While Waiting for April the Giraffe to Give Birth

Kids love all animals and a giraffe is no exception. The world has been patiently waiting for April the giraffe to give birth to her calf. Many are watching the days go by with the live stream from Animal Adventure Park, a zoo in upstate New York. This may be a good time to teach your children about the giraffe. Look into the variety of books on giraffes, as reading and pictures are great tools for preschool learning.

Next, pass the time with toys. There are companies who have toys that are related to the giraffe and other toys that are just fun when passing time. Keeping busy is important, no matter the circumstances. Below are a few of the toys I recommend and the important information about each play item.

VTech® Zoo Jamz Guitar™
Rock and learn with the Zoo Jamz Guitar! Join the animal band and play along with the silly giraffe. The eight light-up buttons and strings allow little musicians to jam to the included music or make their own. The light-up buttons also add funny animal sounds to the melody. Sing along to eight familiar tunes with the giraffe. Turn the dial to choose acoustic, electric or distortion guitar to learn about different types of guitar sounds. Bring the animal band together by pressing the star-shaped button and hear the giraffe sing with the zebra from Zoo Jamz Piano™ and the lion from Zoo Jamz Microphone™ (each sold separately). Be a rock star with this cute giraffe!
Ages 1 ½ – 4 years, $19.99

Janod A Day at the Zoo Funny Magnets
These four chunky wooden jungle animal magnets are ideal for little hands to piece together as a puzzle, plus you can encourage your child to mix and match heads, bodies and tails to create very funny looking animals! Each animal is segmented into three parts and children will enjoy creating their favorite zoo animals by snapping them together with the help of the safely embedded magnets. Designed in the Jura mountains of France, the quality of these magnets is absolutely superb and will make a special gift for toddlers.
Ages 1.5+, $21.99

Janod Tactile Puzzle “A Day at the Zoo”
Janod Tactile Puzzle - A Day at the Zoo lets your little one bring the petting zoo home! Build the 20-piece puzzle to create a scene featuring 7 types of zoo animals in their habitats. One of each animal is textured, so you can feel their fur or skin. Touch a flamingo, koala, tiger and more, they won't bite! Includes a 25.5 inch x 19.5 inch puzzle with 7 textured pieces.
Ages 3 – 6 years, $21.99

ALEX Toys Tots Art Start
Alex Jr. Tots Art Start lets you have fun introducing art to your toddler and preschooler. Everything is included for 6 great activities. These colorful projects include sticky collage frames, which encourage your child to draw in the center. Includes easy grip crayon, crinkly, tissue and fringe papers, doilies, stickers and specially colored activity paper shaped like a tree and giraffe.
Ages 1.5+; MSRP $17.00

ALEX Toys Ready Set Count
Finger puppet counting friends are as easy as 1-2-3! Learn number, counting and easy math concepts with Ready, Set, Count. Each activity is packaged separately so everything is ready to go when you open the kit. Make a giraffe ruler, linked paper counting chains, adorable finger puppets and make a number collage!
Ages 3+; MSRP $12.00

And let's not forget about Slinky. It's a toy that has no age -- it was a favorite in my day and now with the kids. The Slinky is an icon of traditional fun. The MSRP is about $5.00 for the original size and mini Slinky toys are available too.

Check your local toy stores and online for these wonderful and educational products.
Alex Toys
Janod Toys
VTech Toys

Looking forward to April the Giraffe's baby in the near future. Find more information here.

I want to thank all the toy companies for the opportunity to try their products. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the products were provided and these are my own opinions.
Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

CONTEST: SMURFS Movie Tickets

WE HAVE A WINNER:
Congratulations Tina! You have won 2 free tickets to see SMURFS:The Lost Village.
Enjoy the movie.

Hi everyone,

So, the new SMURFS movie opens this Friday, April 7th. Who would like to win two free movie tickets?

To enter the contest, FOLLOW my blog and then enter your name and email in the comment section below. Friday afternoon, I will randomly pick a winner and send you codes for two FREE tickets to see this new movie. You will have from April 7 through April 16th to use these tickets.

I'm sure your kids will love the film. Good luck!

Happy Parenting,

Tania :)

Disclosure:
We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18 only. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

The SMURFS are Making a Comeback!

