March « 2008 « The Parent Bloggers Network

Brainetics: Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Monday, March 31st, 2008

Mike Byster, a man with an amazing memory and a mission to share his ability with others, particularly children, has created Brainetics so that parents and teachers can get him right in their classroom or living room in an instant. As part of the program, parents and teachers get a five-dvd set, a playbook, parent guide, flashcards, playing cards, and an extra 2-dvds.

For the last few months, our bloggers and their kids have been recharging their brains and tweaking their math skills. We were curious to see how Brainetics worked for their families and kids in 4th - 7th grade.

As far as how the system is set up, here’s how a one of the bloggers described it.

The videos are done game-show style, with kids competing against each other on teams, and the viewers are able to play along too. Between each new game, there are hilarious animations that kept my boys laughing. The black and white graphics, with neon cartoons are first class.

The bloggers loved Mike’s approach, commenting on his affect and zeal. As one mom put it “Seriously, he NEVER loses his cool, or his sense of humor. Mike displays the enthusiasm of a magician showing us some new tricks he’s mastered; except he doesn’t mind sharing his secret. His excitement over finding patterns in numbers is contagious, really.” Another mom concurred. “Most of all I enjoy Byster’s enthusiasm for learning, his belief that anyone can master his skills, and for his urging to “think outside the box.” One thing is certain - he got my two daughters to enjoy math, if only for a short while. Now that’s a cool party trick.”

Not only did the kids find it enjoyable and effective, so did the parents! “I was able to catch up, though, by learning how to remember information AND then adding even more information, without forgetting what was in your head, already.”

And best of all, parents saw a change in their kid’s self confidence and interest in math. ”This program was strong enough to turn the tide the other way very quickly. After the first DVD, my son’s Math confidence shot straight up. The tricks he’s learning will last him a lifetime.” Added another mom “This may be premature, but Brainetics, at least for now, may have piqued my son’s interest in math. As I said, my son’s problem has never been intelligence, his intelligence has actually been a hindrance in some ways because he is easily bored so he doesn’t feel the urge to bother.”

For a complete outline of the program, check out View From the Pants, and stay tuned for reviews by Suburban Oblivion and Get In the Car coming up in April.

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Posted in Elementary School, Kids, Media, Pre-teen | No Comments »

Blog Blast - Tell Us Your Truth About Motherhood

Friday, March 28th, 2008

We don’t know a single mother out there who hasn’t been knocked for a loop at one time or another by motherhood. No matter how many books you’ve read, or how knowledgeable and forthright your doctor may be, or what a good example your own mother set for you, motherhood is full of surprises. Some make us laugh, others make us cry, and some drive us to the brink of insanity.

While the daily grind of motherhood may often make us feel as if we’re losing our minds, it’s our girlfriends who keep us sane. We live by the advice of our doctors, but we survive with the advice of our friends.

This week, we’re collaborating with Discovery Health to introduce their new docu-drama “Deliver Me” which follows three women - best friends, working mothers and physicians - as they balance delivering babies together in their OB/GYN practice with their lives outside the delivery room.

We want to hear your truth: What is it about pregnancy, parenting, and motherhood in general that only a girlfriend will tell you? Tell us what you wished you knew before becoming a mom.

Here’s how to participate:

Write a post on the truth about motherhood on your blog anytime this weekend - Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30 and include links to: http://discoveryhealth.clinicahealth.com/comments.pl?sid=08/03/25/1130242 and http://blog.parentbloggers.com.

Then send your blog post link to parentbloggers@gmail.com and we’ll round them up right here - all weekend long!

What can you win?

A Discovery Health black diaper bag filled with exclusive Discovery Health premium goodies, including “feed me”/”change me”/”soothe me” inserts, a food journal, babysitting chart, tee shirt, and much more!

So join in and tell us your truth and read about the truths that others have shared below. Then send a link to this page to all of your friends who haven’t yet had kids - and don’t forget to tune in to “Deliver Me” on Tuesday at 10pm on Discovery Health!

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1979 Called: It Wants Its Parenting Style Back

Borderline: The Truth About Motherhood

Constantly Doubting Myself: The Truth in My Motherhood

Crossing the Line

Deliver Me and PBN

Give Me a Parenting Manual, and I’ll Throw It Away

Had You Said Something, I Still Wouldn’t Have Believed It

How Can You Be Lonely When You Have Kids?

