Archive for September, 2007

Pick the Place, Pack Your Bags, and Let’s Go! - Family Vacation Blast With PickPackGo

Friday, September 28th, 2007

If you haven’t watched Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s “Vacation” and not recognized your own family in the Griswolds, then you haven’t taken a real family vacation. Because no matter how carefully you plan, chaos will befall you - although hopefully it won’t be as extreme as the chaos that the Griswolds seem to attract.

One great new way to plan for your next family vacation is the travel website PickPackGo. Specializing in vacation rentals - condos and homes in popular destination areas - PickPackGo is an exhaustive source of information, from descriptions to pictures to rates.

If you’ve priced hotel rates lately, you know that they often run more than $200/night. That’s for a single room with a couple double beds, indoor plumbing, and some cheesy artwork on wallpapered walls. No kitchen, no washer and dryer, and no privacy - everyone goes to bed at the same time, praying that sleeping children aren’t disturbed by guests in adjacent rooms (and likewise, that children who refuse to sleep don’t disturb other guests). Doesn’t sound much like a vacation, does it?

That’s why rentals are so attractive to families. Not only can you spread out and truly make yourselves at home (with a box of instant mac-n-cheese for the kids and a box of wine for the adults, natch), you actually don’t spend nearly as much on your accommodations or your meals. Which leaves more money to be spent on cheesy souvenir t-shirts, right?

And although getting there is half the fun, as the saying goes, it’s often significantly more stressful for families, regardless of their means of travel. So PickPackGo has donated a portable DVD player to be awarded to the randomly chosen winner of this Blog Blast.

So how do you get that DVD player, you ask? Details below:

1) Today, September 28, before midnight PST, write a post about your family vacations - past, present, or future. We want to hear about family vacations that you’ve taken with your own children or vacations you remember from your childhood - and tell us how you plan to keep your family vacations from turning into misadventures worthy of Clark Griswold! Title your post creatively and descriptively.

2) In the text of your post, link to PBN (http://blog.parentbloggers.com) and PickPackGo (http://www.pickpackgo.com/family).

3) Send us the link to your post (email to parentbloggers@gmail.com).

We’re rounding up all the posts right here, and we’ll draw one winner at random (http://www.random.org is the website we use) who’ll get an 8″ Sony portable DVD player that you can use whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile.

Get writing, and then get reading! These stories are fantastic!

2800 Miles and Still No Sleep

Amazing Boob Trick

Babes in Danceland

Doo Doo, Doo Doo, Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo

Exactly How Many Speeding Tickets Can You Get In One Night In Vienna?

Family Camping In Maine’s Acadia National Park

Farther Down the Road

Free Flying is Great, but Where’s the Nanny?

Haiku Friday - Vacation Style!

How Do I Find the Mecca of Portable Entertainment?

Is the Van Gogh Museum In Amsterdam Perhaps Too Child-Friendly?

Mission Accomplishment

Over the Traffic, and Through the Puke, To the Beach We Go

Pick(Better Destination)Pack(Yourself)Go(Somewhere Else)

Road Trip

Sand, Surf, and a Severe Case of Sunburn

Sweet Tart Overdose and a Crayfish Too

Tales From the Beach

The Beginning of Family Vacations

The Family Vacation

The Hotel Pool

To Hell Paso and Back

Velkommen Griswolds, Part II

We Don’t Want To Bring Up Your Remains By Mule, Kid

Ryka Final Round Up: Mama Always Needs a New Pair of Shoes

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

Ryka’s athletic gear and shoes for women (by women) have certainly made their impression on me, as well as on our forty bloggers who tried their walking and running shoes over the last month. And with their campaign giving away 50 shoes and shirts a day through October (you still have time to win — and for every shoe given away they give one to charity!), you can’t not give them a try as have many bloggers outside of PBN.

Even I won a pair!

