Fun Ideas for Kids

Disclosure- The following toys have been awarded the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval.  The items were provided in order to review them.  All opinions are my own and honest.  All photos are my own, with no filters used during or after, or weird photo shoots done- just items in real life (you know, the way they are used).

The Light Up Trace Case by ALEX is a great toy for kids who love to draw. I’m not sure “toy” is an accurate description, perhaps art product? This item is very cool, and good for both boys and girls. The product is rated for children ages 5 and up, but I would say that some younger kids would be able to do this activity as well.  The light box is battery operated, and pre-printed sheets with different backdrops let kids draw their own silly characters onto the backgrounds with traceable bodies, heads, eyes (etc) that they can choose and “mash-up” to create.  It’s fun, easy to do, and kids can really get creative while learning some basic drawing principals. Available for $35 at http://www.alextoys.com/product/light-trace-case/

Get kids outside with the Lazer Light Bug Vacuum.  It’s not as weird as it sounds. Kids like bugs. Kids like checking out things they find in the dirt. Enter the Lazer Light Bug Vacuum from Backyard Safari. This is a pretty cool insect catching tool- it actually sucks up bugs without hurting them into a viewing chamber.  Check them out, study them, and learn about our tiny friends. Release the bugs with an “escape hatch” that opens with an easy twist.  The lazer light makes it easy to see the bugs in dark, dank places (you know, where bugs like to be and where kids go to catch them….gross, kids). This toy- I mean, science equipment- needs 4 ‘AA’ batteries. You can pick this up at http://www.backyardsafari.com/

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Remember “Creepy Crawlers”?  Those little ovens that would let you make your own wiggly bugs, in the process, giving you burns on the metal cast plates that you can still see on your hands and fingers?  Yes! Those.  OK, well Scientific Explorer Gelly Wiggle Bugs are kind of like that- in the cool way of making your own wiggly bugs, sans the melty-plastic smell and burns, hooray!  You and your kids can make colorful, wiggly insects and bugs by mixing included powders with water and pouring them into molds. Let it set for the allotted time, and viola!  Bugs. The instuctions say to keep them in the airtight container, since they are basically gelatin (don’t eat them!), but we didn’t and they shrank to about half their size, so….word to the wise. You can’t play with them in a container though, so, we stand by our choice. Also, the worm didn’t come out super well- everything else worked out fine. Recommended for ages 6 and up- I think kids a little younger will be OK if you can keep them from trying to eat the bugs.  They look like Jell-o Jigglers.

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How much more basic can you get?  Not much- but this toy has occupied my son far longer then almost anything else in the past six months. The Citiblocs 200 piece natural color wooden building block set is awesome for kids of just about any age- recommended for ages 3 and up, that seems about right. Build towers, ships, the whole town- anything you (or they) can think of. There is a building guide included, my son and his daddy loved trying to make the creations inside. One of his favorite things to build were complicated staircases- which sounds strange, but they are really cool looking.  He might have found his calling….This block set is made of all natural precision cut wood. Available for $60 at http://poof-slinky.com

06 12 2015 seal cannon cam 112The ZOOB Galax-Z Z-Star Explorer is completely out of this world.  Really!  Look, see?  It is. Construct space ships and saucers to explore outer space, infinity, and beyond. This kit is really cool- and you can create some truly awesome things.  There are included instructions to build a Drifter, Light Speeder, Cosmic Craft, or Z Star Explorer, but kids will have just as much fun making their own vehicles and creations. It also comes with 2 space people, or Zoobonauts, to man your vehicles. This kit is massive, and comes with 304 ZOOB pieces, engine shells, domes, tail wings, shells and blasters, support beams, cockpits, turbines, and 2 helmeted Zoobonauts. The box is reusable for storage as long as you don’t tear it apart opening it- so don’t do that.  Let kids use their imaginations, create, design, and read instructions to build- there is learning potential as well as endless fun in this set. I love it, and you will too.  Available for $15o at http://poof-slinky.com/

Win a ZippySack Bedding Set

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own and honest.