Who's ready for a new movie? On April 7, 2017, the SMURFS are coming back in their new film "SMURFS The Lost Village" to a theater near you. And to get you and the kids ready, here is some information about the film, the official movie trailer, and coloring sheets your kids will love.

"Best friends Smurfette (Demi Lovato), Brainy (Danny Pudi), Clumsy (Jack McBrayer) and Hefty (Joe Manganiello) use a special map that guides them through the Forbidden Forest, an enchanted wonderland that's filled with magical creatures. Their adventure leads them on a course to discover the biggest secret in Smurf history as they race against time and the evil wizard Gargamel (Rainn Wilson) to find a mysterious village."

View the official movie trailer HERE.  And at the top of the page you will find coloring sheets and activities.

After you and your children enjoy the film, here is a parent discussion guide to help you quiz the kiddos to see how much they have absorbed from the film. Click HERE for the downloadable guide.

Parents, put this movie and opening date on your calendar -- your children will be happy you did!!!!!

Stayed tuned for more information about this movie opening.

Until then,

Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Photos courtesy of the official Smurfs movie site: http://www.smurfsmovie.com

#SmurfsMovieL3

Keep Learning During Breaks From School With LeapStart

March is National Reading Month, Spring Break and soon the Easter holidays. Although you will have planned family activities, why not keep learning in this off-time from school? Whether your child is in preschool, kindergarten or the primary grades, LeapStart Interactive Learning Systems will keep the "learning" during your holiday breaks.  

Jam-packed with school and life skills for curious 2-7 year olds, the LeapStart activity books are designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. The system works with a library of 16 re-playable activity books that get kids excited about a multitude of concepts from the ABCs, numbers, shapes and colors to reading, writing, social skills, science, technology, engineering, math and many more. Both LeapStart platforms work with all four levels of activity books for complete interchangeability and ability to find just the right level for each set of skills.

The LeapStart interactive learning systems include a portable kid-tough device with a downloadable Parent Guide that fosters the development of kids ages 2-7 with tips, tricks, and activities that parents and kids can do together. Each system comes with a sampler book: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten designed for the younger platform and Kindergarten and 1st Grade designed for the older platform. Availability LeapStart Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten system (MSRP $39.99, ages 2-4) and LeapStart Kindergarten & 1^st Grade system (MSRP $39.99, ages 5-7) as well as the 16 LeapStart Activity books (MSRP $12.99 each, ages 2-7) are available at major retail locations and online in the U.S.

I love this toy as you can upgrade with a variety of additional booklets (each sold separately) engaging your child in learning and stepping up to new skills. LeapStart is coming into my home for the spring holidays and continued use during the long summer months. Learning can be fun with the right tools -- from simple problems to critical thinking and even STEM learning. I thank LeapFrog for making such an innovative learning toy.

Leapstart on Amazon

Until later -- Happy Parenting,

Tania  :)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links or advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you informative and interesting content. All opinions are my own.

Take Time to Read on a Winter Day

Whether you are by the fireside or poolside, nothing beats a good book on a winter’s day. For children in the north, it’s fun reading about experiences in the snow and cold, however, for children in the south, they can read about what they are missing and have fun too through the magic of books.

Here are a few books to try:

• A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney (Clarion)
• Winter’s Gift written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan (Sleeping Bear Press)
• Snowball Fight by Jimmy Fallon (Dutton Children’s Books)
• Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester (Houghton Mifflin)
• Robert’s Snow by Grace Lin (Viking)
• The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming (Henry Holt & Co.)
• It’s Winter (Celebrate the Seasons) by Linda Glaser (Millbrook Press)
• Winter Friends by Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick (Carl R. Sams II Photography)
• Dream Snow by Eric Carle (Philomel)
• The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett (Putnam Juvenile)

Find these books and more about winter on Amazon.com.

Do you feel like making some snowmen crafts? Check out these fun ideas!

I hope you and your children enjoy these winter books and craft suggestions. Please feel free to comment below and add some of your wintry favorites.

(Books first posted on Caring for Kids/ EverydayTLC by Tania Cowling)

3 Valentine Activities for February 14th

It's February, and love is in the air. What greater love is there than the love of a child? So whether you are expecting the birth of your child or already enjoying the many hugs and kisses of a little one, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to celebrate. Here are some fun and easy Valentine's Day ideas to help with building early memories with your child this holiday season.