Clearly, they’ve nailed the market for women’s athletic shoes that are stylish and functional. “These shoes, and the other Ryka shoes I’ve tried, fit the bill. I love the idea that Ryka only develops shoes for women. We deserve to have good exercise shoes that fit our feet and aren’t just whittled down versions of men’s shoes

Comfort was definitely a major concern for our bloggers, and they found Ryka shoes to be just that! “In terms of comfort, they were very comfortable. I also do a lot of “pounding” when working out. From jumping jacks to “step-ups” with two 15 pound weights, they really did seem to support me.” Another mom added, “They are the most comfortable “exercise” shoes I’ve ever worn – and I’m not just saying that because they were free. I felt like I could keep walking for a few more miles than I usually do when I was wearing these.” One mom will be wearing them as she walks a marathon. “And on that 26 mile trek, I’ll be wearing RYKÄ. They’re that comfortable.” “I’ve clocked in quite a few hours of walking with these new shoes and no matter the terrain, be it street or gym, they have held up quite well.

There’s nothing wrong with looking good in your sneakers, right? “But I loved the Ryka shoes; not only are they comfortable, the soles have a tremendous amount of cushion and the right amount of flex, but they are also cool and understated, a perfect white.” “The shoes look great. I got instant compliments from my 23 year old nanny who happens to be the most fashionable person I know. Her sense of style is second only to her amazing capacity to to adore my children despite their constant mischieviousness.“”I also found the styling to be both fashionable and unexpectedly functional; the darker grey tones offer a cool, urban edge and provided camouflage when Laurel spilled chocolate ice cream all over my feet.

Bloggers with special considerations (similar to the last group), including the following: hard to fit feet, narrow heels, arch support, boring old athletic clothing, achilles tendon blisters, leg braces, and foot issues.

Bloggers commented on Ryka’s customer service. “One of the nicest things about Ryka is their innovative customer service. They aren’t just concerned with having you purchase their product, they also focus on helping you to find the very best shoe to fit your personal athletic needs. These shoes were designed specifically for a woman’s foot with our fitness concerns in mind.

And the true test is whether folks are converts, don’t you think? “So while they were not normally a brand I would have typically chosen, Ryka has managed to make me a convert

Check out this cool video by one of our bloggers. We think it sums things up quite well.

The Zula Patrol - Enlighten Me With Science!

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007

As one of our bloggers said, “My apologies to those of you who don’t remember the Thomas Dolby song from the ’80s, but I couldn’t resist.

But instead of blinding us with science, The Zula Patrol helped open the eyes of both parent bloggers and their children to concepts that were either brand new or had been long-forgotten. (Really, how many of us who aren’t geologists could name the three types of rocks right off the tops of our heads?)

One blogger wryly commented: “I have watched more than my fair share of children’s television programs in the past eight years, and believe me, I haven’t learned a thing. But in just two episodes of The Zula Patrol, a relatively new animated educational program for kids, I learned a bunch of interesting facts about volcanoes and different kinds of rocks.

Even better, the kids not only paid attention, the material from the show stuck with them. A kindergarten boy who “is interested in all things science - especially outer space” was enthralled: “Even days later, [he] was still asking a lot of questions about the various layers below the earth. The show got him involved and really thinking - to me that’s the most important aspect.” A second grade girl “was extremely engaged in the subject matter and wanted to know later if we could look for igneous rocks, too. So anything that gets her interested in a topic that hasn’t grabbed her attention in school is a plus in my book.” Even the younger siblings showed interest. One mother commented: “I was amazed when my two year old was able to tell me how [rocks] were formed.

It’s not surprising that the kids were hooked: “The story lines did incorporate plenty of science…The graphics are amazing and the music is really fun.” But as before, while the kids enjoyed “the energetic characters and storylines [and] loved the zany voices too,” the mothers cringed at the characters’ voices: “[they] grated on my nerves, but not my kids’.” This same mother admitted, “Maybe that’s what happens when they watch it three times in one day.” Another blogger brought up the self-conscious volcano, commenting that the concept “was a little too touchy-feely for me. I’m all for encouraging children to share their emotions and worries, but I thought that was a tad anthropomorphic (and besides, how often do I get to use anthropomorphic” in a sentence?).

