Are you familiar with Mom Central? It’s a great online resource for busy moms containing household tips, parenting solutions, product reviews and more. Looking for information on getting your toddler to bed, Mom Central can help. Trying to find ways to instill healthy eating habits in your kids, Mom Central can help. You’ll find answers to these and many other topics and forums that will be of interest to all moms.
Mom Central also tests and reviews many products that are a perfect fit for moms and their families. Moms, just like you, test and provide feedback on these products through their Mom Testing Panel.
Founder Stacy DeBroff describes Mom Central best as “…a resource for busy Moms – a place where Moms can trust they’ll find helpful information they need to make their lives easier.”
Now in Canada.
But the best part is……Mom Central is now in Canada! Yes, Mom Central has realized that although we have many similarities to our neighbouring US moms, we are in deed different. And sometimes we can’t find those US products up in in the north and visa-versa. So now they have set-up a Canadian Mom Testing Panel. And they’re looking for amazing Canadian moms like you to join their team (no blog required).
Canadian Mom Testing Panel.
As a member of the Canadian Mom Testing Panel, you’ll get access to new products before they hit the store shelves. Share your opinion with leading brand manufacturers and help make products better for moms like you. You’ll also get a chance to learn and share your thoughts with other moms and maybe even get the opportunity to pass along coupons and other promotions that moms in your network would enjoy.
And if that wasn’t enough incentive to join the Canadian Mom Testing Panel, how about a Canon PowerShot Camera? Yup, if you sign-up to join the Canadian Mom Testing Panel between June 1 and June 30, 2009, you’ll be entered in a random draw to win 1 of 5 Canon PowerShot Cameras (Contest is open to Canadian residents only. Contest runs from June1, 2009 to June 30, 2009. Draw date will take place on July 6, 2009. Winners will be notified by email)
So what’s stopping you? Sign-up now to be a member of the Canadian Mom Testing Panel AND enter to win 1 of 5 Canon PowerShot Cameras.
Mom Central on Twitter.
And if you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow Mom Central Canada (@MC_Canada) to keep in the know and find out the latest news.
And it’s another Candid Carrie’s Friday Foto Finish Fiesta submission (visit her blog for more entries). I can’t believe this is the last Friday in May. Before you know it summer will be here. Which brings me to this weeks photo:
A Summer Treat
Freezies: We’ve just started T-ball with our two oldest kids. I was talking to my son the other day about what his favourite part of T-ball was. His response? The after game treat. Well, at least he’s honest. Most times the treat is a freezie. Nothing says summer like a frozen stick of coloured sugar water. The brighter the colour the better — for staining your tongue that is. What treat reminds you of summer?
When I was young and going to school (elementary school I mean) the roles of parent and teacher were defined differently. Teachers were responsible for the education and preparation of kids for the working future. Parents, well they were responsible for every thing else. And the line was never crossed.
This is now
However, with the ever increasing demands on the education system and it’s teachers, plus the increased expectations for our kids, many parents now take a more active role in their children’s education. They volunteer in the classroom or on field trips. They help with homework and class projects. And they’re interested in other ways that will give their kids an advantage or JumpStart
That’s where JumpStart comes in. If you have kids under ten you’re probably familiar with the name and its association with educational computer software. But are you familiar with JumpStart 3D Virtual World, an online award-winning 3D interactive educational environment for kids? Our family had the opportunity to play around in this virtual world.
JumpStart is personalized for each child and this personalization starts right at the beginning with the creation of their own jumpee. The jumpee represents your child as s/he explores the 3D world. There are numerous configurations you child can choose to customize their jumpee, including hair, eyes, and even clothing. And you kids can change their jumpee at any time during their adventure. Now worries if you have more than one child playing in JumpStart; each child can set-up their own jumpee. My little testers enjoyed this aspect of JumpStart almost as much as the games themselves, especially my seven year old daughter. She loved changing clothes and hair colour at the start of each adventure.