It’s a bright shiny day, and the best way for a little one to start that day is by making their bed, right?  This is how it happens in your house isn’t it?  A nice straightened out bed room with bed made with perfect corners on it?  Yeah, mine too.  In reality, mornings are a point in time when we all need some help sometimes- those days when little ones who just won’t move.  Any way to make their morning go a bit smoother is a step in the right direction, and this is just one of the wonderful attributes of a ZippySack.  This is a fun way to get kids to help-  it’s a fitted sheet which also acts as a cover/thin blanket, and is easy to “make” in the morning.  The easy way to make your bed with a ZippySack is by zipping it up.  With a simple zip up your bed is made.  Not only is it easy to make your bed, but it also adds some fun to bed time by being able to sleep as a plush.

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We were still able to use his breathe-right pillow under his zippy sack, which is great for us.

 

There are 8 different patterns available including robot, puppy, dino, and kitten.  Each has a colorful character on it and a bright background.  For those who don’t want a character, there are 2 without. One which sports a camo pattern in blue and the other, a pink floral design.  As an added bonus, there is also a pocket big enough for a tablet or a book by the side of the bed.

The little guy loves his zippy sack.  His main reason is that is has a huge puppy on it.  He also likes the pocket on the side, a perfect spot for a small plush of course.  The reason I like it because its an easy way to keep him sleeping in one spot without his nightly sleep around the bed.

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ZippySacks are available online at ZippySack.com and at fine retail stores everywhere.  The twin size retails for $29.99, and the full $39.99.

One of you can win one of your own- feel free to use the RC form below. Ends July 15, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Great Craft to Do With Kids

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I absolutely love to do crafts with my girls. I am constantly on the look out to try and find new fun things for us to be able to do together. I was so excited when a dear friend of mine mentioned UV Paper. I had truthfully never heard of UV paper before so I was incredibly excited to get my hands on some to give it a try. I found this Sunprint Kit on Amazon and was very impressed.

Here’s what you need:

  • Sunprint Paper
  • Acrylic Sheet
  • Cardboard
  • A sink w/ running water or a tub full of water
  • Fun and Interesting objects to print

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How To:

  1. Arrange your objects on a piece of Sunprint paper (blue side up & on top of a piece of cardboard)  out of the reach of the sun.
  2. Place the acrylic pressing sheet on top to flatten and hold your items to the Sunprint paper.
  3. Take your Sunprint outside and lay it in direct sunlight for 2-5 minutes.
  4. Rinse your Sunprint in water. Watch the white turn into blue and the blue paper turn to white.
  5. Lay your Sunprint on an absorbent surface and allow it to dry.

 

Important Tip:

*I would highly recommend you do this when the sun is directly overhead (around noon)–Shadows from the sun not being directly overhead will transfer onto the paper as well. 20150620_211302 (1)

Living in the midwest, we are currently beginning wheat harvest. It’s a fun and busy time of year for our family. With wheat harvest in full action and Father’s Day tomorrow I thought that this would be a great gift for my husband and father in law from my girls. We headed out to the wheat field and cut a handful of wheat. We brought it back and got right to work. I can’t wait for my husband to see it in the morning as well as his dad. The girls were very proud and how exciting to use our wheat to create a lasting memory.

This was so much fun!  I can’t wait to do many more projects with UV paper in the future. The possibilities truly are endless!!

 

Tiggly Words- Great Word and Letter games for Kids

Disclosure: The Tiggly Words was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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With my daughters beginning school soon I am all about trying to find new ways for them to learn. I must say that with Tiggly Words my girls have enjoyed playing with letters and making words.

About Tiggly:

Tiggly develops learning systems, combining toys with specially developed apps which interact with the toys.

Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Tiggly products build on 70 years of academic research highlighting that manipulating physical objects is essential to early childhood development.

Tiggly enables parents to bring this critical component of early learning to the “digital sandbox” today’s kids inhabit.

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About Tiggly Words:

Learning

  • Long & Short Vowels
  • Phonics
  • Nouns & Verbs
  • Word Building

Thinking

  • Memory
  • Problem Solving
  • Spelling Patterns

Creating

  • Expanding Concepts
  • Asking “What If”
  • Story Telling

Tiggly words includes the 5 interactive vowel toys and a special code to get all 3 apps for free.