But parents will tolerate a great deal where it comes to educational programming, particularly that which is comprised of solid facts (beyond the personification of volcanoes, that is). One mother summarized it well, using knowledge she gained from the Zula Patrol: “I highly recommend it as a refreshing alternative to the pointless drivel masquerading as children’s programming today - the stuff that makes me want to hurl an igneous rock through my TV set.

If you’d like to check out The Zula Patrol, see your local PBS listings. And if it’s not airing, give your PBS station a call! We can all use some scientific enlightenment.

Tune in LIVE tonight from 9-10pm EST for Motherhood Uncensored Green Podcast. Guests include the moms behind BloghersAct Canada and Romi Lassally from True Green Confessions. Two lucky callers will win awesome green-friendly lunch bags from Lunchopolis. (646) 915-8634

OxiClean Campaign Launch

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

No matter how well your mama took care of you when you lived at home, you eventually had to move out and learn to do your own laundry. If your mama was smart, she enlisted your help from the time you could reach the top of the washing machine. But even if you had your very own ladies-in-waiting to iron your underwear, that’s not the case for the rest of us. We had to learn to sort and fold and apply stain remover (sparingly!), and doubtlessly we made a few mistakes along the way (pink underwear, anyone?).

We may be older and wiser now, but we’re still on the lookout for laundry products that will really and truly make a difference. Despite packaging that claims “New and Improved!”, it’s rare that to find products that can live up to our expectations. We add the soap, turn the dials, and hope for the best.

OxiClean is one product that many of us have tried and found to be a true improvement over detergent alone. It helps whites stay white, and it helps remove stains that otherwise wouldn’t have budged. Moreover, it helps keep colors true.

Don’t take my word for it. We’ve got ten bloggers - some of whom were already devoted fans, they’ll admit - who put OxiClean to the test. Check out what they have to say; you might just be persuaded too.

Thurs 9/27 - Gunfighter’s View
Fri 9/28 - Mama Tulip
Wed 10/3 - Surrender Dorothy
Fri 10/5 - Chicken and Cheese
Tues 10/9 - Temporarily Me
Thurs 10/11 - Mommy’s Must Haves and Mid-Campaign Post on PBN
Mon 10/15 - Mother Bumper
Wed 10/17 - Slouching Mom
Fri 10/19 - Mom Reviews
Mon 10/22 - Mayberry Mom
Tues 10/23 - Round-Up Review on PBN

Wilbur Mid-Run Round Up: Is Moovelous an Actual Word?

Monday, September 24th, 2007

As a parent of a preschooler I’m always on the hunt for new and interesting educational programming. While we certainly have our staples, there’s always room for something different, particularly if it inspires my daughter to read.

If you’re wondering what programming I’m talking about then you obviously have yet to catch Wilbur, a new show created by three moms (yes, MOMS!) that you and yours can check out daily on Discovery Kids Channel (8am PST/11am EST) and The Learning Channel (6:30am C/MST & 7:30am EST).

Our bloggers have been checking out the cute little cow and his cast of barnyard friends and this is what they have to say so far about the program.

The bloggers were happy that the show “aims to instill in kids a lifelong love of books, and plants the seed in very young children that reading is pleasurable” and not sell toys! I like Wilbur because it isn’t one of those cartoons that purports to educate children, but is really an excuse to merchandise plastic toys doused in lead paint. There is no screaming, no repetitive, annoying sounds, and no shouting.

