Bonkers Giraffe

New iPhone & iPad App.. Critteroos.. wow!

2011-08-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this super new application for the iphone or ipad - it's called Critteroos.. and yes it's educational and yet fantatastic fun for your kids. Aimed at ages 3 to 8 years this interactive app features many pictures of animals which you can mix and match and even print out your creations if you want to!

This new app - Critteroos is the brainchild of the famed designer 'Clement Mok'. Critteroos is
the 1st of many in the planned imaginative series designed for 'iPad education' with software aimed at children that draws on the new CMCD Visual Symbols visuals.

The backing noise of this app is a gentle consistent beat of insect hums, and the app erupts into the real animal sounds, including the occasional whinny of a horse, snort of a pig and bird's chirp when you interact with the app. While the incredible sounds entertain the children they will also love the app's vibrant imagery of the animals as well.

There is also a "Flashcard" mode, which lets each image be paired with the animal's name, which is recited aloud as well which is great for vocabulary building. Fantastic for children as they can test there skills in a mix and match mode with encouraging sounds when they get the answer right.

For pure fun, kids can let their imaginations run free by creating their own "Critteroos" (mismatched animals). These humorous and dazzling animals can be given fun names (like the Rooztera) and saved to the iPhoto library for printing.

This fab Critteroos app sells for only $2 on iTunes, as well as other related education applications and add-ons (like Critteroos II for additional animal sets) by CMCD.

Gorgeous Organic Rabbit Rattles - We just love these!

2011-08-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

A must have... These are just so cute these beautiful stuffed toys are double-duty: inside each soft rabbit is a wood-bead rattle that sounds like pebbles rolling in the surf. This sound is gentle on baby's

developing ears and the Rabbit Rattles are a favorite toy of parents and carers..... yes but Zwelga thinks theylooks fab too!

What colours do they come in?
They feature a brightly colored stripe in your choice of colours... blue, green, or red fabric, each Rabbit Rattle has been handmade in
Canada and are made of 100% organic materials.

So what are they made of?

Outside shell is made of 100% U.S.-grown organic cotton, filling is made of 100% Canadian lambswool, wood beads contained inside.

Size?

Approx 9 inches...

Where can I get one of these gorgeous organic Rabbit Rattles - for Zwelga kids?
Easy click below to go straight to supplier.....
http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=896

How Much Is Too Much TV for Kids?

2011-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

TV viewing should be just one (sparingly used) way to occupy kids

when you are busy!

When it comes to TV viewing, every parent wonders: How much is too much TV? Left

to their own devices,many kids will make TV viewing their sole vocation. And that would definitely be too much! But is letting the kids watch sometimes so you

can get some work done too much TV? Probably not if TV viewing is only one

sparingly used) method to keep kids busy while working from home.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only 1-2 hours of TV

viewing per day for children. But, let’s face it, there are a lot more hours

in the day than that, and when kids are in front of the television, we can

get a lot of work done.

So using TV viewing as a babysitter can be very tempting for mums

and all parents. But I have found that too much TV viewing is not only

bad for the kids, it can actually be counterproductive from work standpoint.

If the kids watch too much TV, I actually get less done.

Becoming the TV Police
A limited amount of TV (in that 1-2 hour range) may be fine. But who makes

sure that TV viewing is, in fact, limited and who is keeping an eye on what

they are watching? Unless you have outside child care, it’s likely you.

And that’s not easy to do while you work or busy in the house.

If you do allow your kids to watch TV while you work, the TV time rules, which

are part of a larger set of work-at-home ground rules, should clearly spell out

what kids are allowed to watch and for how long.

Allowing TV viewing while you work and then limiting it later is an approach that

could still mean a lot more than two hours of TV viewing. Also it doesn’t allow

for TV viewing together with your child or co-viewing. Carey Bryson, About.com’s

Guide to Kids’ TV & Movies, names effective co-viewing as one of her

10 ways to help kids develop healthy TV viewing habits.

Learning Independent Play
Perhaps one of the biggest pitfalls of allowing too much TV viewing while you work

is that kids don’t develop the ability to find their own fun. And as soon as the TV

is off they turn to you for entertainment.

Kids of working mums need to learn to play independently. The passive

nature of TV viewing can make the transition to a more active type of play

difficult. And kids in multi-child households must be able to resolve conflicts,

but TV viewing often brings more conflicts over what to watch. And guess

who ends up being the referee.
I find that TV viewing is most effective at keeping kids occupied while I

work when used in small doses, on special occasions like snow days or

in accordance with some work at home ground rules

Author: Laureen Miles Brunelli

Are our kids growing up too fast & what can we do about it!

2011-06-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

Kids today are bombarded with with graphic sexual messages
.... from the programmes they watch on TV to the clothes they wear and the music they listen to. It's no surprise experts say they're growing up too quickly and becoming over-sexualised.

So what are the risks? And what can parents do to protect their children from this
growing threat...?

Negative effects

Studies have long linked premature sexualisation with eating disorders in children and teenagers – and these disorders are showing up in younger and younger children, with kids has young as five or six are starving themselves to achieve the "perfect" body image. A recent survey by the charity, The Children's Society, showed that children are most unhappy with their appearance, above confidence, school and family life.

In her report commissioned by the Home Office, Dr. Linda Papadopoulos blamed music videos, advertising, games and magazines for leading girls to believe that the most important of all is to be 'hot' and submissive. Boys, on the other hand, are taught to be macho and to objectify women.

Surveys carried out by Girlguiding UK and the Mental Health Foundation on girls aged 10 to 14 found that "premature sexualisation and the pressure to grow up too quickly" were two key negative influences on girls' emotional and mental wellbeing.

Looking at pictures of models, pop stars and actresses made a fifth of the girls feel sad, two-fifths feel bad about themselves and over a tenth (12 per cent) feel angry.

Further research discovered that 46% of girls aged 11 to 16 would consider cosmetic surgery and that girls start to dislike their appearance as early as 10 or 11.

Another outcome of this 'too much, too soon' culture is the rise of sexual bullying as an increasing number of girls feel pressured into posting pictures of themselves posing topless or naked on social networks.

On top of this, many experts believe representing children as miniature adults playing sexual roles may suggest to paedophiles that, whatever the law says, children are sexually available.

So how can we slow down the increasingly sexualised representations of childhood in advertising, marketing and programme-making?

The Prime Minister David Cameron has commissioned a report - The Bailey Review - on the sexual commercialisation of children and what can be done to prevent it, which is due to be released on Monday 6 June.

However, this is a problem that must be tackled on many levels at once. Government, programme-producers, internet game-designers, clothes manufacturers, advertisers and, of course, most importantly, parents must all play a role in deciding what is acceptable for children to be exposed to.

What parents can do

Although you may feel helpless, there are a lot of things you can do to help protect – and educate – your kids. Here are 10 suggestions for starters...

