Transformers Rescue Bots Fire Station Prime Playsets Review and Giveaway

July 17, 2012 by 39 Comments

Check this out- this is a fun, fab new toy from Hasbro called The Transformers Rescue Bots Fire Station Prime Playset. This nifty playset is from the new Transformers Rescue Bots, which are about the same size as Rescue Heroes and play together with each other nicely. The playset has lots buttons and switches for little minds to play with. It also has an elevator that is kid powered, and a transforming building face its a neat toy and perfect for a geek dad who wants the really little one to play transformers, just not smashing it or hiding it under the couch.

These Transformers are tough and durable, also they Transform easily and are still cool looking [Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Top 5 Tips for Teaching Your Kids How to Cook

July 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Do you ever have moments on the way home where you find yourself thinking (or
perhaps even saying out loud), “I wish that someone else could cook tonight.” And
then you think about the fact that your spouse will be home late (and really is better at
breakfast foods, anyway) and that the only time your kids step foot into the kitchen is to
eat (or get something to eat).

It’s for this reason alone, that if your children are of elementary school age, they are
definitely old enough to start learning the basics when it comes to cooking. Sure, they
may not be able to do any Thai food recipes any time soon, but with a bit of consistent
instruction and a lot of patience, some basic meals can be taught; meals that will be able
to give you at least a night off every once in a while.

If you’re looking for some great tips on how to teach your kids how to cook, here are
some really good ones that will have them begging to be in the kitchen for more reasons
other than rummaging through the fridge.

Get them excited about (preparing) food. Do you remember when
you first started teaching your kids how to eat? You tried different kinds until you figured
out which ones they liked and which ones they didn’t, right? When it comes to providing
your children with the motivation that they need to start cooking, it’s a good idea to follow
a similar formula. Ask them what kinds of food that they enjoy. If it’s Mexican, go with
some tacos. If it’s pizza, that’s pretty easy to make too. This brings us to the next point.

Start off easy. You don’t want to overwhelm them with lots of
reading and measuring, so start off with recipes that [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, food, kids

Nelly and Cesear Kids DVD Review and Giveaway

July 16, 2012 by 10 Comments

In nature, there are a lot of cute little creatures in all shapes and sizes. From little mice, who are cute as long as they are in a cage and not running around a kitchen or across Grandma’s foot (LOL) during Christmas dinner to a slippery frog hopping about the garden munching flies. A frog and a mouse are the stars of a new Kids Collection from Organa Kids called Nelly and Caesar. This collection comes to us from France in a neat mix of 2D and 3D animation. Some is CGI and some is hand drawn, at least that’s what it looks like to me. The effect is a whimsical look which is distinct and special. To the dads out there it looks a bit like a high quality RPG. You expect to grab a controller and start [Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, movie

Teaching Children How to Be Polite

July 16, 2012 by 1 Comment

We’ve all had moments when we’ve encountered blatant rudeness. Someone will
bump into us without saying “Excuse me” or when we answer the house phone, the
person on the other end will demand to speak with someone without saying “Hello” or
introducing themselves.

These are just two examples of what it’s like to live in a world where some people
are simply not very polite. And yet, could you imagine how much nicer it would be if all
of us made it a point to exemplify good manners as a way of being courteous to those
around us?

When it comes to teaching your children how to be polite, this is just one of the
reasons why it’s imperative that you do. It’s not just a way of being respectful to others,
but it’s also an extension of having respect for yourself.
Although there are many things that you can teach a child when it comes to developing
good manners, here are five that are essential for everyone at every age.

Say “Please” and “Thank you”. It’s one of the most common
life etiquette tips, but it’s also one of the most effective. By teaching your child how to
say “Please” and “Thank you”, you are encouraging them to let people know that when
it comes to asking for something, they are willing to nicely do so; that yes, the old saying
is true: “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” A “Please” and “Thank
you” puts people at ease, which makes communicating with them, especially when it
comes to something that you want, much easier.