Bloggers noted how the show really does teach kids about how to read a book — something that might seem odd for a show to do, but really makes sense. “This show teaches children fundamentals that will help them for the rest of their life. I thoroughly enjoyed this show just about as much as my son did.” “Even if your child can’t read, the show encourages a love of books and teaches kids that they can look at the pictures and still tell the story in their own words.

But is the show entertaining? According to our bloggers, it is! “The good thing is, I DID like the show. The puppets were adorable and the story lines were equally cute. ” Added another mom “Spliggle (age 3) is the perfect target and was captivated. He asked to see the show again and again and again.” “Did Cordy like it? Oh yeah. This is targeted right to her age, and after each episode she’d ask for “Weebur?” again. Will we watch it again? Of course.

Need more convincing? Check out these reviews! And how about a challenge? Turn on this show for your kids this week and let us know what you think. Leave us a comment and share your thoughts.

9/24 - Radioactive Girl  & Mid Run
9/25 - Mama Maven
9/27 - Toddler Planet
9/28 - Mom to the Screaming Masses
10/1 - Final Round Up

The Zula Patrol - Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Friday, September 21st, 2007

Those crazy kids of ours; there isn’t much that’s too silly for them. Even a cartoon alien with a voice like Bobcat Goldthwait doesn’t faze them. But if they’re laughing while they’re learning - even if we’re cringing - then we shouldn’t complain too loudly, right?

The bloggers were eager to check out The Zula Patrol - a PBS show that focuses on science. Considering that “kid-oriented science shows are few and far between“, the change of pace was welcomed:

The episodes are “well researched and put together by a team of scientists, astronauts and educational specialists,” and “the storyline seamlessly integrates a fun energetic tale with music and thorough scientific exploration. The show carefully reexamines and questions the key points at the end of the tale, teaching both problem solving and language skills.” Another mother agreed, noting that “the storylines work on multiple levels - they offer kid-friendly but not condescending explanations of scientific phenomena, plus warm and fuzzy storylines about concepts like friendship and sharing, plus cool! outer-space! adventure!

Both parents and kids enjoyed the science lessons that were presented in the episodes:

But the older and wiser viewers were a bit cynical where it came to the non-scientific messages incorporated into each episode:

And a few of the parents were ready to pop in their earbuds after the umpteenth viewing:

One mother gave the audio the benefit of the doubt, suggesting that “their comical voices and colorful scenery help to keep kids tuned in.” Another mother agreed, noting “the crisp vibrant graphics in this show not only make for enjoyable viewing but also provide concise memorable illustrations of the material presented. Even children who may not have a deep interest in science will definitely be drawn in by the bubbly characters and well thought out plot lines.

All in all, the kids not only tuned in, but they retained the lessons. As one blogger described it: “The fast-pace of the brightly colored cartoons keeps up the enthusiasm of the mission while the carefully crafted reinforcements of the material keep the information fresh.

In other words, the kids are engaged and learning. Not a small accomplishment for a TV show.

More blogger reviews of the Zula Patrol to come - see the schedule below!

Mon 9/17 - Mommy Needs Coffee
Tues 9/18 - Domestic Diva
Wed 9/19 - Ruth Dynamite
Thurs 9/20 - Three Kid Circus
Fri 9/21 - Bananas and Toddlers
Mon 9/24 - Midwestern Mommy
Tues 9/25 - Pundit Mom
Wed 9/26 - Round-Up Review on PBN

Voice Your Opinions With Vocal Point

Thursday, September 20th, 2007

I’ve definitely had more than my share of run-ins with products. Household, beauty, you name it — I’ve got something to say. But regardless if it’s good, bad, or fabulous, who exactly do you tell about your experience? I’d like to think my letters to the head of “Large Product Company” would hear my complaint, suggestion, or praise, but I’m not that naive.

Well, that is not the case when it comes to Proctor & Gamble. Their site Vocal Point allows moms to offer their opinions about a myriad of products via tasteful and well organized forums. I am always reluctant to join programs like this because I fear the email spam and who knows what else you’ll get, but a few of the Parent Bloggers were actually already members and they reassured me that this program was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.