Provide children with a stable and supportive network of friends by taking them to a club such as Brownies or sports/dance activities, where the belief that it's who they are (not what they look like) that matters most.

Impose good boundaries. Healthy, positive discipline draws boundaries for behaviour, provides security, and gives children the confidence to cope with the physical and psychological changes they experience as they begin puberty.

Teach kids to believe their self worth isn't based on their looks but what kind of person they are. Young girls are constantly being told that their worth and potential popularity is based on how pretty they are. Instead praise them for their school work, being creative, being kind...

Take a strong stance against clothes or make-up that you consider to be too old or too sexual. Make rules about types of clothes that are and aren't acceptable, and stick to them. With a little bit of searching you can find fun clothing both you and kids like. Finding it difficult to find clothes for young girls that don't mimic adult clothes? Voice your concerns to the shops.

Be open and honest about sex. Many parents wait for their children to openly ask questions about sexuality and relationships before giving any sort of guidance. However, children often lack the courage or the vocabulary to pose the questions they want to ask. So be proactive, talking as openly with your children as is appropriate. And don't make it a one-time conversation. Your children need to know they are always welcome to come to you and chat.

Monitor your child's internet usage by keeping the computer in the living roomwhere you can see what websites they visit, and put a filter on it. Be mindful of what your children watch, avoiding shows where the characters are constantly talking about impressing boys, wearing sexy clothing and make-up and graphic music videos. And sit down with them. That way you can talk about what they're seeing, discuss how realistic it is and present an alternative point of view.

Are the toys you are buying for your girls contradicting what you are teaching them about their sexuality, and self-worth? Forget Bratz, there are lots of options to choose from that don't objectify women. Don't back down and settle for what is popular .

Although you're trying to teach looks aren't everything, girls especially need to be told they are beautiful without 'sexy' clothes or tons of make-up. If they don't feel validated at home, they'll look elsewhere for attention.

Think about your own actions. Kids pick up most of the things they learn by what we do, not by what we say. Have a healthy self-image of yourself so that you can create one in your daughter. Dads - your daughters look to you as a model for how they should expect men to treat them. Set the standard high.

Speak to your child's school. Do they offer media awareness lessons and provide comprehensive sexual education? Also, encourage your child to take part in extracurricular music, drama, and games lessons that stress development of a talent or skill

Picnic & Snacks.. quick and easy kid-friendly ideas!

2011-06-08T03:54:00.000-07:00

Kid-Friendly Picnic & Snack Ideas

It's that time of year again.....yep Summer......So does the idea of escaping your usual daily surroundings and getting out into the open country-side, an impromptu picnic or having a day at the beach, appeal to you?

The challenge always is finding decent, healthy food, that everyone in your family can enjoy from the picky to the human dustbin. And, it’s so expensive to eat out these days, a picnic works
really well and brings the family together.

A picnic is a great idea, and getting your children involved can help ease the burden of the preparation and is fun for them. By giving each child their own task, they will enjoy the day even more having been involved in the preparation and really feel good about themselves.

Here are some suggestions for the tasks:

Help with the picnic menu — they’re less likely to complain about food they’ve helped choose.
Assemble the ingredients for the picnic.
Help with the food preparation.
Organize supplies — hamper, blankets, cool-box, paper towels, plastic plates and cups, tablecloth, sunscreen, first-aid kit, hats, camera.
Pack the games equipment — frisbee, beach ball, bucket and spade, or baby toys.

If you’re a bit stuck for food ideas, here are some kid and adult-friendly suggestions that are so simple you’ll be ready to go in no time:

1. Pizza
Pizza is a good alternative to sandwiches, being quick to assemble, and they are always popular with kids. If you have a tried and tested pizza base that would be perfect to use. Or, you could go for small baguettes split in half, sliced wholemeal pitta breads, or English muffin half’s as the base.

The ideas for pizza toppings are endless. Here’s one suggestion — pesto sauce spread onto the base, with some button mushroom slices, cherry tomatoes, a little cheese, and some shredded chicken. All you need to do is pop under the grill for around 4 minutes, and they can be eaten cold at the picnic.

2. Couscous
Couscous is one of my favorite foods, and it’s perfect for a picnic, since you can prepare it ahead of time.

Put the couscous into a bowl, and pour over low-sodium vegetable stock. When it’s ready, fluff with a fork and add diced red pepper, half a carrot finely diced, 2 finely sliced spring onions, 1 tablespoon of raisins, and some toasted pine nuts to finish.

If your kids aren’t too fond of couscous, wholemeal pasta shells would work well here. Or, you could make a tabouli salad, using cracked wheat.

3. Chicken skewers
Take two chicken breasts and cut into chunks, then marinade for around 2 hours (2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp low-sodium stock, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce). Thread the chicken onto bamboo skewers (previously soaked in water), and grill for about 5 minutes on each side. Cool and store in the fridge until needed.

If you’re planning on having a barbecue, just prepare these beforehand, and cook when you get there.

4. Wraps
You could make the wraps ahead of time, or just bring all of the ingredients, so that everyone can assemble their own. Some ideas for the wraps include, wholegrain tortilla wraps, hummus, baby cos lettuce, cucumber, red pepper, and the couscous or tabouli salad mentioned above.

5. Salsa
If you like to serve potato chips and dip, here is a healthier version.

Make up some salsa using diced tomatoes, diced yellow pepper, a finely sliced onion, a little chopped basil, olive oil, a squeeze of lime juice, and season with freshly milled black pepper. You can serve with potato chips for dipping, or cut wholemeal tortillas into triangles and bake until crisp ahead of time, then serve with your home-made salsa.

6. Last minute ideas
Sometimes you don’t have time to prepare for a picnic, but don’t allow this to put you off. Kids love to pick their own food and assemble it on their own. Here are a few suggestions:

Hard boiled eggs
Cherry tomatoes
Carrot, cucumber, celery batons
Hummus and avocado dips
Bread sticks, baguettes or pitta bread
Olives
Selection of lean meats
Bag of mixed leaf salad
Cheese
Apple, peach, and banana slices
Grapes and berries with natural yogurt

Everyone can simply dig-in and help themselves. Serve with little wooden sticks or colorful plastic forks.

7. Healthy muffins
Muffins are a really handy dessert idea, as they can be made a day or more beforehand, and kept in an airtight container. Here are some of the best healthy recipes I’ve come across:

Wendy’s Moist Bran Muffins
Wholewheat Apple Muffins from Smitten Kitchen
Or, a little more indulgent, Jamie Oliver’s Butternut Squash Muffinswith a frosty top

Serve with a fresh fruit salad of strawberries, pineapple and mango to complete your delicious picnic.

Enjoy your family time!

Wow! World's Ridiculously Expensive Kids Toys!