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About the Apps:

 Submarine Spelling: Joining Tiggly in underwater world of vowel exploration and new word discovery! You will meet a wide variety of hilarious characters that you can interact with. This app truly helps develop children’s understanding of simple words and short vowel sounds.

Tiggly Tales Word Buliding: This wonderful game allows you to use all the vowels you would like in a series of consonant, vowel, consonant (CVC) word combinations to create silly characters and actions.

Tiggly Doctor Vowels: This great game allows you to work on verbs. You are the doctor in this app and your patients have some crazy injuries. You will complete action verbs needed to perform a series of unusual operations.

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My Thoughts:

I am an absolutely huge fan of all the Tiggly toys. My daughters love the shapes and the math just as much as they love the words. I have greatly enjoyed watching them play with their letters and words as they are having fun and learning. My youngest is a huge fan of the Doctor App, and my oldest likes things about each of the apps.

I would recommend Tiggly to anyone out there. These apps and toys are incredible. They get your child learning and enjoying themselves all at the same time. Kids love to play with tablets and I like to know that they are playing educational games.

I promise that you will not be disappointed in anyway. The apps are fun, I have found myself get carried away playing them with the girls for much longer than I have intended to do.

Note- this is for iPad only- it says it is compatible with other “leading android” devices, but it is not (tried on 5 different kinds, no luck on any of them).

More Award Winning Toys For Kids

Disclosure- The following toys have been awarded the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval.  The items were provided in order to review them.  All opinions are my own and honest.  All photos are my own, with no filters used during or after, or weird photo shoots done- just items in real life (you know, the way they are used).

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Got a kid that won’t sleep due to nightmares?  Maybe they are really freaking out about that first day of school, mom having a new baby, or learning to use the potty.  Perhaps you don’t know why your child is experiencing anxiety. Kids worry about a whole lot of things- it’s a big, bad world out there.  Enter Worry Eaters, adorable, plush, flat-ish toys that kids can snuggle and confide in.  More then that, these toys snack on worries, so have your child tell it what he or she is worried about, or write it down (or you can help with that part if they can’t write yet) and let the Worry Eater chow down- worry, all gone!  (Burp)  It’s also a good way to find out what your kiddo is fretting about if you weren’t sure or you have a quiet child that might be keeping it to themselves- they are likely to tell their new pal, who can help ease the worry. A new snuggle buddy that keeps worries at bay is something a lot of grown ups might like, too.  Get a big one and a little one, why don’t you, and you can both sleep better tonight. Prices vary, order at http://www.haywiregroup.com/worry-eaters

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On our first “run”- and man, we stopped him pretty quick so we could grab a helmet and pads, we had no idea it would go so fast, LOL.

 

Want the coolest wheels in town, but don’t have your license? It’s all good, just get your parents to pick up the Razor Ground Force Drifter Fury.  This is the coolest go-kart-on-steroids you’ve ever seen, with speeds up to 12 miles per hour (don’t forget your helmet).  It was actually pretty much put together in the box, and didn’t require much assembly, so that wasn’t stressful.  What assembly was required was not complicated.  It comes with rechargeable batteries, that last up to 40 minutes of continuous use. It also has a flag, spark bar (how cool is that), and hand operated rear break.  Once you get the hang of this (which isn’t hard), you can do some very cool tricks with the Fury- and guess what! It is big enough for parents to use as well, what?!  Yes. It says weight limit 140 lbs, but I saw a man really working it this winter at Toy Fair- he was a fully grown, average sized man.  (My husband is 6’4, and he can’t physically fit into the car, but he’s bigger then your average bear, so…..) Take what you will.  I say it’s a good guideline, because I doubt seriously that dude weighed 139.   This thing can really move, and you and your kids will have tons of fun with it.  Owners manual also included. Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/electric-ride-ons/ground-force-drifter-fury/