I Can’t Laugh, I Can Smile

Insanity Is Hereditary…You Get It From Your Kids

I Wish I Would Have Known

Mommy Truth

Motherhood Is Not a Pastel Teacup with Scrolly Letters

Motherhood, Or How to Accessorize Your Pee Stains

Motherhood: The Land of Indigenous Assvice

Mothering with My Ears Open

My Best “Girlfriend” Advice on How to Be the Best Mom You Can Be

My Truth About Motherhood

PBN Blog Blast: The Truth About Motherhood - and It Is the One You Probably Won’t Want to Hear, Either

Princess Much?

Someone Should Have Told Me

Tales from the Crib

The Irrationality of Motherhood

The Truth

The Truth About Motherhood

The Truth About Motherhood?

The Truth About Motherhood: Girlfriend Style

The Truth About Motherhood? To Thine Own Self Be True, but to Those Small Selves Be Truer

The Truth, in Twelve Words or Less

The Whole Truth

There’ll Be Days Like This My Mama Never Said

Things I Have Learned Since Having a Baby

Things I Wished I Knew Before Becoming a Mom Are Many

To Tell the Truth About Motherhood: That is The Question

Truth

Truth About Motherhood

What They Never Tell You

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Posted in Blog Blasts | 7 Comments »

Thomas and Friends: Engines and Escapades - Campaign Launch; Deliver Me Blog Blast Announcement

Thursday, March 27th, 2008

There aren’t many children’s shows with the sort of history that Thomas and Friends has. Based on books written by Rev Wilbert Awdry as a means of sharing his lifelong love for trains with his own son, Thomas and Friends dates back to the 1940s.

Sixty years later, Thomas and his railway cohorts are still gaining new fans among toddlers and pre-schoolers. The latest DVD - Thomas and Friends: Engines and Escapades - was sent to ten of our parent bloggers for them to watch with their own little train-lovers. Check out their reviews!

Fri 3/28 - In the Trenches of Mommyhood
Mon 3/31 - My Family Loves It
Tues 4/1 - Midwestern Mommy and Modern Mamma Marvels
Wed 4/2 - Mother Bumper
Thurs 4/3 - A Gaggle of Girls
Mon 4/7 - Ebony Mommy and Mid-Campaign Post on PBN
Tues 4/8 - Flexible Parenting
Wed 4/9 - Mom Reviews
Thurs 4/10 - Mommy’s Must Haves
Tues 4/15 - Round-Up Review on PBN

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Don’t forget this Friday’s Blog Blast, sponsored by Discovery Health and their new series “Deliver Me”. We want to hear your truth: What is it about pregnancy, parenting, and motherhood in general that only a girlfriend will tell you? Tell us what you wished you knew before becoming a mom.

Just write a post on the truth about motherhood on your blog anytime this weekend - Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30 and include links to: http://discoveryhealth.clinicahealth.com/comments.pl?sid=08/03/25/1130242 and http://blog.parentbloggers.com. Send a link to your blog post to parentbloggers@gmail.com and we’ll round them up here all weekend long. Plus you’ll be entered to win a Discovery Health diaper bag filled with a ton of goodies!

Looking forward to lots of entertaining and revealing posts!

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Posted in Kids, Media, Pre-school, Toddler | 1 Comment »

Bob the Builder: Building Bobland Bay - The Yes-We-Can Man Does It Again!

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

The verdict is in: Bob the Builder has scored another big hit with Building Bobland Bay!

What makes Bob the Builder so popular with both kids and parents? This blogger summarized it perfectly: “I noticed the themes that are common to all of them. In general, there’s a big idea that Bob suggests breaking down into simpler steps, then everyone contributes an idea until they come up with a plan. Everyone uses their strengths, and if someone can’t do something, the others pitch in more. There’s never any belittling someone in the group for something they can’t do.“ Another mother agreed: “The brand message of problem solving, teamwork and having a good attitude run through every show.”

This same blogger also enjoyed the content itself: “I was also impressed when they constructed buildings. It was like watching someone put puzzles together. When they put together the houses, you could actually see how the pieces were going to fit together.“ But another mother questioned the scope of work that Bob and his crew had taken on: “I don’t know HOW Bob the Builder won a contract of this size, but the dude must have some serious presentation AND construction skills.”

Bob the Builder is fun for kids both big and small. One little girl “…has requested it out of the blue, she watches it when it’s on, and she sings that song with gusto. Lots of gusto. All I have to do is sing Bob the Builder… and she’s off belting out the rest by herself.“ And one big boy “tries to act like he’s too old and cool to watch Bob, who was his former favorite, [but] he immediately jumped with interest to see this movie.“ His little brother “…was beyond thrilled to not only watch an entertaining movie but also point out each construction vehicle and tool.”