2011-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ridiculously Expensive Kids Toys

Every parent wants the best for their child. For most, "the best" includes a safe environment, warm meals and a great education. For a privileged few it may also include some fancy gadgets and special, well-deserved gifts. These Ridiculously Expensive Kids Toys, take that idea to a whole new level - a well-known level called Spoiled. So
as the holiday season approaches and kids start to make their wish lists, be sure to keep them far away from this one.

Traditional Tin Flying Carousel - $800 approx

Handcrafted in Germany, this limited edition Flying Carousel tin toy with airplanes and hot air balloons is said to bring back the fondest of childhood memories. Really? Our memories do not include an $800 hunk of metal, unless they're referring to Dad's Oldsmobile. While this might make a beautifully overpriced display piece, it certainly doesn't belong in any toy box.

Gold Nintendo Game Boy $30000

A quick game of Tetris will never feel as chic (or heavy) as when it is played on a $30,000 18K Gold Game Boy. For the fanciest of gamers, the original hand held system is covered in pave diamonds and the on/off button is a diamond as well.

Kettler '53 Chevrolet Vette - $1000

Most people's first cars were worth somewhere in the range $1000, after all, the important thing was to get where you needed to be without bumming a ride from mom and dad. The same goes for the kid who gets a Kettler '53 Chevrolet Vette...except, he'll get his at age 3 and it won't take him any further than to the neighbor's sidewalk and back.

Maurice Sendak's Little Bear Carry Along Carousel - $2000

We had to double, triple and quadruple check to make sure the price on this thing wasn't a mistake. Unfortunately, with just one store selling it we can't be sure, so we'll run with it. This is a $2,000 portable mobile based on Maurice Sendak's illustrations of the popular Little Bear series of books. The best part is, that doesn't even look like the original Little Bear, you'd think for all this money they could at least create an exact replica.

Six Panel Aquatic Climbing Wall $11000

The gorgeous in ground pool in the yard is fun and all, but what it really needs is a rock climbing wall! For $11,000 they don't have to settle for regular old swimming with the addition of the Six Panel Aquatic Climbing Wall. Modeled after the same wall used at Penn State University swim team, it will help develop important upper body strength...that clearly can't be gained from swimming alone. Duh.

Airflow Sport Racer Pedal Plan - $514

In our day we had Big Wheels and boy were they fun. Times have changed. So for when the latest Power Wheels that their BFF already has just won't do, there's the Airflow Sport Racer Pedal Plane. Recommended for ages 2-6, its beauty is undeniable, but its worth is certainly up for debate.

Gund Basil Jumbo Bear - $495

Now this thing should raise all sorts of "buying your children's love" flags. A $20 stuffed bear is just as cuddly as the Basil Jumbo from Gund. At over 6 feet tall and with a price tag nearing $500, it better offer some babysitting hours and homework help too.

Titanium Tricycle - $2500

Gosh Mom, the classic red Radio Flyer tricycle is way too mainstream! Every child needs a sleek Titanium Tricycle that's worth more than the average monthly mortgage payment. After all, it's going to last for what? Three whole years?

Genuine Lost in Space B-9 Robot - $25000

Once they're bored with their 6 foot tall bear, they'll need to move onto some a little more sophisticated, like the Genuine Lost in Space B-9 Robot. Modeled after the classic Lost In Space television series that children won't even remember, every detail of the original robot is faithfully reproduced from original archival molds, patterns and blueprints. For $25,000 clearly this isn't made for the average child, just children of a larger size, with chest hair and surprisingly deep voices.

Teepee - $2200

Creating a teepee structure out of old sheets, broomsticks and other things that can be found lying around the house is so lame. Why get the whole family involved when with a click of a mouse you can buy a perfectly good Teepee for $2,200? Clearly they'll be more impressed with your ability to deliver the good stuff than with your clever DIY skills.

Brilliant Zoku Character Ice Lolly Tool Kit!

2011-05-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Summer just isn't summer without ice pops!

But that doesn't mean your kids have to spend their days on a constant sugar high. With a Zoku Quick Pop Character Tool Kit on hand, kids can make funny faces and characters
using bits of fresh fruit as popsicle additions. The kit includes 14 stencils to create a limitless range of designs. Fun and healthy summer treats are a win win for everyone!

When Mom warned you not to make a face because it might freeze that way, she probably didn’t have our Zoku Quick Pop Character Tool Kit in mind. With these nifty gadgets, you can make as many funny faces and characters as you want using fresh fruit, and then freeze them into sweet ice pops.

Use the 14 stencils to create a limitless range of faces, characters and designs using your favorite fresh fruits.
To create your design, place the Zoku Quick Pops mold in the included stand.
Position fruit stencil cut-outs in you desired design on top of included faceplate.
Guide decorated faceplate into pop mold and press against inside of mold to adhere design to chilled interior.
Remove pop maker from stand, add sticks and pour in ice pop mix in your favorite flavors, then freeze according to directions.
Storage case keeps all of the tools organized and ready when it’s time to make faces.
Pusher tool efficiently removes fruit pieces from the stencils.
Full-color booklet provides inspiration and instructions.
Includes stencils, pusher, faceplate, stand, storage case and instructions.
Made of durable plastic.
A Williams-Sonoma exclusive see below .....

You can get your hands on these wonderful kits at:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/zoku-quick-pop-character-tool-kit/?pkey=ccooks-tools-new

World of Light Up Bugs - May 2011

2011-04-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

Laser Peg's newest toy lets you construct your favorite creepy crawly from LED light

Adding a "World of Bugs" to their repertoire of lighted construction sets, Laser Pegs continues to entice children with their LED-powered educational toys. With one peg grounded to a power source (either
batteries or an AC/DC power adapter), kids seven years and up can create a host of insects using the kit's supply of low voltage connectors.

While kids are encouraged to use their imagination, the "World of Bugs" kit comes with a set of "factoids" for building accurate renditions. An award winning toy company, Laser Pegs teaches important lessons on electric currents and construction for a cognitive learning experience that will spawn the next generation of D.I.Y. developers.

"World of Bugs" will sell for $60 beginning May 2011 from Laser Pegs, where you can find a wide assortment of other models and kits.

Article by: Victor Reznik in Design

Really Cool Sleep Aids For Children!

2011-04-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

These really kid-friendly devices will help little ones and their parents doze better!

As the dark circles under the eyes of most parents will tell you, instilling good moral values is often far less challenging than negotiating the sleep schedules of your little one. Thankfully for children and their minders alike, a few digital devices help tykes
who have trouble understand when it's time to get up and help them sleep in longer.

The Zazoo Photo Clock features both a night and day scene to help children understand when it's time to get up, before they know how to tell time. At night a starry night image sets the mood for sleeping, and when it's okay to get out of bed, the day scene appears. A great product that will grow with children, the device helps teach visually for more effective results. It also features an alarm clock, calendar and digital photo frame, has the ability to play mp3s and sells from Zazoo's online store for $90.