Welcome to the JumpStart Virtual World
Once your child’s jumpee is created, they’re ready to start their adventure. When they enter the JumpStart 3D World they will be greeted by a guide who will give them direction and guidance throughout their adventure. Your child’s jumpee is then able to walk around the environment, enter buildings and talk to JumpStart characters with the simple use of their mouse or keyboard arrow keys (note: talking with JumpStart characters is not a chat but rather the character speaking pre-scripted dialog as a why of guiding the kids through the virtual world). Kids can also move around the environment by accessing the map icon at the bottom of the screen. This will enable them to move their jumpee right into a specific area of the 3D world they want to explore. And here’s what is waiting for them:
Visit the Newsland to find out the latest additions to the JumpStart world, like new game levels or portals to new adventures. The Arcade contains various games to help improve mouse and keyboard skills. There’s something for everyone in there. Checkout the jumpees with the daily, weekly or monthly high scores in the Hall of Fame. In Adventure Land kids train for the ultimate online adventure. Through a combination of game play and exciting learning activities, kids improve their math and reading skills while earning rewards. The coins they earn as their reward for completing levels enables them to buy more items for their jumpee. While visiting Story Land, kids are encouraged to explore and meet the online characters. With each encounter they will receive a new piece of a story. Once all the pieces are complete, they can visit the library to read it or have it read to them. They’ll also discover art and music and other interactive activities to keep them entertained for awhile. Plus other areas like the Movie House, Buggy Racer and Ghost Town Grab to entertain and challenge kids. And there’s room to expand new portals and add new game levels.
Designed with Kids in Mind
The village is colourful with a cartoon fun feel. The navigation buttons and mouse cursor are large making them easy to use, even for a novice computer player. The JumpStart online characters act as friendly guides, helping the kids through sections of the village. The gaming instructions are either audio or in picture form so no reading skills are required. And the handy help button enables the kids to hear or view instructions again and again if they need to. But what do the actual kids think?
Thumbs Up!
7 Year Old Tester My favourite part was the pet adoption center in Story Land. I played a lot of the games, even the math and reading games were fun. It took me a while to figure out how to earn money in the game. Now I play those games all the time. I can’t wait until I have enough money to buy my jumpee some new clothes. I really like letting my jumpee walk around the town. You can talk to the other characters, find hidden suprises. There’s even these trampolines that you can bounce on to get around the town. This is as much fun as being on Webkinz.
Thumbs Up!
4 Year Old Tester I like that it feels like a real world. It’s not just a game. I like Adventure Land best. There are lots of secret paths and the slide and hand glider are so cool. I like using the map so I can get to my games fast. It’s quicker than walking my jumpee around. The Speed Drome is cool because you can race cars. It’s a little tricky but I’m getting better.
Added Benefits
Downloadable Games – as a member you get exclusive access to interactive games you can download and play directly on your computer to those times when an Internet connection isn’t handy
Parent Zone – create an online profile, meet and participate in online discussions with outher JumpStart parents and the JumpStart team. Receive email updates when changes about new and exciting changes in the JumpStart world.
JumpStart Blog – have access to the latest information from JumpStart by visiting their new online blog. Share your opinions, discouver new changes and ways to incorporate JumpStart learning into your child’s life.
Enjoy it for Yourself
We’ve been playing with JumpStart for about a month now. I’ve never seen them having so much fun learning their letters and numbers, plus their ability to handle the mouse and keyboard has greatly improve. Because the JumpStart world is self-contained with no outside access, I feel completely comfortable letting my kids play online without me. And the overall environment’s design means the kids can enjoy the game, exploring, experiencing and learning all on their own. Plus, since it’s an online environment, I know I’ll get instant access to any new games instantly without having to buy additional software. JumpStart will continue to grow and develop, always offering my kids something new to learn. You can visit JumpStart to sign-up for your account (the cost is $7.99 US/month)
WIN! WIN! WIN!
And the great folks at Knowledge Adventure (creators of JumpStart) are offering one of my readers access to their own JumpStart world for 3 months, absolutely free. If you’re interested just visit the JumpStart blog and come back leaving me a comment telling me about something you found and liked. YOU NEED TO DO THIS FIRST BEFORE YOU CAN QUALIFY FOR ANY EXTRA ENTRIES.
Earn an extra entry for tweeting about this review and giveaway. Make sure to copy me (@cbadov) in your tweet and be sure to come back here and leave a separate comment with your tweet status. The contest is open to everyone and closes at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, June 11 (I’ll pick a name on June 12 using random.org). Make sure to leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you.
