KidZui

Check this out!!

Taken from the Lifehacker site:
"KidZui is a child-safe internet front end that calls upon an enormous whitelist of websites, pictures, videos, and games that have all been reviewed by a group of volunteers composed of parents and educators."

Read more about it and how to enjoy it here.

Children's Music Review: Dr. Jean Sings Silly Songs

I randomly picked this out at the library. After reading about Dr. Jean on her website it is clear that she is well qualified in the area of teaching children but I couldn't help but notice she had no achievements in the area of singing. Sadly, it is evident on her CD "Dr. Jean Sings Silly Songs".

There are several catchy and adorable songs on the disc like Katalina Matalina, The Moon at Night, and Pepperoni Pizza. My 2 year-old asked to have these songs repeated, and they are quite fun to sing. If you find these songs sung by someone else it would be worth checking them out.

Pros: A couple catchy songs, kids like it
Cons: May be annoying for adults to listen to

Indoor fun!

I was going to title this "Winter Activities" until I remembered that a number of those reading this live in Vegas or other warm-weather areas where winter is the time to go outside! I, however, live in the midwest, or the "heartland", but it might as well be the arctic as far as getting my kids outside to run around is concerned. So, I've tried to get creative with ways I can have fun with two active boys while staying indoors. I'll post my favorite from this week and look forward to your comments with more great ideas.

Bathtub Fingerpaints

1/3 cup clear liquid soap

+

1 Tbsp cornstarch

+

food coloring

=

40 minutes of harmonious playtime in the bathtubBecause this is made mostly of soap it washes off kids, the tub, and the ice cube trays perfectly. A great indoor pastime...and your kids get clean!

Too Much TV?

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television or videos for children under the age of two (and no more than two hours per day of educational and nonviolent programs for older children)".

I can't tell you how many times I have read this statement (or something very similar). But what I can tell you is that I feel a degree of guilt every time I do! You see, I introduced my first son to Baby Einstein when he was very young (2 months maybe?). I was working from home at the time and found that these convenient little dvds allowed me small windows of time to send necessary emails and other things that couldn't wait until naptime. Then I wasn't working anymore. But by this time, I had my son doing the "hot dog dance" with Mickey Mouse and patting his legs to give Rocket power. My son doesn't even reach the AAP's recommended age of two until next month, but I continue to turn on the TV more days than not. Sometimes we watch Disney in the morning, but mostly he asks to watch a "moo-nie" (Disney or Pixar or his current favorite: How the Grinch Stole Christmas).

Now my purpose in posting this is not rat on myself. Nor is it to justify my actions. Nor is it to tell you you're wrong. Or that you're right! I'm merely curious as to how much TV/movies other "real moms" let their kids watch (okay, I am kinda sorta secretly hoping I'm not the only TV-allowing mom. Wait, it's not a secret anymore). Also, I'm interested in any comments you might have on the subject. Perhaps your take on the statement by the AAP? Or alternatives you've found to buy you some time around the house? Or how to say no? Or why you don't say no? Any thoughts you have, please share! And take my poll. Responses are anonymous.

NOTE: If you get an error after submitting your responses, try refreshing the page. You should then be able to see the results.