For Expecting Parents:

This creative little gift is especially designed for expectant parents. Remember those silly messages found on candy hearts you used to eat in grade school? For fun, try personalizing your own messages on cut out construction paper hearts for your loved one! "Back Massage," "Belly Rub," "Midnight Run for Snacks," or "Extra Smiles" are just a few ideas for fun heart sayings. The paper hearts don't taste like candy, but guaranteed to bring grins to the recipient.

Finger Paint With Your Baby:

The use of non-toxic paints offers older babies endless possibilities for making discoveries and exploring. A red (pink) heart picture is perfect for Valentine’s Day and fun to do with your child using pudding paint. Mix one box of instant vanilla pudding according to directions on the package. Add drops of red food coloring to achieve the desired color. Hand on hand, help your baby fingerpaint on freezer paper or paper plates. When dry, cut the paper into a heart-shape. Fingerpainting is such an open-ended activity—the process of painting is more important than the finished project. Take time to tickle the senses—enjoy the feel of this paint, smell it and if your baby tries to take a taste, it’s OK-- it’s pudding!

Fun With Toddlers:

Take several large appliance boxes and open all the tops and bottoms. Using heavy tape, attach all the boxes together making sure the inside flaps are securely taped and smooth. Invite your toddler to decorate the outside of the boxes in his own way with lots of scribbled hearts and designs using crayons and markers. Valentine stickers may aid in the decorating and toddlers just love them. Write “Tunnel of Love” on the outside. Encourage your little one to crawl through the tunnel—you may just want to follow him!

Enjoy your holiday and happy parenting,

Tania :)

Photos courtesy of geralt, photoshop Tofs, Moscow Moms, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com

February is Dental Health Care Month

With my oldest grandchild losing baby teeth and getting his first permanent teeth to my youngest grandson cutting his baby molars -- I thought it's fitting to include some ways to teach preschoolers about dental health and ways to take care of their pearly whites. First, parents need to understand how important it is to visit the dentist at an early age to insure that your child's baby teeth come in properly. And, that the kiddos care for their teeth so permanent teeth are strong and shiny.

Teaching young children about important matters in the health field is best done through interactive activities. Read on for some fun dental health activities to do at home or school.

Reading books about dental health is fun for young children who learn from friendly characters who deliver the message about taking care of teeth. It also wouldn't hurt to have a "cool" looking toothbrush to lure the kids into happy brushing!

Since February is National Dental Health Care Month, take the time to read some entertaining and informative books about dental care and teeth. And, stock up on the supplies that will help your little ones get into the good habit of brushing.

Until later~~~
Happy Parenting,
Tania 

Book cover photos courtesy of Amazon.com
Photo courtesy of woodypino, CC0 Public Domain, Pixabay.com

The Chinese New Year: Year of the Rooster

The Chinese New Year 2017 is the Year of the Rooster according to the Chinese Zodiac. It started Friday, January 27, 2017, and ends February 2nd. This is a fun holiday to celebrate with your children even if you are not of the Chinese descent.

Here are a couple articles to explain the holiday and activities you can partake with your children.

Chinese New Year Traditions (Holidays Helper)

The Chinese New Year is the most important and festive holiday by the Chinese people. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar (with the beginning of the New Moon) anywhere from January 21 to February 19. Each Chinese year is represented by a repeated cycle of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In 2015, the Chinese New Year begins on February 19, 2015 and is the Year of the Goat/Sheep.

As part of the Chinese New Year celebration, presents are bought, decorations adorn the homes, special foods are made, and new clothing is worn. Days before the holiday, Chinese families are busy preparing their homes with a thorough cleaning. The cleaning rids the bad luck and allows good luck to enter. Brooms are put away on New Year’s Eve, so good luck can’t be swept away. Since the color red is a symbol of happiness to the Chinese, you will see many homes with red paint trims.

Continue reading...

Teaching Your Kindergarten Class About the Chinese New Year (Bright Hub Education)

Chinese people consider The Chinese New Year as the most important and festive holiday. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar (with the beginning of the New Moon) anywhere from January 21 to February 19. These activities will help students understand the holiday.

• Twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac represent each year and continue with a repeated cycle including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In 2017, the Chinese New Year begins on January 27, 2017 and ends on February 2. It is the Year of the Rooster.
  