Addendum June 12/09
We have a winner. Congratulations Mandy. I will be forwarding your email address to JumpStart. They will get in touch with you shortly. Enjoy your 3 Free Months! And thanks to everyone else who visited and left a comment. JumpStart has some great things coming so stay tuned to this blog and JumpStart’s blog.
One afternoon when I was visiting my mom with the kids and we were talking about school when those words came out of my mouth, the words I thought I’d never say…
I remember when…
Wow, is it true? Am I old enough now to have one of those I remember when moments? Yikes. But really, it’s been over well…let’s just say it’s been a few years since I’ve been in school. So things should be different. I guess I must think I’m younger than I am. I guess I expected to walk onto the school yard and see visions of my school days. Instead I see kids hanging around in groups chatting. I see the occasional ball game, but I can’t help but wonder what happened to the old playground games we use to play; I use to play.
Remember those skipping games like double-dutch and Chinese jump rope? Remember those hand rhyming games like See See My Playmate and Down by the Roller coaster? Remember those wall ball games like Donkey and Duplicate?
What happened to these? You don’t see them on the playground anymore. Perhaps it’s a result of organized sports, kids have no time to learn these free-time activities that use to be a staple in my youth. And why shouldn’t my daughter enjoy these too?
So I took it upon myself to teach my daughter some of those skipping rhymes and Chinese jump rope games. I even made a Chinese jump rope from tied elastic bands (yes, you can buy a Chinese jump rope or use a double dutch rope, but I only remember it being a homemade elastic band rope).
Now my daughter skips rhymes constantly. She’s even does jump rope tricks like jumping on one foot and skipping backwards. Her teacher asked her to bring her Chinese jump rope to gym one day so the teacher could show everyone in her class how it was played (obviously someone from my generation).
Next on the agenda some hand rhymes. I wonder if I remember any. It has been awhile.
I recently wrote a post over on Everything Mom about using visualization to help my daughter deal with her growing pains one night without medication. To my surprise the technique worked, I think. I mean I can’t tell if this was a fluke or the technique really worked until I have another opportunity to test it again, which I haven’t. I like to think it worked. I like the idea that behind the concept of visualization. And I know many people who do believe in and use it regularly.
One really good example is a mom who’s son is in my son’s SportPlay class. One afternoon she was telling me about rediscovering her ability to control her universe with thought (her words not mine). Turns out their family had just put an offer in on a house but needed to sell their current house first. Her solution, just send out to the universe her desire to sell her house, visualizing her house being sold. And you know what happened right? Of course. Her house sold the next day.
Impressed? I was. So much so that I decided to try this technique myself. I mean it didn’t sound that hard. And it’s not like I haven’t done this before. I did save my daughter from a painful, sleepless night, drug-free didn’t I. So I did the first thing anyone with this gift would have done, I asked the universe to send me the winning lottery numbers. I visualized what those numbers would be and a bunch of numbers appeared. Problem of course is that none of them came up. I must have been thinking of another lottery. Perhaps I’d be a millionaire if I played the lottery in Australia.
Or maybe the universe thought my request was a little selfish and greedy. It worked when I was doing the selfless act of helping my daughter. Perhaps something a little more beneficial to more than just me. like a morning free of tattling, squabbling, yelling and crying. Perfect. I send my request out to the universe; I envisioned all three of my happy beautiful children enjoying a pleasant exchange around the dining room table. And you know what, it happened. The next morning as I stand in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room, I stare smiling sweetly at my three kids. Actually I think my obsessive Snow White silent smile creeped my children out. I think they were worried that I had finally lost my mind and were eating quietly out of concern and fear. Oh well, whatever works.
Even though I wasn’t very good with these two scenarios, I still think that your mind and mindset can effect things around you. The problem is my mind seems to use it’s ability for evil instead of good. For example, today I made toast and jam for my kids and myself. I had a bite and gagged. The jam had obviously gone bad, which pissed me off since it was a new bottle. I tossed my toast and grabbed the kids pieces (only my son had eaten a piece, but he has an iron stomach). So all morning I’ve been thinking about this bad jam. I’m sure I didn’t swallow any but my mind won’t let my stomach believe that. See I can’t pick the lottery numbers but I can make myself sick. Gift or curse?