A similar product, the OK to Wake alarm clock and nightlight comes with two interchangeable bezels—green antennas or a pink flower—or as a cuddly Owl. The kid-friendly designs help kids understand when it's time to wake up with an adjustable green glow, and uses sound effects to gently ease them out of sleep, or in the case of the lullaby-playing owl, into sleep. Whether you opt for the more traditional alarm clock look or the bird, they both keep kids in bed by way of simple technology and run $25-30 from American Innovative.

Cloud B, like the alarm clock owl, makes sleeping more cozy with a stuffed animal called the Sleep Sheep. Soothing sounds help put children to sleep with options such as a Mother's Heartbeat, Ocean Surf, Whale Songs and Spring Showers. Two sleep timer options promise to lessen the days of midnight crying by way of this sleep friend. Sleep Sheep sells from Cloud B for $30.

Whether it's you or your child that needs a better night sleep, these multifunctional products should at least provide a few extra Zs

Article by Bailee Wolfson in Tech

8 of the craziest beds in the world - what would you choose?

2011-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Wow, just look at these outrageous beds that are out there... Look at how the other half lives—that half being kid millionaires and adults who are victims of the fortune telling machine from the movie 'Big'.

Wow - just look at these awesome beds - which would you choose!

The book bed
Introducing the book bed, a gigantic sleep station that folds, page-style, from play area to nap city. This incredibly snuggly-looking design is the sleep station of our childhood dreams. It inspired us to seek out other strangely-shaped bedding we'd always dreamed about, even if some of those dreams caused night sweats.

The hamburger
Kayla Kromer designed this beefy bed by hand with a round '70s mattress and a needle and
thread. She sold it on ebay and it now resides in the official Hamburger museum, but it could be yours for £15,000. Pickles are extra.
Photo by: Hamburgerbed

The cat croc
It's too big for your foot, too small for your whole body, but just right for your cat. It's the Sasquatch bed, a giant croc pet cushion. Sure, why not.
Photo by: Sasquatch

The Millennium Falcon bed
The hamburger bed genius woman (pictured as Princess Leia) also built this fantasy Star Wars sleeper with working headlights.
Photo by: Toxel

The car bed. No really.
This is not one of those fantasy car beds for kids, this is the front of a vintage Mercedes that just happens to have a bed trailing behind it. Respect.
Photo by: roomunik blogspot

The roller-coaster
This twin bed set was created by a Cuban art group for a gallery, not a kid's room which is a major waste when you think about it.
Photo by: Neatorama

The castle

Ever wondered what Veruka Salt's bedroom looked like? Well we now know how her bed was made. Like a freaking castle. This princess-style sleep zone is a mere £1000 at crayoncastles.com, daddy! Give it to me now!
Photo by: Crayoncastles

The disproportionate mama bear

My what big feet you have, especially compared to your medium-sized head. Cool nightgown, though.
Photo by: Sweetretreatkids

Article by Piper Weisshttp://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/the-8-craziest-beds-youll-ever-see-2476451/#photoViewer=9

Key Steps to Smart Video Game Choices!

2011-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Are your kids video game fanatics?

If so, you're not alone. Studies show that the overwhelming majority of American kids play video games. You're also not alone if you take pleasure in seeing your young ones squeal with delight while racing mini-mushrooms through tangled forests. And, let's face it, having your child immersed in playing a video game can be an equally welcome break for you, too!

However, as you've probably noticed by now, not every game that your child wants to play is "kid-friendly." The average age of a gamer today is, believe it or not, 35 -- so it stands to reason that, just like movies and TV shows, some games are simply not intended for younger

players. Here's how to ensure that the games your kids play are age-appropriate.

Know the Rating
To determine if a particular game is right for your child, start with the rating on the package. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a nonprofit organization, assigns the ratings that appear on virtually every game available for purchase or rental. The front and back of the package carry one of six age ratings, ranging from Early Childhood (EC) to Adults Only (AO). (Click here for more information about each of the ratings.) On the package's back, next to the rating, content descriptors such as "Comic Mischief," "Violence," "Strong Language," etc. explain what might have triggered the rating, and indicate what may be of interest or concern to parents.

During the process of assigning ratings, the ESRB considers many different aspects: What is the degree of intensity and realism? How much control does the player have over the action? What is the reward system? These considerations, among many others, figure into the rating that is ultimately assigned.

A complete list of ESRB ratings, content descriptors and their definitions is available at ESRB's website, where you can also search for a particular game's rating before going to the store. Or you can download ESRB and Parenting.com's rating search widget featured right here on Parenting.com and find ratings for the games your kids are asking for right from your personal homepage or social networking profile.

Go Deeper
After you've looked up the rating, you can conduct an online search for reviews, screenshots, and video trailers of the game your child is interested in buying or renting. If you need help finding information, you can consult the Resources section of ESRB's website, which provides direct links to a variety of helpful websites.

Stand Your Ground
Most parents have heard their children say something like: "All of my friends get to play it! What's the big deal? Don't you trust me? It's just a game!" It's natural for kids to want what the older kids have. However, as compelling or passionate as your child's plea may be, you shouldn't hesitate to say "no" when a game doesn't seem appropriate for your child. You'll be in good company: Studies show that the overwhelming majority of parents say they never allow their children under 17 to play Mature-rated games (a rating that warns a game's content is appropriate for ages 17 and older), although they do become a bit less restrictive once their children enter the teenage years.

Sure, many kids will argue that all the "cool" games are the ones you don't permit, but that's not necessarily true. There are plenty of fun, popular, and suitable games for kids of all ages to play. In fact, despite the disproportionate amount of media attention they receive, Mature-rated games made up only 6% of the 1,600 ratings issued last year (2007). E for Everyone has always been ESRB's largest rating category, and is currently its fastest growing one, too.

Set Your Parental Controls
No parent can hover over their child all the time, so activating parental controls can make managing your kids' video game playing that much easier. All new video game console systems (Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii , PLAYSTATION 3) have this function, as do the newest version of Microsoft Windows Vista and handheld devices such as the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). Similar to the V-chip for television, parental control settings allow you to restrict the games that can be played on your system based on the ESRB rating you choose.

The way these settings function may vary a bit -- see the step-by-step guides linked above for help -- but the premise is essentially the same. For instance, say you have an 8-year-old who you feel isn't ready for E10+ games (those appropriate for ages 10 and older). Just set the parental controls (which are password-protected) to allow games that carry ratings up through E (for ages 6 and older). This prevents your child -- and his friends -- from playing games rated E10+ or above on your system.

Get Involved
And of course, talk to your children about the games they play. Be adventurous and try playing with them. Go on! Stop being so intimidated and join them on a journey into their virtual world. Playing games can be a fun way to actually learn new skills, spend some quality downtime with your kids, and maybe even earn some bragging rights in the house.