Beyond the obvious appeal of all the construction equipment, both parents and kids enjoyed the lessons woven through the episodes. One blogger commented that her daughter “was fascinated with the loud and obnoxious cement mixer, Tumbler. She said that Tumbler was mean and so we talked about how he made others feel when he acted that way. That was great because even if it did not register this time, I like that it interested her enough to talk about it.“ Another mother agreed: “I like knowing that she is absorbing lessons about teamwork and cooperation and working together.”

The moms liked the format too. “…it was broken down into individual episodes. From a timing perspective, that made it easy to chunk kids TV time into individual episodes. From an attention and continuity perspective, that made it easy to go back to the movie later and pick up where we left off.” and the kids did also: “They enjoyed the way the episodes overlapped to tell a larger tale about the building of the town and a movie being shot there as well.“ Another mother added: “One of the things I love about Bob the Builder…is the fact that their DVD’s typically have several short episodes. And you can always use that as an incentive - “If you brush your teeth and put on jammies right now, you’ll have time to watch two episodes of Bob.”

All in all, Bob the Builder: Building Bobland Bay got thumbs up from both bloggers and their children! Pick up a copy and check it out yourself.

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Posted in Kids, Media, Pre-school, Toddler | No Comments »

Diaper Goop - Campaign Launch

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

Diaper rash might seem to be one of those trite worries created for marketing purposes, like dishpan hands or ring around the collar. But ask any mother who has changed a bawling baby with a blistered behind - it’s enough to make us cry ourselves. Diaper rash can be a real problem, and the standard lineup of creams isn’t always successful at stopping it.

Diaper Goop is a lanolin-based cream developed by a pharmacist for a customer who was constantly battling diaper rash with her twins. It’s available over the counter and is sold mainly online, but also in select stores in the southern US.

Ten of our bloggers received samples of Diaper Goop to try, and they’ll report back on how well it worked for their diaper-clad kiddos. Check out their reviews and giveaways - you can try out Diaper Goop too!

Thurs 3/27 - Cheese Party
Fri 3/28 - My Five Little Monkeys
Mon 3/31 - Mommy’s Must Haves
Tues 4/1 - Sex and the Knitty
Wed 4/2 - Motherhood Uncensored and Mid-Campaign Post on PBN
Thurs 4/3 - Creature Bug
Fri 4/4 - Marketing Mommy
Mon 4/7 - Growing Your Baby
Tues 4/8 - Island Review
Wed 4/9 - My Family Loves It
Thurs 4/10 - Round-Up Review on PBN

We’ve got two containers of Diaper Goop to give away! Just leave us a comment and tell us what Diaper Cream you swear by and we’ll pick 2 winners at random on 4/10.

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Posted in Baby, Bath & Beauty, Kids | 37 Comments »

Barney & Friends Animal ABC’s DVD: Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Monday, March 24th, 2008

With mixed emotions, ten of our parents agreed to watch Barney’s new dvd “Animal ABC’s” with their children. We say mixed emotions because people tend to have strong opinions about Barney.

But, being the good parents that we are and knowing that many children love and treasure the big purple dinosaur, we do it for the kids.

And so, our parents have been watching this dvd with their kiddos. Some watched with much success, others with not as much as they even hoped. But as always, the bloggers had plenty to say.

- Both of my boys thought it was fun finding animals that started with each letter and they have been doing it when we’re not watching the DVD too. I really like how often they showed the letters, I can definitely see it being helpful for learning them.

- Some of the scenes are placed in the familiar park. But the producers have done a good job of incorporating some great scenes in the real outdoors. There’s even a dance number where a big group of parents and kids participate.

- The revelation, though, was that as far from my personal tastes as Barney is, I really had to admit that it’s really pretty good children’s programming.

- I’ve always liked that Barney appeals to a wide age-range. It’s just as appropriate for my younger son as for my older son. My kids really enjoyed it. In fact, I would say that it is one of the best DVDs that we have reviewed.

Here are the bloggers that are up this week!

Mon 3/24 - One Chic Mama
Tues 3/25 - Taste Like Crazy
Wed 3/26 - Mom Reviews
Thurs 3/27 - Motherhood Uncensored
Fri 3/28 - Island Review
April 3 - Final Round Up

Check out our archives for more great media reviews!