At least it is ….ah…..um….all in my mind ….eh…..ah….and eventually it will pass….oh oh, excuse me…..
We were suppose to attend a friend’s wedding tonight, but since my two year old seems to have been hit with another bug my husband went with just the two older kids. My youngest hates the thought that she’s missing out on something, even if she isn’t feeling really social. So to make the idea of staying home with me more appealing, I suggested to her that we would have a PJ movie party; just the two of us.
So out came the popcorn and Arizona Ice Tea. On went the pajamas and Kung Fu Panda movie. And just the two of us are hanging out on the couch. Not a bad way to end a Saturday.
Like every Friday, I’m participating again in Candid Carrie’s Friday Foto Finish Fiesta. Check her blog for other snap happy people. Fitting for foto friday, today’s image is brought to your by another photo enthusiast in my family.
Portrait of a little sister
Budding Photographer: Perhaps it’s because I’m always taking pictures of my kids, now my oldest daughter has developed an interest in photography. One Christmas her uncle and aunt gave her a kids digital camera and she’s been glued to it. Her favourite subject is her brother and sister, of course. My daughter has taken a number of great ‘posed’ shots of her siblings, but this unplanned shot is by far my favourite. And I think the lower quality image produced by her camera give this picture a great texture. I don’t think I’d be able to get a shot like this, even if I tried.
When the abduction of Tori Stafford first happened, student safety became the main topic of conversation at school. My son talked about it at dinner and how he was a guard for his classroom. He explained that all the kids were on guard for themselves and each other in his classroom; looking for people who didn’t belong. He also demonstrated his escape routine of kicking and yelling. And I know I wasn’t the only parent feeling a renewed concern for my kids safety. Fellow blogger at the Parent Club wrote a post about similar concerns she was feeling with her young kids.
I agree, my children’s safety is very important. But I find I’m caught in a dilemma of keeping my children safe and aware and keeping them children. I’m fortunate that my two oldest children have inherited their dad’s extroverted, friendly nature (my youngest seems to jump between her shy, introverted mom side and her friendly, extroverted dad side). They talk to people in line, they greet people they pass on the street and readily give out hugs. When we transferred to our new school just after Christmas, one that was closer to our house, my kids adjusted easily and quickly. Now we walk onto the school grounds and parents, kid and teachers alike know them and want to talk to them. I love this about my kids. It’s part of who they are and I think this is something that will help them as they grow older and are confronted by bigger challenges.
But now there are these damn predators. I know this isn’t a new problem but it’s became more relevant to me when my kids entered the school system, a zone where I’m not there to protect them. I’ve tried having the ’stranger’ conversation with my kids.
Son: But I know Micheal
Me: Who’s Micheal?
Son: A boy at school. He told me his name so he’s not a stranger to me. I know his name now. Strangers are people you don’t know their names.
We’ve explained to our kids that unless mom or dad are with them that they aren’t to go with anyone; that they shouldn’t talk to other adults and hugs are just for close friends and family.
I don’t help matters by using the idea of strangers to scare my kids into behaviour. You know the conversation, ‘ don’t go around the corner where I can’t see you because someone might grab you and toss you in van and take you far away’. Yeah, my parenting at it’s best. If you haven’t had this conversation, I’m sure you’ve heard some other mom lecturing her child in a shopping mall.
My kids are still fairly young and don’t go anywhere on their own. I hope in my haphazard parenting methods I can teach them what to look out for and protect themselves without loosing their outgoing, free-spirited nature. I hope I never have to endure the guilt and pain that Tori Stafford’s family are going through. I wish no one had to. But since we don’t live in a eutopia, perhaps a review of parenting expert Alyson Schafer’s rules on street proofing your kids might be a good place to start.
Blogging is fairly new to me, so I’m always open to new mom bloggers to read. Momdot has made this easy. They recently ran a blog-a-thon, inviting bloggers to link themselves as a way of meeting new readers and discovering new blogs. Check out the list below and maybe visit someone you haven’t before. You never know what you’ll discover:
Not too long ago, Canadian Family magazine tweeted the question about road trips or flying this summer. That topic and the nice weather means family vacations are just around the corner. And when it comes to our family vacations, nothing beats a road trip, especially when we make our annual end of summer drive to Florida.