Christina from A Mommy Story had this to say about how the program works.

They contact women to tell them about new products, and often have samples available for VP members to try out and give their opinion on. They have surveys and special offers for members to provide feedback on new products. They also occasionally have focus group sessions in many cities, inviting members to come discuss products they like and dislike. I’ve never seen anyone else hold a focus group in Columbus, OH.

It’s worth signing up because they give women the chance to sound off about popular products from large companies, and try out new products, sometimes before they are released to the general public.

Slackermommy was eager to share her thoughts on the program:

I’ve been a Vocalpoint member since Feb 2006. They are a first class company. On a regular basis I receive quality coupons and samples that I can actually use. Their marketing materials are fun and attractive. They also send extra coupons for me to share with friends and family.

Karianna from Kari’s Couch said this:

It enables the member to get advance information about shows: Remember “CoverShot?” I wouldn’t have known about this fun show if it weren’t for Vocal Point; in fact, Vocal Point members voted to determine the “reveal shot” for one of the contestants. I have received preview DVDs of shows before the season begins, such as for Meerkat Manor.

Vocal Point sends members brochures, magnets, and coupons to share with friends. It is definitely great to be the “gal with the free stuff!” Frequently these products are a new spin from a familiar and trusted brand. The brochures are typically fun shapes: not your typical informational packet.

And Glennia from The Silent I sold me instantly:

What I like about Vocal Point is that they give you an opportunity to be part of the ground-floor of major marketing campaigns. There are a number of opportunities to voice your opinions about products and what does or does not appeal to you. They also send great coupons for things that are actually useful, and freebies to try out from time to time. I think their approach is very friendly and I don’t feel like I’m being spammed, just asked to participate.

And since joining the program a few days ago, I have to agree. The site is non-instrusive and easy to maneuver through. And the first email I received outlined several opportunities to share opinions as well as receive free samples.

If you’re not comfortable with anything, you can opt-out at anytime! But from what my trusted bloggers have shared, it sounds like what you get from Vocal Point is very worthwhile.

If you’ve ever had an opinion to share about a product, this is your opportunity. Membership is free! Sign up and let us know your experience! We’ll be compiling quotes from users over the next month and will highlight them here at Parent Bloggers. Leave your comments in this post.

Parent Bloggers Network is not paid for sign-ups to this program.

Kids Love Spanish - Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Thursday, September 20th, 2007

Where it comes to exposing their children to other languages, our parent bloggers are definitely enthusiastic. They’ll gladly try out a variety of resources - even the parents who aren’t exactly fluent in a foreign language, such as the blogger who “took French for seven years” and scored “a 1 out of a possible 5” on her AP test. But then it’s all up to the kids.

Based on the first set of reviews of the Kids Love Spanish DVD series, it seems that the younger kids are the most amenable to this set. The former French student screened it for her toddler daughter, noting that “…it may be my only chance to save [her] from a life of foreign-language incompetence. The kid seems to pick up everything I say (what’s a little cursing in preschool gonna hurt?), so I figured it would be perfect for her.” Another mother stated: “These DVDs give children (and adults!) plenty of little pieces: just as we learn English by repeating nouns and learning common phrases, so do these DVDs introduce our kids to single words and quick phrases that will eventually turn into sentences.

The two youngest viewers were definitely excited by Kids Love Spanish. One child and her father “sat for over an hour watching various DVDs and practicing words. [She] took to it like ants on sugar - she can now count to 10 in Spanish, say about 10 animal words in Spanish, and can practice the Spanish alphabet.” Her mother attributed the new knowledge to “the repetitive nature of the DVDs…things are repeated again and again which gives the child a chance to say it over and over.