Patricia Vance is president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a nonprofit organization that assigns age and content ratings for computer and video games. She is an interactive media expert and mother of two. For more information visit www.ESRB.org.

A Solar Car Kit - fun to build!

2011-04-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

OWI Triple Action Solar Car Kit

OWI Triple Action Solar Car Kit; made in Japan for Robotikits Direct a division of OWI Incorporated based out of Carson California, recommended ages 10 up.
Introducing children to the three dimensional world of model building is an excellent way to provide them with an opportunity to develop their
fine motor skills as well as get a bit of a cerebral workout.
Model building is a fun and simple way is to engage young minds, develop creative talent, and get young people involved with a hands on productive activity. Kids can use their imaginations, learn new concepts, and have the reward of accomplishment when done.

The OWI Triple Action Solar Car Kit is a great example. With this kit, a scissor, tape, a small hammer, and little to no previous knowledge of electronics, we were able to put a solar race car together in just over an hour. We had a little confusion with wire placement but when we referred back to the easy to read and, more importantly, easy to understand directions we were able to refer to the diagram and ta-da! It was pretty smooth going from that point on.

triple action solar car robot kit

We opted to leave the car translucent because it was cool to see the inner workings but you can paint the plastic outer body. Spray paint is recommended so that should be done outside or in a very well-ventilated area on newspaper or other disposable surface cover. It can also be run on one 'AA' (not included) battery power, if dim lighting conditions do not permit you to attain solar powered speed.
The very cool thing is that the kids were able to build the OWI Triple Action Solar Car from start to finish. The kids required very little input from adults at all, although we were on hand to field questions and offer assistance, but we mostly just marveled at their capability.
When they were done they had a completely moving solar car. Keep in mind that this is a model and not meant to be a play car upon completion . This very cool, futuristic little solar car is a fun way to learn and demonstrate alternative energy.
Add some research on solar energy or alternative fuels and voilà, instant science fair project.
The OWI Triple Action Solar Car Kit features an aerodynamic sports car shell design. Car has a transparent plastic body that can be painted or left clear, a decent 14.5 x 22.5 x 4.5cm in size, a 4-wheel chassis, a powerful 1.4 volt, 350 milliampere solar cell (included). The front maneuverable axle, rear wheel and adjustable (directional/angle) solar panel mount are all independent parts, allowing for separate solar projects. The Triple Action Solar Car kit is also convertible and can be used as an aerodynamic racer or tractor.

About the Author: Mary Rose is a Mommy, a writer and an early childhood educator who believes in learning through play and the value of good toys.solar car

Have an amazing day at the zoo on your iPad!

2011-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

With “An Amazing Day at the Zoo,” children are treated to an interactive storybook iPad application that follows a young girl named Sarah as she has an incredible outing at a world-class zoo. Her engaging and thought-provoking adventures give Sarah the opportunity to learn about some of nature’s most impressive creatures. Her adventures include meeting all sorts of animals, birds and reptiles.

During her day at the zoo, Sarah visits tigers, lions, crocodiles, flamingos and even cute pandas! Thanks to the diverse information that “An Amazing Day at the Zoo contains, young learners will not just find this iPad application to be visually
stimulating, but will also find that they are learning many new vocabulary words and concepts as well.

During her day at the zoo, Sarah visits tigers, lions, crocodiles, flamingos and even cute pandas! Thanks to the diverse information that “An Amazing Day at the Zoo contains, young learners will not just find this iPad applition to be visually stimulating, but will also find that they are learning many new vocabulary words and concepts as well.

Engaging Facts and Captivating Sounds

Every exciting page is brimming with information and thought-provoking facts designed to stick in a child’s memory for years to come and, in the process, expand a child’s general knowledge base. Making this learning experience all the more captivating and thrilling is the fact that creature noises accompany the background music. These audio features make “An Amazing Day at the Zoo” all the more engrossing of a learning experience.

Witness Animals in Their Natural Environments

Every page of “An Amazing Day at the Zoo,” contains a fun and richly detailed video and pictures, which allow children to see the various animals interacting in their natural environment. This, of course, will serve to help children understand more about the animals both in and out of their zoo environments.

High Levels of Interactivity

Sarah is able to take pictures of the animals that she encounters while at the zoo with her trusty camera. This feature allows Sarah to then share the pictures, which fosters a deeper level of interactivity with the reader.

Witness Animals in Their Natural Environments

High Levels of Interactivity

Intended for children under ten years of age, “An Amazing Day at the Zoo iPad application” costs $4.99. Our educational apps offers numerous additional features, such as swiping to turn a page, pinching video to expand it, as well as an engaging read aloud option that children love. This read aloud option plays automatically when the book is opened, but can be turned off as well.With “An Amazing Day at the Zoo,” children are treated to an interactive storybook iPad application that follows a young girl named Sarah as she has an incredible outing at a world-class zoo. Her engaging and thought-provoking adventures give Sarah the opportunity to learn about some of nature’s most impressive creatures. Her adventures include meeting all sorts of animals, birds and reptiles.

During her day at the zoo, Sarah visits tigers, lions, crocodiles, flamingos and even cute pandas! Thanks to the diverse information that “An Amazing Day at the Zoo contains, young learners will not just find this iPad application to be visually stimulating, but will also find that they are learning many new vocabulary words and concepts as well.

Engaging Facts and Captivating Sounds

Witness Animals in Their Natural Environments

High Levels of Interactivity

OMG - Here is the Worlds Largest Edible Gummy Bear!

2011-04-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

Introducing 'The Worlds Largest Gummy Bear'

- OMG!

As seen on Unwrapped! ZOMG and a few others! Here is the now
have the World’s Largest Gummy Bear! This is the Godzilla of Gummy
Bears, the next world wonder, the champion of all candies! If you
adore gummy bears and bummy candy then this is the ultimate prize..

Topping the scales at over 4lbs, this mammoth bear is a mass of sugar comes in a variety of flavors (11 to be precise) and is the equivalent of
1,400 regular sized gummy bears! It's BIGGER than a football or
my head!

Flavours.. cola, lime, lemon, strawberry, orange, apple, cherry ,
raspberry, grape, cherry cola, pineapple and of course bubblegum!

With its monstrous size and at a mere 12,600 calories per gummy
bear, it’s definitely not a bite-sized snack and should not be left alone
with children or adults come to think of it..

This bear comes wrapped in a plastic storage bag so you can
take a bite or two and cover it back up for future snacking.

Hand-made in the USA. Measures 5.5 inches wide x 3.5 inches
deep x 9 inches tall.

If you want one.. check out www. gummybears.com

Cupcake Toothpaste - whatever next!