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The Razor Delta Wing is something unusual, and also quite a lot of fun.  My son doesn’t have the best sense of balance, and is not super confidant on scooters all the time.  The Delta Wing, however, is something different- it’s a sort of V-shape, with the traditional handles, that you move by swaying side to side. Basically, you wiggle your backside to move it.  My son loves, loves this scooter.  He enjoys it more then his bike, his scooter, or his roller skates.  It’s one thing I can always count on to get him moving, even if it’s a bit hot out.  I might have to see if they come in adult sizes….He has so much fun with this, I would highly recommend it to any family. It turns well, breaks quickly and easily, and rides smoothly.  What more could you want?  Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/caster-driven/deltawing/

Geleeo- The Must Have Stroller Accessory

Disclosure: The Geleeo Self-Cooling Pad was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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We seem to be on walks and in the stroller the majority of the time. Even if it isn’t all that hot outside my girls are always complaining that they are hot if we are out and about too often. The Geleeo Pads have truly improved our outings.

About Geleeo

Geleeo is the only self-cooling stroller liner ever invented. With proprietary hydrogel inside, Geleeo manages to stay a few degrees cooler than its ambient environment without prior refrigeration. It is made to overcome the refrigeration hassle and provide a solution that was impossible to accomplish before.

This great product was invented and designed by a parent to prevent children from becoming overheated in their strollers. It manages to deliver a gentle soothing sensation and to discharge body heat for a long lasting time without any external assistance or power consumption.

Geleeo provides an effective outdoor freshening method without fan, ice, or other traditional techniques. One pad can be used to cool off bodies on a daily basis.

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My Thoughts:

The Geleeo Pad is one of the most amazing creations I have ever used. I absolutely love this amazing pad. We live in the midwest and seem to always be hot when we are outside for very long between high temperatures and high humidity. I have a double stroller, but at this time I only have one Geleeo, so the girls have gotten good about taking turns and sharing so they both have a chance to cool off. I know that I will be purchasing an additional one so that they can both have one before this summer gets even warmer than it already is.This product truly works absolutely as amazingly as it says that it does. The girls truly stay much cooler and relaxed when we are out and about doing whatever activities that day holds. I wish that I would have had this when my girls were younger and little babies that didn’t get in and out of the stroller as often. I would use ice packs, baby wipes, and many other creative strategies to keep them cooled off. I’m not sure how I survived without it, but let me tell you that I won’t let anyone else that I know that has kids survive without them.

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Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing a Geleeo pad for yourself, you can head on over to the website and find a store near you to purchase it from.

Potty Training with Pampers Easy Ups #PampersEasyUps #ad

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. Pampers has sponsored this post. All opinions are my own and honest.

Potty training can be both an exciting and nerve racking experience.  For some it is a breeze- for others like our little guy, not so much.  It’s one of those things we all need to do, and of course worth it to have the little squirt go ‘squirt’ in a toilet.  Everyone seems to have some trick or tip to make potty training easy.  My trick- just keep at it.

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Here are are few thoughts from L Jana MD.

  1. Promote potty learning. Instead of referring to your child’s transition from wearing diapers to using the potty as “potty training,” consider calling it “potty learning.” After all, mastering this eagerly anticipated milestone of childhood takes time, teaching, and plenty of practice and patience!
  1. Take a teamwork approach. From the outset, I find it helps to keep in mind that potty training is a team sport. If you simply remind yourself that you are (and always will be) on the same team as your child, it can really help you stay calm in the face of potty accidents and be a much more positive and effective potty training coach.
  1. Stock your deck. Part of the secret to your child’s potty success will involve being well equipped and removing any obstacles that stand between your child and potty success. Sure, this typically includes a fun trip out to purchase a brand new first set of coveted “big-boy” or “big-girl” underwear. But it also means having on hand other practical supplies that can help foster your child’s interest and independence – from a step stool (to improve access to the toilet) or potty seat to training pants. That’s why I’m happy to partner with Pampers, whose Easy Ups training pants are designed to help the diaper-to-underwear transition by allowing potty-training toddlers to set aside their diapers and wear something with more of an underwear-like look and feel that still helps contain accidental messes no matter whether they happen at home, on-the-go or overnight.
  1. Embrace success. As with any learning experience, young children can learn a lot from both their potty successes and their failures. While potty accidents are an inevitable (and admittedly inconvenient) aspect of potty learning, they shouldn’t dominate your day-to-day discussions. Instead, simply help your child learn to cope with (and clean up) any messes and focus your attention on celebrating your child’s successes with plenty of hugs and words of encouragement.
  1. Watch for the signs. There are several characteristic signs and developmental abilities you can watch for that suggest children are ready to potty train. These signs of potty training readiness typically include the ability to use their words to express themselves, toddle their own way to the bathroom, pull down their own pants, and to be aware of the sensation of peeing or pooping (characteristically noticeable when young children suddenly stop what they’re doing as they feel themselves start to pee. Or when they start hiding behind the sofa or standing in a corner to poop. It is also helpful (and increases the likelihood of potty training interest) when children start to be bothered by their poopy and/or wet diapers, as that can serve as a good motivation for using the potty instead!
  1. Start making connections. There’s a lot that you can do to help your child be well-prepared to use the potty successfully long before he actually starts to. Reading fun and engaging children’s books about potty training, such as You and Me Against the Pee! (which I co-authored) can go a long way towards making the idea of potty training a family and eagerly anticipated one. You can take this familiarity a step further by letting your toddler accompany you in to the bathroom when you need to go so that he both becomes familiar with the routine and comfortable with the idea of using the toilet, rather than being afraid of or intimidated by it!