Another child is also benefiting from the repetitive nature - in that she requests the DVD over and over again: “She begs for kids Spanish morning, noon and night. She shakes her booty to the theme song and jumps right in, repeating every phrase uttered.” But she’s learning and repeating the words and phrases on her own too, as the DVDs “…feature real preschoolers speaking Spanish. Not every kid says the word exactly the same way, nor do they say it perfectly…[she] sees and hears a series of children repeating the word, each with their own individual pronunciation. That, in combination with the repetition, encourages my daughter to say it with them.

The older kids were a bit more cynical - “My son asked me why they didn’t at least sing in Spanish so kids watching could hear Spanish songs. Excellent point!” - and the bloggers were critical of the production details - “You can tell it was two moms who made these. It looks like they filmed right in their homes.” But as many of us have discovered, kids are often immune to slick production and can be enthralled by programs that we adults can hardly bear (cough … Teletubbies … cough).

One older child’s interest was certainly piqued by Kids Love Spanish. He “repeated many of the Spanish words, and was curious to delve deeper than what was introduced. This curiosity is exactly what I imagine the Brock Sisters had in mind when creating these videos.” Indeed, he later asked his mother “to look up some additional words. He also wanted to know if we could learn the same things in French. I had to laugh when he asked, What comes after French? as if there is a progression from English to Spanish to French to the Great Unknown. We had an interesting conversation about how different people learn different languages at different times, sometimes simultaneously.

None of us expect our children to master vocabulary words or concepts based on viewing a series of DVDs, but the sort of intellectual curiosity noted above is what we should hope to spark. Kids Love Spanish can be a great tool in awakening that curiosity.

Stay tuned for the rest of the reviews, plus our final Round-Up Review!

Thursday, 9/20 - Lawyer Mama
Monday, 9/24 - Mom to the Screaming Masses
Tuesday, 9/25 - Mommy’s Must Haves
Wednesday, 9/26 - Slouching Mom
Thursday, 9/27 - Ebony Mommy
Friday, 9/28 - Suburban Oblivion, Three Kid Circus
Wednesday, 10/3 - Round Up Review on PBN

The Little Black Book of Style - Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

A beautiful book written by a witty subject matter expert, The Little Black Book of Style has been a tremendous hit with our parent bloggers. Regardless of their personal interest in high fashion, they all agree that they’d like to shed the mom persona and resurrect their dormant sense of style.

Some were more dormant than others:

Some were already on their way:

And some are - if not full-fledged fashionistas - already reaching ideals to which many other mothers aspire:

But each one was inspired on some level, and that inspiration invariably boiled down to that last bullet point above. One blogger was especially pleased to find that guidance in this book, even though she admits she doesn’t always follow it:

“If you take the money you would spend on a bunch of cheap (not so great looking) clothes, you can spend it on some classic pieces that will make you look so much better. I’m not going to promise that I’ll do that all the time, because I sure do love a deal, but at least I will try to remain more conscious of the fact that you can get a deal and still keep your sense of style. I need to remember that cheap clothes sometimes look cheap and since they won’t last, I’ll have to keep buying the same thing over and over. The same thing that never made me look that great in the first place.

What about that elusive sense of style? Is it acquired through designer purchases each season? Not at all. As one blogger summarized it, “The Little Black Book is not about buying more stuff. It is not trying to sell you on any one designer or style. It is about fashion freedom and following your instincts.” Another blogger added: “…it doesn’t tell you necessarily what to wear, but how to wear it.

What about those instincts? Have they been completely sublimated by spit-up, or do we simply need to trust ourselves? “Every now and then we all run across a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes that are amazing. You know the piece. People are always asking you where you got that great skirt/pair of earrings/beaded bag. When you wear it you walk taller and straighter, your hips sway a bit and you feel amazing.” The idea is to compile a wardrobe filled with items that make you feel that way - “find the truly remarkable pieces in your wardrobe and pitch everything else.” Having style doesn’t mean conforming to trends, but “style is about being who you are and being an individual…[it] isn’t just for rich, skinny people. If you have confidence, you will look good in anything…

What questions were left unanswered? One blogger wanted to trade in some of the illustrations for “some actual photos to help illustrate their ideas and suggestions better. The drawings that they do have are great but not very practical.” But another blogger insisted that “the book should be coffee table sized to showcase Ruben Toledo’s illustrations. I would frame some of the pages of the book, and was disappointed that such a larger than life artist was encased in a smaller than satisfactory wrapping.