We’ve done the flying thing and the driving thing and although I’m a fan of air travel, I much prefer traveling by car with the family. Why?
Less Stress
Anyone who’s ever flown knows the experience: rush to the airport; lines to check bags, check tickets, check security; waiting in the lounge for the plane to arrive, on the airplane for plane to leave or land; kids with little attention span and squirmy pants; mediocer food if any; more lines at the other airport to get off the plane, get luggage, get rental car/taxi. Phew.
Driving allows you to move at your pace, not that of the airline, though you many have to wait at a boarder crossing depending on where you’re travelling. If a diaper change delays you from leaving or you sleep through the alarm, no worries. Leave when you’re ready.
More Control
You’re on the plane and you realize you forgot your child’s favourite book at home. You can see it in your mind, sitting on the hall bench waiting for you to grab on your way out the door. You can’t go back or stop and get another one. On the plane you’re stuck eating plane food (if they offer food). You’re not required to stay seated for the whole plane ride, but what are you going to do, go hang out beside the bathrooms?
When driving you can easily make a pit-stop for forgotten items. You can bring your own food (try doing that on an airplane now) or you can stop to eat. You can pull over to stretch your legs or let the kids run around and burn off some energy. Ultimately you can control your trip instead of your trip controlling you.
Happier Kids
My kids like to fly, they like getting on the plane and looking out the window. But this enthusiasm usually only lasts for about 30 minutes. Sometimes my kids are asking if we’re there yet and the plane hasn’t even left the ground yet.
Yes, some airlines offer activity packs and music stations to entertain the kids, but how can that compare to seeing the future birth place of Captain Kirk or eating at King Kong Burger or visiting the original Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Driving gives you the freedom to stop at historic sites and not so historic sites (if you’re traveling through the USA, the site Roadside America is worth the visit). The trip becomes part of the experience, not just a means of getting there.
Cost Effective
Unless you have kids under two, you have to pay for a seat for everyone. And the more kids you have in your family, the more it will cost.
Driving is the same cost no matter how many people in your vehicle. Even with the added accommodation, meals and fuel, it can still work out to be less than flying (depending on where you’re travelling).
These are all good reasons for driving versus flying for your next vacation. But the biggest reason is the experience, the memories. Why wait until you get to the hotel to start your vacation. When you drive, your vacation can start when you pull out of the driveway.
Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 7), while building my business and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier?
A nice glass of wine can really add to a meal but sometimes what’s nice with one meal isn’t as delightful with another. I’ve attended a wine and meal pairing dinner and it really can make a difference having the right wine with your roast or fish or chocolates. It’s just a matter of trying [...]
Visit my book review post the first Saturday of every month:
Are you familiar with Mom Central? It’s a great online resource for busy moms containing household tips, parenting solutions, product reviews and more. Looking for information on getting your toddler to bed, Mom Central can help. Trying to find ways to instill healthy eating habits in your kids, Mom Central can help. You’ll find answers to these and many other topics and forums that will be of interest to all moms.
Visit the Newsland to find out the latest additions to the JumpStart world, like new game levels or portals to new adventures. The Arcade contains various games to help improve mouse and keyboard skills. There’s something for everyone in there. Checkout the jumpees with the daily, weekly or monthly high scores in the Hall of Fame. In Adventure Land kids train for the ultimate online adventure. Through a combination of game play and exciting learning activities, kids improve their math and reading skills while earning rewards. The coins they earn as their reward for completing levels enables them to buy more items for their jumpee. While visiting Story Land, kids are encouraged to explore and meet the online characters. With each encounter they will receive a new piece of a story. Once all the pieces are complete, they can visit the library to read it or have it read to them. They’ll also discover art and music and other interactive activities to keep them entertained for awhile. Plus other areas like the Movie House, Buggy Racer and Ghost Town Grab to entertain and challenge kids. And there’s room to expand new portals and add new game levels.
Trying to balance life at home with my 3 kids (all under 7), while building my business and developing my writing. Oh and throw a load of laundry in and a dinner that isn't burnt. Wasn't working from home suppose to be easier?