2011-04-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Came across this and just had to share... Your kids might want to brush their teeth a little more than usual withcupcake toothpaste! Yummy way to keep your kids teeth clean. Not sure if this is approved by the American Dental Association…?

They also make Bacon and Pickle.. not sure who these would appeal to!

Each tube contains 2.5 oz of heavenly frosting flavored paste.
I have had two emails asking where you can buy this.. You can buy this direct from.. http://www.perpetualkid.com/cupcake-toothpaste.aspx

The new generation of kids toys..2011 - Intel Innovations - "Bringing Toys to Life" & "Digital Graffiti Wall"

2011-04-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bringing Toys to Life - Just have a look at this!

Chocolate comes in all shapes & sizes - a chocolate dress maybe?

2011-04-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

The world's largest Chocolate Fountain - At 27-feet tall, this amazing chocolate fountain designed by Jean-Philippe Maury is recorded as the world's largest/tallest. This chocolate fountain is filled with approx. 2,100lbs of dark, milk and yummy white chocolate.

Wow! This is the World's Biggest Chocolate Heart
- This chocolate 7-metric-tonne heart that was designed by artist Lluis Morera, made by Spain's largest chocolate manufacturer (Chocovic) & a few others.

The world's largest Chocolate Easter egg - an egg measuring a height of 8.32 meters and at least 50,000 bars of chocolate. It was made by Belgian chocolate maker Guylian.

Look at this largest Chocolate bar in the world made by Nestle - it weighs 2.67 tons.

A Wii controller made of Chocolate!

Chocolate Dresses - All these incredible chocolate dresses and outfits (including hats) were made out of delicious chocolate, milk, dark and white!

Tegu - these gorgeous toys are the only building blocks your kids should own!

2011-04-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Check out these really cool eco-friendly Tegu Blocks!

These are fantastic - they come in a range of colours from natural wood , pale pretty shades (great for the girls in your house as below) and even come in mahogany. They are beautifully made from eco friendly wood
and ultra kid safe. Isn't it great to know you can have a fab toy these day whilst helping the enviroment and helping the local community.

Tegu offer a wide choice of sets and sizes which come in lovely travel pouches for kids on the go, or even by a cool looking Tegu tote case. They are great for kids imagination as you can make so many different things with them and they have a website to help you build as well is you get stuck for ideas.... perfect for those anytime anywhere moments!

Magnets + Wood = Tegu

The familiar warmth of wood and the magical animation of magnets make Tegu blocks the first wooden blocks in history that defy gravity and inspire new creations as you play! Tegu blocks are made by safely embedding magnets invisibly inside each block. And, we utilize eco-friendly hardwoods, making them both durable and friendly to the forest.

Get yours now before they're gone...Tegu blocks are the blocks that click.

You can buy direct from Tegu.... www.tegu.com
https://live.tegu.com/ourstory

These new kids books are just fab...Fujimini Adventure Series!

2011-04-12T02:29:00.001-07:00

Wonderful books for kids!

Children's Author Eileen Wacker has come out with an Adventure Series inspired by her interest in Eastern culture. With titles
such as "Green Hamster and The Quest For Fun," "Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi," "Silent Samurai and the Magnificent Rescue" and "Pink Hamster and the Birthday Surprise," the enchanting stories will open children's eyes to another culture. I purchased the Red Penguin & the missing Sushi for my daughter and she just luuuuvs it!

Review from Amazon...Parent of four

This review is from: Red Penguin and the Missing Sushi: Fujimini Adventure Series #2 (Paperback)

OMG! We love this book. Our children love the characters. The red penguin's adventures had the kids laughing but also asking great questions (little did they know that a fun kids book would lead to subtle moral lessons!)
Great drawings too.
Also, as parents, we appreciate that the author used some "stretch" words and unusual phrases - we felt that the young ones were learning more than they usually do with most children's books. Great use of Asian themes and customs - we learned a few things too. We will be gifting this unusual find this Christmas for sure.
Buy with confidence and enjoy!

4 Fun Activities For Kids Using 'Create Your Own' Kites!

2011-04-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Kites are so much Fun!

Kids' love of kites can be put to good purpose in many ways, at any time of year. While most adults consider them to simply be a summertime toy for breezy afternoons, kites can also serve as a winter reminder than summer will, eventually, return. There are create-your-own kits that allow children of all ages to color and decorate theirs however they choose, long before the sunny, breezy days of summer arrive. You can certainly buy kites ready-made, but decorating your
own adds a more profound touch to the experience of setting sail on an open sky.

Popular toys and tools for centuries, the sense of awe and freedom one experiences when these delicate creations take wing and soar ever higher is unmatchable. Even the process of going to a store or getting online to buy kites, then putting them together, is an enriching experience. Children benefit from every aspect of this project: building skills, patience and aerodynamics, which all come together in a surprisingly fun and simple collection of materials and practices. Creating your own flying machine can enrich camp projects, school lesson plans, birthday parties, and even rainy or snowy day entertainment.

Birthday Party Activity

Parents can make their child's birthday party the talk of the town by adding this activity to the planning process. Regardless of the weather, guests will be thrilled to be able to take home something they made and decorated! The decorating will provide plenty of party entertainment and affordable kits can be bought online for surprisingly little. Instead of sending young guests home with plastic toys that will be lost or broken before they even get home, this project makes birthday parties extra special.

Bad Weather Art Project

Stuck inside due to snow or rain, children are often at a loss about how to spend their time. Too often, the day is spent parked in front of the television or computer screen, gaining nothing but a larger waistline. Instead, buy kite kits to have on hand for those days when going outside to play just isn't an option. Along with decorating, children can learn about construction, the history of kites and their use in communications, warfare, and, of course, Benjamin Franklin's famous lightening storm experiment! Crayons, markers, watercolors, and other paints can be put to
good use as children turn their blank slate into a high flying example of self-expression.

Camp Project

Summer camp, Scouts, family reunions, and many other campout situations can be made even better with these build and decorate your own projects. Young and old can find common ground as they decorate and swap stories that span generations. After the decorating is completed and the wind picks up, campers can take wing with their creations. Contests can be held to see whose goes the farthest, the fastest, and whose can be seen from the greatest distance. There is no end to the possibilities!

School Lessons

School is another ideal situation for building and decorating your own kites. If school funds allow, or if the PTA can help, classes can buy 'create your own' kits and learn about the physics of flight, the extensive history, and even explore today's modern uses as tools to reduce fuel used by ships, and other environmentally friendly applications. The mathematics, creativity, and science of kites make them a wonderful educational tool.

For fun and entertainment or academic knowledge, creating your own kite adds a new dimension to this universal dream of humanity: flights of fancy.

Chris Harmen writes for The Kite Store. Kites are even more fun when decorated at home or in school. Adults can buy kite kits today for children of all ages.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5687574 - Chris_A._Harmen

Eco Friendly Children Clothes, Shoud we Go Organic?