But the inspiration felt by the bloggers was undeniable. One mother, who admits that she is “tired of looking worn down and just plain old,” confessed: “It inspired me to clean out fifty three pounds of clothes from my closet. Yes, fifty three…Let me put it this way, in one of my blazer pockets, I found a binky. Keep in mind that my only child to take a binky gave it up at a year - he’s five now.” And another was reassured to know that her love of shoes can work in her favor: “My closet doesn’t have a single pair of Manolo’s or Jimmy Choo’s but it does have lots and lots of other pairs…I do appreciate the sentiment that shoes make the outfit and having LOTS of them is good, very good.

Finally, of course author Nina Garcia herself was the object of much admiration. From her tales of growing up and traveling the world to her interviews with style magnates like Zac Posen and John Galliano, she knocked our socks off. As one blogger put it: “Only a person who has a stance on toe cleavage could run around interviewing Carolina Herrera and still project such fashion greatness.

(Two visible cracks only, for those who haven’t yet read the book.)

Check out the rest of the blogger reviews and our final round-up review for more feedback on The Little Black Book of Style!

Wed 9/19 - Chaos Theory, Views From the Pants
Thurs 9/20 - Little Bird Reviews
Fri 9/21 - Mom to the Screaming Masses, Surrender Dorothy
Mon 9/24 - Quarter Rest, Three Kid Circus
Tues 9/25 - The Silent I Speaks
Wed 9/26 - Karianna, Mama Drama Stephanie
Thurs 9/27 - PunditMom
Fri 9/28 - Midwestern Mommy, Musings and Misadventures
Mon 10/1 - Her Bad Mother, Temporarily Me
Tues 10/2 - Round-Up Review on PBN

School Zone Kindergarten Final Round-Up

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

Even with kids hitting the books for half (or full) days, kindergarteners still need great toys. And thanks to School Zone, our bloggers (both with the first round of bloggers and this set) seem to have found some home run educational toys. We’re always on the lookout for “no-lead-required” toys here at Parent Bloggers, and I bet you are too.

As far as the Magnetic Kit went, the bloggers almost unanimously felt this toy was great for travel. “I can see that this tin will be going many places with us, places that require quiet focused activities. Like the multitudes of soccer games.”

Also, the bloggers mentioned how the magnets were great for little hands. “With the tin he could do activities similar to the those in his big sis’s activity books but without having to pick up a pencil. The magnets are also a great way for him to improve his finger dexterity.”

The Start to Read Level 1 Sets were a huge hit, with kids asking for more and more and more. “She asked to do it again and again and again. That is a hallmark of a great toy.”

While one mom felt it was a bit advanced for her kindergartener, her first-grader loved it. “Playing the audio CD’s in the car worked out really well for all my kids. It was heartwarming to look in my rear view and see them following along with the storybook together. ” Another mom (as did many others) pointed out the handy journal. “The story activities are on laminated pages for use with a wipe-off marker. Genius! Can be used over and over again.

Again, bloggers noted how these toys will really grow with your kids. “They grow with your child and are made for a range of ability within an age group. My three year old loves to make matches with the magnetic letters. My five year old enjoys doing the activity pages. My seven year old, well, she likes to ‘help’ the other two.”

One mom concluded: “I’m impressed with how compact, durable and organized these School Zone products are.”

We are too. Get more information on School Zone toys via their site. And check out all the reviews for in depth commentary on these products.

[photo via]