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Posted in Kids, Media, Pre-school, Toddler | 1 Comment »

Zwaggle Blog Blast Winners

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008

Congrats to these fine bloggers on *winning one of the FOUR prizes provided by Zwaggle as part of their Blog Blast.

Simplify: Easier Said Than Done ($50 Patagonia GC)

Won’t You Be My Neighbor? ($50 Giggle GC)

Saving, Sharing, & Simplifying ($50 Patagonia GC)

10 outfits and 1 book for $37 ($50 Giggle GC)

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Didn’t win? Don’t know what the heck a Blog Blast even is? Join our mailing list so you’ll get in your email box updates (usually on Mondays) about our Blog Blasts, as well as our monthly newsletter. We don’t spam our mailing list and you can opt out at anytime.

Don’t want anymore email? We get it. Just stick our RSS into your feed reader and you’ll get updates that way as well. We’ve got plenty more opportunities for you to participate coming up in April.

*Winners were picked at random using random.org.

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Posted in Blog Blasts | No Comments »

Whistlefritz Spanish Immersion DVDs: A Great Introduction to Spanish!

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008

Like our first group of bloggers, this set of parents sung the praises of Whistlefritz Spanish Immersion DVDs for beginners, a two-dvd series created by a mom and educator looking for quality media for kids 2-5.

Clearly they have mastered what is needed to engage kids and their parents in a wonderful introduction to the Spanish language, complete with full immersion.

In terms of specifics, parents appreciated how the language was approached. “ I was quite impressed that instead of maintaining present tense, the DVD covered several verb tenses for the same verb, just as it would occur in real life.”

Parents who are raising bilingual kids felt these were the best they’ve seen. “Regardless, these two Spanish-language videos are the best I’ve seen for toddlers and preschoolers. And now when I sing “Buenos dias, amiguitos! Como estan?” like Maria, there’s a chorus of “MUY BIEN!” and Jonah pretends to shake maracas.”

Many of the bloggers commented on the narrator. “I was enjoying it, understanding every word and thinking it would be fun to loan the DVD to my Spanish teacher friend. The narrator was very clear with her expressions and the animations, so it’s easy to catch on.” Added another mom “Maria sings and talks with children and puppets exclusively in Spanish (THANK YOU!) throughout the video.”

Here’s what one mom said, which sums up the feelings of all our bloggers.

I wish there were more The Whistlefritz DVDs. I like the balance between repeated words and new concepts. I love the smiles. Each concept is playacted in a way that makes it very clear what the verb or noun is, and then the repeated “extra” words (prepositions, adjectives, etc.) show up enough so that (I hope) their meaning can be properly inferred. “Maria” didn’t speak super-slowly, but she didn’t speak super-quickly either. I like this.

If you’d like to win a set of these dvds, join our mailing list. We’ll pick on lucky winner from everyone who signs up through March 31. Just might be you!

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Posted in Kids, Media, Pre-school, Toddler | No Comments »

Your Child’s Strengths: Eat Your Heart Out No Child Left Behind

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

With many parents watching their children struggle thanks to No Child Left Behind and a school curricula that aim on improving on the negative rather than capitalizing on the positive, Your Child’s Strengths is almost like a breath of fresh air.

This new book from author and educator Jenifer Fox has become the catalyst of the Strengths Movement, a revolutionary idea that utilizes childrens’ strengths to help them work on their needs.

Our first set of bloggers appreciated Fox’s approach and writing, and our second group of bloggers agreed. “The language is clear and relatively easy to understand, and the book is peppered with stories from the author’s experiences not only as a teacher, but also as an observer of other people’s children, making it easier to understand her point.” Added another “… the flow and style. Even outside of the stories, the thoughts are accessible and clear and Jenifer had put her case for the Strengths Movement forward very effectively.”

In particular, the bloggers liked the workbook section, many of them utilizing it with their own children during the review process. “I have to admit that I flipped directly to the final section of the book - the strengths workbook. Even though my children are still quite young, I’m ready to start educating myself. I want to know how I can turn my everyday observations into opportunities to help my children (and in turn, help myself).”

While one mom felt a bit overwhelmed by the workbook, she was able to take something wonderful from it. “What I CAN do is let this be a wake-up call: I’ve been ignoring my son’s strengths. There, I said it. I’ve been struggling and fighting with him instead of celebrating what makes him unique. That is going to change, no doubt about it.” Another mom, who added that the info in the book could be seen as overwhelming had this to say, “Initially some of the advice may seem overwhelming, but on second glance, much of it is based on parental assessment that comes from everyday life.”