2011-04-10T02:57:00.000-07:00

It is a familiar idea that numerous customers feel that natural, eco kids’ clothes are not trendy and is synonymous to covering your child in a coarse woven sack. The word "natural" has been related with uncomplimentary brands like "hippie" style fashion in the past, but has made remarkable progress in
recent years, getting the support of clothing manufacturers and retailers.

The word “organic” has since been ignited in the consciousness of people over the years. More people have already been in the hip of all things organic but a lot of people also do not fully understand the definition of such a word and why organic garments are better for children.

You may be familiar with the notion that organic clothing is good for the environment, but do you really understand why it is good? Some of your friends may buy eco kids’ clothes for their children and may trust that all organic products and materials are safe but don’t fully understand what makes them stand out.

Take this as an example, we have cotton garments. Eco kids’ clothes that are made with organic cotton do not use pesticides and other toxic chemicals during their production. With the absence of these chemicals, your garments can be very beneficial to your child’s health and will eliminate the problem of skin allergies.

The United States EPA even released a statement citing seven of the most used insect killers in refining cotton as a known human carcinogen. It is not astonishing because numerous insect and bug killers were industrialized back in the World War II as a chemical weapon.

Investigations indicate that only ten percent of the insect killers or pesticides being used on cotton are efficient. The rest of it oozes into the earth and pollutes the water thus devastating the surroundings and harming the environment. As you support organic farming, you also support new innovations and farming techniques to produce organic crop. A lot of these farmers are heads on to what we call of "green" technology and with the methods to relieve the pressure that conventional cotton produces on the surroundings.

Buying garments for your child that are not eco kids’ clothes and are made out of conventional cotton does not really make you a bad parent. However, it’s always a good idea to be mindful about the importance of other options that are available. As you comprehend the importance of organic materials, then you have a better shot of making a good difference in your child’s future.

Article by Kaylen Powers

How kids can start earning some money!

2011-04-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

Once kids reach a certain age, they often become very interested in ways how kids can make money. Parents can help them and encourage them to do so. In addition to fostering innovation and creativity, this can also promote independence and teach them some
important money skills. They will learn how to budget, save, manage money and invest.

Jobs for children are easier to come by than many would realize. Younger children who are not suitable for formal work can still find odd jobs and get paid for them. Parents should be quick to help the children in this regard. They can give advice and perhaps even help with negotiating money for the children.

Children can make some cash quickly by doing a variety of chores around the home. Some of these could be shoveling snow, raking leaves, washing cars, wrapping gifts and washing the dishes. To help the smaller children to feel part of this they could do jobs such as stamping envelopes for a home-based business.

Many children enjoy doing yard work, as it is active and out in the sun. A parent could go with the child to the neighbors homes and ask if they have any jobs for the children. Such jobs would involve lawn mowing, house sitting, pet sitting, dog walking or baby-sitting.

Children become bored with toys very quickly. Selling old toys and old books can be a good way to make money and clear the house out at the same time. Children who give unwanted goods away to charities can learn a lesson in life skills.

Children looking for how to make money fast for kids should chat to their parents about this topic. Parents can give advice on what to do and how to do it. Parents can pinpoint the childrens strong points and try to capitalize on these points. Children with artistic skills can have an advantage over other kids as they can use their creativity to make money. Other children can use their strength or other attributes to generate income.

About The Author

Derrick Janson

Educational Web based Games for kids - how to choose?

2011-04-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

With all of the trouble and situations that kids can find on the internet nowadays, some parents are finding themselves quite hesitant in letting their children play online games. Older kids can suddenly find themselves the target of an online predator or playing a game
that their parents definitely would not approve of them participating in.

For younger children, there are kids online games that are rather educational and safe. Most of those games are safe enough for parents to walk away from their children for a few moments and know that they are playing safely online.

I have a five-year old girl who is very good when it comes to kids online games. When it comes to playing games on the internet, we are very particular the same as what we let her watch on television. Some of our favorite children’s TV stations however have good websites with kids’ online games that allow them to play with their favorite characters.

Not only are those sites filled with fun and creative kids online games, but they can be more educational than watching them on the television. Quite honestly, my daughter can navigate through their websites a lot better than I can! She’s learning about how to use computers as well as whatever else the games are teaching.

I have found that by letting my daughter play kids online games, she actually comprehends more than the characters are teaching or showing on the television. But of course you don’t want to use the internet as a babysitter for your kids, not all the time.

On the computer, she has to count for herself – not just count along with the voices coming through the TV speakers. There are lots of other tasks that she has to accomplish for herself. While she hasn’t gotten into the Webkinz kids online games like many other children have, I know that if she does express an interest, that is a very safe and educational site as well.

A lot of time and energy has been spent putting together online games that children can find and play safely. It certainly will be a lot more difficult for a predator to target children when playing specific kids online games. I always make sure that I check on my daughter every few moments just to make sure that all is well, she’s still having fun and to make sure that she’s not breaking my computer!

It is relatively easy to find kids online games that are educational. You can simply search a few sites on Google or any other search engines. But be cautious on letting your kids sit in front of the computer for a long period of time because they might end up being a computer genius than you are!

Stuck for something to do here's 26 Fun Activities that Kids will Enjoy!

2011-04-07T05:22:00.000-07:00

Kids love to play outdoors and we love to see them have fun, right? But playing the same outdoor game again and again can be boring to your kids so you have to be a little creative. Actually, with just a little imagination you can create hundreds of ways of having fun outdoors. Here I’ll share to you some of the fun activities for kids that you’ll surely enjoy playing with your kids.

Obstacle Race

Nothing can be more fun than to watch your toddler go through your homemade obstacle course. This is surely one of those activities for kids that can make you laugh. And I’m sure your little one will enjoy crawling through a big box, walking along a rope, and stepping onto old clothes.

Old Time Favorites

Century old games such as, What's the Time, Mr Wolf? Simon Says, and Ring-a-Ring-a-Rosie are still fun to play. Remember those days when you were playing them with your neighbors? A lot of things must have changed around the neighborhood, but these remain as some of the favorite activities for kids.

Have Some Exercise

Another one of those fun activities for kids is strolling. Instead of driving to a mini-store to get some bread or milk, why not stroll with your kids? What makes this activity even better for kids is when you act as spies as you walk. Check out the leaves, the local cats, and the snails as you go.

A Work of Art

While strolling to the shops, make sure you ask your kids to collect some simple treasures—like leaves and feathers, which you can use later on to do some simple collage. Give them a piece of paper to be the base of their collage. Then using glue let them stick all their collections onto the paper as artistically as they can. I’m sure your little ones will crave for more of these activities for kids.

Go Treasure Hunting

Make a list of treasures for your kids to find. Then head your small team of treasure hunters out into the local neighbourhood and find the items on the list. After playing this, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is indeed one of those fun activities for kids.