  
  

  Read on for more information and crafts...

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

A New and Improved Illumibowl Makes Potty Visits Fun

Hi friends,

I'm back again raving about Illumibowl because they now have a new and improved version. I was given the privilege to review this awesome product in August 2016 and now I like this newer advancement even better. Making trips to the bathroom at night has been easier (no need to put on the bright lights and disturb your sleep) and this little device has engaged my grandkids in easier potty training.  They love to visit the colorful lights at grandma's house, which has led to their parents installing the Illumibowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light at their homes.

The new product is easier to install (no more suction cups or long wire for the bulb). The one-piece stay put arm is much better and this new product even has a dimmer to adjust the amount of light you prefer.

Click on this link to see a cute video. And below is my original post.

The Illumibowl Motion-Activated Toilet Night Light will delight your kids with lighted color in the toilet bowl. Do you like blue? Or green?  How about purple? See, when it’s dark at night the sensor will activate and light up the toilet bowl in your favorite color or you can let it morph in a spectrum of colors. It’s easy to install and you just have to provide three AAA batteries.

Kudos to these inventors! Just think how nice this will be to see the toilet at night without having to turn on bright lights. Lead your little ones to go to the color – it will be a novelty at first. Don’t be surprised if your youngster asks several times to go potty, but in the long run, this little device serves a purpose. And for older kids this nightlight helps them find the toilet on their own – easily and safely.

This is a product that was introduced on Shark Tank this past spring and after the demonstrations was picked up by Kevin O’Leary and now a Shark Tank product. You can find this toilet light at most Bed, Bath, and Beyond stores. Or you can order directly from their website. www.illumibowl.com

Since my blog site presents products for children, I thought this one-of-a-kind bathroom nightlight is perfect for families. But just think, it works great for adults too. No more bumps and bruises trying to find the porcelain throne in the dark. It stays on for two minutes, just enough time to do you business!

Make sure to visit this product’s website as there are numerous articles on bathroom tips and ones for potty training. Great tips for parents to read.

I want to thank Illumibowl for the opportunity to try their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

Happy Parenting,

Tania :)

Get Ready to Ring in the New Year With EarthCam

I was sent media information about this webcam that will allow your children to view ringing in the New Year 2017 at Times Square, New York on any media device. I thought I would pass this information along to you. What a neat teachable moment!

Older children can experience the stroke of midnight and ringing in the New Year as they say "Happy New Year" via the Internet with EarthCam (a live 4K webcast). You can use this streaming on your computer or other devices. Here is what kids had to say about this product.

“A lot of us like to see the ball drop at 12:00 a.m. on the New Year’s Eve holiday but say you can’t go?  Even if you are just plain lazy you can sit at home and watch the ball drop – using EarthCam!” – Sasha, age 10

“People should watch EarthCam on New Year’s because, one it is awesome.  Two, because you can watch a lot of live places.” – Kendra, 7

“People should watch EarthCam because it is fun to watch and you can watch it on something different than regular TV.  You can watch it in different places.  I think it might be nice because you can watch it on your phone if you don’t have a TV.  This is why you should watch the ball drop on EarthCam.” – Dylan, 7

And it's not just for New Year's Eve! Think about geography lessons visiting other cities and countries via a live web camera.

ABOUT EARTHCAM
EarthCam is the global leader in delivering webcam content, technology and services. Founded in 1996, EarthCam provides live streaming video and time-lapse construction cameras for corporate, tourism and government clients in major cities around the world. EarthCam's revolutionary gigapixel camera systems deliver superior billion pixel clarity for monitoring and archiving the world's most important projects and events. EarthCam's all-weather webcams, innovative software and mobile applications enable users to showcase unique views, increase exposure and generate positive public relations.

The Webby and Telly Award winning company hosts many highly trafficked tourism cams, with views of popular locations and landmarks such as Times Square, World Trade Center, Las Vegas Strip, Bourbon Street, Eiffel Tower, Andy Warhol’s gravesite, Hollywood Boulevard, Miami Beach, Atlantis the Palm Dubai, Petra in Jordan and Abbey Road Crossing in London.

So, check out this link and enjoy the festivities.

This media is “Courtesy of EarthCam”  along with their photo.