomer, and a flame retardant consisting of a (single) metal dialkyl phosphinate to form a thermoplastic composition; wherein all