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Pampers Easy Ups are another great way to potty train your little ones.  They feature an “easy up” underpants type design, while also providing 25% more absorbent then other brands.  Easy Ups also feature fun designs including Thomas the Tank Engine for boys and Dora the Explorer for girls.  If the Easy Ups get wet, the design fades to show your little ones when its time to hit the potty.  They feel more like underwear, so children will be that much more inclined to act like a “big kid” and head to the potty instead of using the diaper.

Product Features

  • An absorbent core that holds 25% more than the other leading training pant (Huggies® Pull-Ups® Learning Designs®) and ensures little ones remain dry
  • Pampers Easy Ups® have fewer leaks than the other leading training pant (Huggies® Pull-Ups® Learning Designs®)
  • Fun Thomas & Friends® designs for boys and Dora the Explorer® designs for girls
  • A more underwear-like design for growing toddlers
  • Graphics that fade when wet to help little ones learn
  • Super-stretchy sides to make them easy to pull up and down when using the potty
  • Available for Boys and Girls sizes 2T/3T through 4T/5T

They are available everywhere diapers are sold, so why not try them out?  See how they work for your little one.  Let them pick out the design they like best- they won’t want to get their new “big boy” or girl Pampers EASY UPS wet!

Learn More

Visit the Pampers Website

Submit a review on Pampers.com to earn Rewards points

Follow Pampers on Twitter and Facebook

#PampersEasyUps

Learn Better with Understood.org

Not every child learns the same way.  There are many different ways kids learn, and when a child has problems learning in the classroom, there are ways to help them succeed. Do you know the signs of learning and attention issues ?

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In the U.S., 1 in 5 children struggle with learning and attention issues.  These kids are as smart as their peers, and with the right strategies and support, they can succeed in and out of the classroom.  But parents sometimes feel alone in their search for support and information about what they can do to help their child academically, socially and emotionally.

My own son is struggling with reading- he has an incredible vocabulary, good comprehension skills, and is great at math and science- but reading is a real struggle for him.  Not every child learns the same way or at the same pace, and that’s OK.  As a teacher and a mother, I know it will all even out in the end, and that there are many ways of teaching and of learning.  Children learn in many ways, and the younger you identify your child’s strengths and learning styles, the better off they will be.

 Understood.org is a free, one-stop, easy-to-use online resource and community designed to empower parents of children ages 3-20 with learning and attention issues.

Resources are available for parents at all stages of this journey – those who don’t yet know why their child is struggling, as well as those who have been dealing with these issues for some time.

Visit Understood.org to experience “Through Your Child’s Eyes,” a series of interactive simulations and videos that enable parents to experience firsthand how seemingly simple tasks become complicated when seen through the eyes of a child with reading, writing, math, organization or attention issues.

It can be overwhelming when you find that your child needs extra help, but it doesn’t have to be.  You can find the resources you and your child needs to get them back on track quickly and painlessly.
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