Also, the parents noted that knowing their child’s strengths was great for more than just education. Talk about helping them survive in everyday life. “Considering how different my girls are (and how different I’m sure their younger brother will be too), I’m especially glad to have “Your Child’s Strengths” as a resource to help me identify and address their individual strengths.”

One blogger who did enjoy the book felt as though more connections on how to make this work within how our children are learning right now. “While in an idyllic world every child could discover their strengths and use that knowledge and ability to make informed decisions about their future, those actions still have to be done within the confines of today’s society.” Another added a similar comment. “However, my one issue with some of the strengths focus is this–life doesn’t always play to our strengths. As an adult, I have to take out the trash and clean the dishes–two chores that I completely hate. I can’t just chose to only do the things that play to my talents or that I enjoy, because the dirty work must get done too. But, I see that, by being aware of their talents and interests, it can help me guide my kids into choosing activities and jobs that interest and suit them, which in turn will build their self esteem.”

However, as an educator myself, I firmly believe that incorporating this within an existing curriculum is possible.

Overall, the parents took wonderful things away from this book. “One of the things I loved best from the book: ‘Knowing your own strengths will help your children understand theirs…. You will teach your child how to live a full life by living one yourself.’” “While I still worry that my son seems to take sooo long to complete anything. I’m trying a new attitude these days. I cheer his meticulous work. I praise him for being thorough. I still worry though about those timed tests looming in his future.”

You can purchase Your Child’s Strengths at Amazon.com.

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Posted in Books | 2 Comments »

Bob the Builder: Building Bobland Bay - Here’s What They’re Saying So Far

Tuesday, March 18th, 2008

Once again, Bob the Builder does not disappoint: Building Bobland Bay has been a huge hit with bloggers and children alike. It’s not often that you find a children’s show that adults truly appreciate too, but Bob the Builder is one of those few. It’s got a catchy theme song and an even catchier message. As one mother described, her daughter “has been known to holler YES I CAN in response to any question that includes the words can you do this?”

Of course, the storyline was a hit with the kids - “they build a seaside development including a skate park, movie theatre and a lifeguard tower” - and they loved the new characters too: “Lofty, Dizzy and Tumbler get off to a rocky start, with some hurt feelings, but in the end they are able to overcome their differences and work together towards a common goal.” And as always, “Mixed in with the construction are some new machines, morals about doing the right thing, trying your hardest, and playing fair; Bob, Wendy, and his crew do a great job of mixing machines and values so kids pick up on the ideals without pounding it into their heads.”

That’s a major reason why parents love Bob the Builder - the underlying positive messages. This blogger summarized it well: “Being environmentally sensitive is just how it’s done in the world of BTB - it’s presented as a given that any interference with the earth should be done in as gentle and non-invasive a manner as possible. People need to build things - to live in, work in, play in - but they can do so in such a way that minimizes the impact of that building upon the environment. I love this message, and I love that it’s presented in such a simple, matter-of-fact way.”

Surprisingly, a couple little guys didn’t feel the same love for Bob that their older brother did. Their mother felt sure that this DVD “would be a great addition to our video library…But through no fault of his own, sadly, Bob didn’t make the cut. He tried, though, I’ll give him that. I offered him up each and every time a movie was being chosen. He even got played a time or two. But the interest just wasn’t there.”

But for most boys and girls, Bob the Builder is pure enjoyment. One mother of three girls screened the DVD with a little boy in attendance and was amazed at his physical reaction to it: “He totally enjoyed the DVD on a different level than my girls. Sure, he was engaged by the characters and the storylines, but he was thrilled by the different machines, jumping up and down, and pointing at them. It was a very different experience than watching with my girls who want to listen quietly so they don’t miss any of the dialog.” She went on to say that “after seeing a real live boy watch the show, I’d have to say that I’d wrap it up as a present for a boy really quickly. And maybe add some pretend tools, or real ones, too.”

So far the reviews have been glowing - check out the upcoming reviews and the round-up to see if the rest of the bloggers concur!

Tues 3/18 - Mom Reviews
Wed 3/19 - Midwestern Mommy
Thurs 3/20 - Mother Bumper
Fri 3/21 - Mayberry Mom
Mon 3/24 - Formula Fed and Flexible Parenting
Tues 3/25 - Ebony Mommy
Wed 3/26 - Round-Up Review on PBN