Write All You Can

Let your little ones write on any piece of concrete using a jumbo-sized chalk. Like the other activities for kids that I’ve shared, this one can occupy them even for ages.

Splatter on the Puddle

Next time it rains, look for raincoats, gumboots and umbrellas. Play with your kids in the rain and splatter through puddles. This is one of the outdoor activities for kids that they won’t forget.

Fun Ride

Lead a team of bikers onto paths with a mild slope. When you return, your kids will have fun trekking on Mount Everest.

Finder’s Keeper

Another fun game to play with your child is to look for simple items in the garden such as three black stones, five yellow leaves, etc as quickly as they can.

Spraying Spree

Hand a plastic spray bottle filled with water to your little one. Then ask him to spray each and every plant in your garden. This is not just one of those enjoyable activities for kids, but this is also good for your plants.

Go Green

Watching plants grow and produce flowers is probably one of the best activities for kids. This is activity can be a combination of fun and learning.

Indiana Jones

Spend some time hiding some tiny treasures, such as candies and toys, around the garden. Then organise your kids to go treasure hunting.

Tea Party

Organize a tea party for your little guests using just a tea set and a small table. Let them have fun as you serve them with some biscuits and water.

Fun Ride at the Park

Bike parks are great places to do some fun activities for kids. This is also a safe place for them to master their biking skills.

Take a Ferryboat

Being out on the water will definitely bring joy to your little ones, and to you, too.

Bushwalking

No kid would miss the chance of going for a bushwalk. What makes bushwalking as one of the favorite activities for kids is that it’s a good time for them to get dirty as they roam freely and 'talk' with beetles and flowers.

Fly A Kite

Flying a kite is fun. And did you know that activities for kids can be a whole lot better if you make it more personalized? Here’s how: Cut a cardboard into a diamond shape, put on some decorations, make a hole in one end and then attach a long piece of wool through it. Let your toddler have fun running with a kite flying behind her.

Mini-Olympics

This is surely one of those activities for kids that are simple and fun. All you need to do is set up a simple course at the playground for your kids. Ask them to go through it while timing them. Brace yourself as you watch them beat their own record in every lap.

Catch Games

Should you’re toddler be a beginner in aerial catches, start by training her roll the ball. When she’s already used to it, you can already bounce the ball towards her. Then try gentle throws until she becomes an expert in catching balls.

Sail A Boat

One of the best activities for kids is that of sailing a boat, even with just a model one. Make it in your own house with materials such as paddle-pop sticks, polystyrene foam ice cream containers, or paper. Design your own boat as uniquely as you can. Then take it to a backyard pool or a pond. Have fun sailing!

Paint with water

Give each kid a paintbrush and a container of water and let him paint anything on the back fence and trees. These are great activities for kids that encourage their creativity.

Colourful Waterplay

Now here’s one of those activities for kids that is fun but a bit messy so kids must play it outdoor with an apron. Head outside with bottles of water and a variety of food colorings. Then let your kids mix and match the colors until everyone has the same uniform color in each bottle.

Bookworms

If you’re thinking of activities for kids that are not only fun but also enriching, then consider reading books to them. And yes, books aren’t just read in your bedroom. A shaded part in your yard can be a perfect place to enjoy a book with your child. Spread a rug and take out those books.

Be Sandy

Let your little ones go wild in their imagination by making anything such as pizza, cake and even castles using sands. Just supply them with small buckets, your old kitchen utensils, and biscuit cutters. This is indeed one of those activities for kids that can bring out the best in them.

Hidey-Hole

And when you think you’re running out of ideas of fun activities for kids, here’s one you should really try make an outdoor home using a sheet and some chairs.

Let Your Young Artist Shine

Make the most out of a sunny day, by setting a table outside. Next, arrange an easel, spread the crayons, the glitter glue and encourage your kids to be crafty.

My list of fun activities for kids ends here. Actually, the list can be endless if you just add your own activities in this list or even make your own variations. What is most important is that you and your kids will have fun!

About The Author

Renata has more than 30 years private as well as professional experience working with children of from little babies to teenagers and young adults.

Children and Fitness

2011-04-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

As the number of obese and overweight children in the United States continues to climb, fitness is a consideration that weighs heavily on the minds of parents, caretakers and teachers. The risk of health issues accompanying obesity among children provokes many fears that unless parents and children make significant changes in the lifestyles inhabited by our kids, diabetes, heart disease, and other weight related conditions have the potential to run rampant among American youth.

Importance of Fitness for Children

Although encouraging a healthy lifestyle, among children, that includes physical activity and fitness is vital to addressing issues associated with health problems and obesity, the addition of kid's fitness can also promote a lifelong love. Fitness not only encourages physical activity, keeping weight and accompanying conditions at bay, it also helps protect children from injuries that can occur when they are not accustomed to physical activity, movement and sports. Most injuries that plague children completing physical activities occur as a result of a lifestyle that lacks movement and activity that can provide balance, coordination and muscle memory necessary for a fit lifestyle.

Fitness and Physical Activity Benefits

Despite statistics praising physical activity among children as a weight management tool and method of decreasing injuries during activities and sports, fitness among children boasts a plethora of positive results and side effects. Strong bones and joints, stress relief, self confidence improvement and better academic concentration are just some of the other benefits touted by a child's active lifestyle, says HealthyChildren.org. In fact, according to the children's organization advocating a healthy lifestyle among youth, children who participate in sports, physical activities and other types of fitness positively affects the social lives of participants, offering a socially acceptable activity and associated peers.

Implementing Fitness and Physical Activity among Children

Understanding what types of activities and scheduling conflicts are preventing a child from obtaining a sufficient amount of physical activity and fitness can be a good way for parents to begin to understand how and where transformations can be made regarding kids' health. Tracking the amount of activity a child partakes can be as simple as gaining an awareness of their school schedules and whether they include physical education classes, recess and other ways children participate in fitness centered activities. Children who participate in a variety of physically demanding activities at school, such as extracurricular athletics or PE classes may not need as much prompting and extra fitness added to their day as a child who spends more time still and sedentary.

Set an Example

One of the best ways parents, caregivers and teachers can prompt children to compete in fitness activities and grasp a healthy lifestyle is by striving toward adopting a similar lifestyle that promotes and values physical activity. In fact, according to USA Today "No Time to Weight," children with even one obese parent have a 50 percent chance of being obese themselves. Children with two obese parents have an 80 percent chance of following in their footsteps, the article continues. Children who observe healthy lifestyles in their parents and role models have a better chance of adopting similar habits, highlighting the vital role parents play in influencing the fitness levels and physical activity of children.

About The Author

Christine Dunbar enjoys writing about a variety of health topics. For more information, visit The Little Gym of Katy at http://www.tlgkatytx.com. http://www.tlgkatytx.com.