Shake hands and make eye contact. There aren’t a ton of kids
who do either one of these days, but there are some huge benefits to both actions. For
one thing, when you are introduced to someone, it’s always polite to shake hands with
them and look them in the eye as a way of letting them know that you appreciate the
opportunity to meet their acquaintance. At the same time, you’re also teaching your child
how [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids

Tips for Traveling with Children

July 12, 2012 by 7 Comments

We love to travel, and we do often. We have not stopped traveling simply because we have kids. While we of course take special care to accommodate our kids when traveling, we also believe that traveling with them has allowed them to gain better perspectives and more experiences even at their young ages.
Spring Break is fast approaching, and travel can be a tough time for all involved. Trying to get everything done, shopping, and packing- it’s easy to become overwhelmed. While many of us travel with small kids at some point this season, there are some ideas I’d like to share with you.

Plan ahead. Try to plan as much as you can- but be prepared to be flexible and make changes along the way.

Attempt to arrive ahead of schedule- this way, if things go amiss, you will have some “wiggle room”.

Bring laundry detergent, stain stick (for those “fun” accidents), and a laundry bag. If you are gone more then a few days, chances are good you will need them.

Take lots of photos- there is no such thing as too many. You won’t think it is enough later.

Make a packing list before you pack, this way you won’t forget things. Update it while you pack with things you decide to add. Then, check it before going home to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Take messy things [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel

Fun Kids Games for Long Car Rides

July 7, 2012 by 2 Comments

If you’ve decided to make this summer’s family vacation a road trip, you’re probably
already wondering how the little ones will fare during those unending hours on the open
road. It’s a great opportunity to show your kids the country, while seeing several different
destinations much more cheaply than if you flew everywhere. But it’s also all too easy
for boredom to set in, leading to stressful arguments and frustrating misbehavior. You
can combat all of these potential issues in advance by planning out a bunch of games
and activities to keep your kids occupied while on the road. Many cars come with built-in
televisions, but if you don’t want your kids zoning out to movies the whole time, here are
some fun kids games for long car rides.

The first option is more an activity than a game, but one your adventure-minded
children will love. Get them a map of your journey so they can keep track of your
progress. They can draw on it in highlighter, keeping up with each mile you cross during
the day. Older children may love pulling out a compass and helping mom and dad
navigate. And for younger children, consider showing them how to make their own map.
Draw your part of the country on a large sheet of paper, with home at one end and the
destination at the other. Every time you stop somewhere, have them draw their favorite
sights from along the way.

The license plate game is another classic option that modern kids still love. Print out
a map of the United States, ideally one that shows each state’s license plate. Then have
your kids keep an eye out to spy the license plates of [Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, travel

Around the World in 80 Bricks- A Mini(land) Photo Essay

July 6, 2012 by 10 Comments

We recently spent some time in Florida’s newest theme park- Legoland. And while I have a lot to tell you about our time there, I was really fascinated by MiniLand USA– where entire replicas of cities and famous buidings were built painstakingly out of LEGO bricks.
How many places can you go to for worldwide travel, while never leaving the same spot? LOL.

The only real way to show you how fabulous this is, is with a [Read more…]

Filed Under: kids, travel

Is It Better to Raise Your Kids in the City or the Suburbs?

July 6, 2012 by 4 Comments

That incredible day all hopeful moms wish and pray for has finally arrived. You
come home from your doctor’s office with the knowledge that you and your partner are
going to be parents. It’s an amazing feeling, full of all the hopes and dreams of who your
child will be, and what kind of life they will grow up to have. But one decision you will
make on their behalf can do a great deal to shape that future they will experience. And
that’s whether to raise your child in the city, or in the suburbs. As with many decisions
involving your kids, you’ll probably go over the pros and cons of each option for days,
and in the end you may never know for sure if you’re making the right decision. It may
just come down to a preference, and if you raise your child with love, respect, and a solid
set of rules, they will grow into amazing adults in either environment. But here are some
of the issues you should consider if you find yourself wondering whether you should
raise your kids in the city or the suburbs.

First of all, consider the neighborhood. In the suburbs, your child will have lawns to
play on, space to grow, and roads that could be empty for several hours of the day. The
suburbs are known for serenity and continuity. Each day is sure to be like the last, and
for the most part, there won’t be many surprises. In the city, every day is an adventure.
Your child will grow up playing in parks surrounded by buildings and busy streets, with
near constant activity. The suburbs are safe; the city is somewhat uncertain. If you have
an adventurous spirit, and want your children to experience the same, the city may be
your best option. But if you’re a homebody, and want your child to have consistency and
security, the suburbs are probably for you.

Next, consider the activities your kids will be able to take advantage of. The [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, home, kids