Whenever I write about Webkinz, there’s a flurry of people coming to see what’s up. So to you Webkinz lovers, HI!!! Last Friday on the CBS Early Show, Joie Chen reported on the Webkinz craze. I loved the kids she featured. They were so enthusiastic about the toys but even more so about being on the Internet playing with the toys’ virtual characters. My son was fascinated by the segment and I bet you will be too. Watch the Webkinz video. What Webkinz animals are in your family? Thanks to my mom for the video link! Tags: webkinz, plush toys, stuffed animals, toys, children, kids, parenting, family, fun [Read more]

Kerri and I are a few years out from the newborn stage with our children. *sniff* Manicmama, on the other hand, is expecting her third child and has some great tips for how to play with a newborn baby. In addition to her tips, I’d like to add my own. Read to your baby. They appreciate it sooner than you think. Hold your baby in your arms as much as you can. They’re only small for so long and holding them gives them a different perspective and helps them learn how to balance their bobbleheads. Sing to your baby even if you’re no American Idol star. They love your voice no matter what. If you’re shy, put on your favorite CD and siiiing! Take them on walks in the great outdoors. Even babies can appreciate fresh air, sunshine,... [Read more]

We just put new batteries in our iDog who was so happy to have raucous company over today that he sang his techno song for us several times (find out how to get your iDog to sing in my instructions). And as luck would have it, I just found this Hasbro Spi-Dog in red and black. So adorable! What looks like a spider but rocks like a dog? Meet SPI-DOG – the little dog with BIG sound! When it’s not fighting crime, this heroic webbed wonder digs your music – rock, punk, rap, hip-hop, dance, techno, and more. Its mood and personality change, depending on your music and how often you play with it! Tags: spi-dog, spider man, idog, toys, children, kids, family, fun, gadgets [Read more]

Easter has become a HUGE holiday. Almost as big as Christmas it seems for some parents. JD Mullane of the phillyBurbs.com talked to some parents who said: Unfortunately, Easter is getting to be like Christmas. Toys ‘R’ Us just put out a huge Easter catalog filled with “spring” toys. I feel like I have to get toys for Easter. I’m guilty of giving toys on Easter. I just bought my son a toy he wanted, and I will give it to him on Easter. I guess everything is bigger these days — houses, SUVs, birthdays. If you’re looking for Easter basket additions, the Hasbro Toy Shop has 53 items that range from the Play-Doh Make ‘n Display Stage Show to the Mr. Potato Head Spring Easter Bunny Set. What kind of baskets... [Read more]

Naming a preschool soccer team “The Bratz”?! You must be joking. Tracee Sioux wasn’t putting up with any of that. When she learned that her daughter’s soccer team was to be named The Bratz, she objected and stood her ground even when other parents belittled and dismissed her concerns. “Look,” I said. “I’m very uncomfortable with this name because I don’t think we should be yelling Go Brats Go, Be the best little brat you can be. Brats Rule. I try all week long to NOT encourage my daughter to be a brat. I don’t want her to act like those dolls and I don’t let her dress like those dolls and I don’t even let her play with the dolls. I’m just very uncomfortable with the... [Read more]