Best Toys For Kids: 2014-04-20

Saturday, April 26, 2014

ACCENTS .. BRITISH .........................................?

AMIE--X

okay i live in England .. and i was wondering if all you Americans think that the British accent is posh and snobby ? because in all the american films i have seen the english girl is always posh and well spoken ! ? cant u recognise the other accents around england??
okay elegance .. i guess u havent ever spoken to a yorkshire person lyk me or a liverpool accent??

Answer
I think you kind of missed the point here; the American directors of the films almost certainly use an instantly-recognisable English actress because the film is aimed at American audiences. Comparitively few Americans meet English people; to ask them to recognise, say, a Manchester, or a Geordie accent is only to confuse them.

Identifyng The British Accent?

Q. Why is the British accent so distinct?

Answer
LOL WTF is a 'British' accent?? :-) You HAVE to be American for asking a question that dumb!

There are basically nine totally different regional/national accents in the UK. The first two are related but distinct from one another (1. sounds snobby and old-fashioned, 2. sounds educated/successful without the negatives of 1 But they share features). The other seven are as different from each other as each is to, say, the American accents or Irish etc.

Some of these can be split into many, many different sub-regional accents. Especially #8 Northern England.

1. Received Pronunciation (The kooky way the Queen and a tiny handful of mainly very old upper class people speak.)
2. Standard 'BBC' English (The accent of most news anchors and broadcasters, many well-educated people, the pronunciation a dictionary would direct you to use after each word.)
3. London and South East England
4. Eastern England
5. West and South Western England
6. Welsh
7. Midlands
8. Northern England
9. Scottish

None of these could be called a 'British accent' because they are all British accents - but are completely, radically different from one another. As an example, a Western/South Western English accent has far more in common with a Standard American accent than it does with a Northern English accent from just 300 miles away.

Friday, April 25, 2014

My blind toddler wont walk!?

Q. Hello, can anyone give me the best tips for getting my blind toddler to walk! he will be 2 in December and hes getting rather heavy to carry everywhere! He was born blind, we do have specialists visit us at home for eg, physio, occupational therapist, visual impaired teacher etc, they do give us exercises to do but i was just wondering if any other parent or carer could give me a few extra hints or tips that in there experience helped or worked wonders for them! I have tried different toys etc just out of his reach but he will not move to find the objects he just gets frustrated with himself.

Thank you!

Answer
Continue as you are, but maybe use a baby walker, this will help him realise that he CAN walk and stand on his own. You should think of getting a strong one since he is quite a lot older than they are designed for, or ask your therapists if they have details of an alternative.
If he is too big for them then maybe buy a push along trolley or another push along item (such as a dolly pram). This will help him hold on to something when walking.

This site has all sorts of other tips and suggestions about blind infants and their development, including a chart of development ages. (e.g. 9 months- play with toy etc.)
http://www.wonderbaby.org/search-topics/development.html

What is your toddlers favorite toy?

Carly

What is your toddlers favorite toy? And which toy is their least favorite?
My daughter is 17 months. Her favorite toy is this gear toy made by Playskool and this marraca that sings and lights up. Her least favorite toy is the lion push toy/ride-on toy. I don't know why but she just never liked it. She rarely used it to learn to walk and now she just doesn't care to ride on it. Waste of $40 lol.

Answer
My daughter is still a bit young, she is a year old now.
But she really loves her puzzles ( the foam ones ) and for her 1st birthday we bought her a leapfrog drum & maracas, she loves them.
The most useless thing was a car her grandmother bought her, she doesn't even go near it for some reason - and it is even a walker ( even though she walks now ) and makes noises but she still doesn't like it.

toughest dog toy ever?

Q. I have a 1 yr old boxer. He loves to chew his toys. Bad thing is he is allergic to plastic. So we are looking for the toughest fabric toy. We have tried the tuffy toys he destroyed that one in a week.

Answer
Try rope toys. I suggest making your own rope toys so you can use thicker and tougher rope, and just tie a bunch if knots into a rope for him to chew. You could also get him Kong toys. They are made of har rubber, and you can stuff the toys with treats to keep him busy for hours on end! My pup has strong jaws and teeth, so she has a Kong Extreme which is the toughest kind of Kong toy. Hope I helped!

Push/Pull toys for babies?

eMMa's MoM

What are some good push/pull toys for my 10 month old baby girl? Where could I find them? Thanks

Answer
toy stores some department chain stores- like walmart and target
Toys-R-Us a toy store chain
FAOSchwartz- a specialized toy store
Fisher Price brand traditionally has been the leader in children's toys for years- wide variety dursble and inexpensive

How often do u bleach/wash ur baby/toddlers toys?

ugggggggg

So people think that im crazy so washing my kids toys so often.

but its not even that much!! i bleach all of my sons toys about every 3-6 months, unless he was sick, then id wash all of his toys after he was done being sick.

like i bleach his bath toys, his, and all of his play toys,

and i guess whenever someone talks to me they say im always washing his toys.

BUT /w all the sickness going around can u blame me?

how often do u wash ur kids toys?

my son is 19 months, and ive only washed all of his toys MAYBE 15-20 time.

Answer
I know what you mean. I work in childcare where disinfecting is very important We try to do it every few weeks unless other wise needed, for the preschoolers, and every week for the babies. Bath toys can easily grow mold/mildew and should be disinfected every week. And thoroughly dried out between baths. Since you son is at the age were things go right into the mouth disinfecting more often is a good idea, especially with flu season coming. Teaching your child to properly wash their hands is a good idea as well. Be careful with some toys, the have small openings that bleach water falls into, and then can dump out on the child. For toys like this I use a damp rag with bleach water or a disinfecting wipe I wash toys and put them out in the hot sun to dry out,

Baby Annabell.....?

Jasmine

I saw it in the Big Toy Book in the Toys "R" Us Catouluge. I was wondering if any of anyone has bought the doll and her set and if it would be good for a almost two year old (She'll be 23 months in December) for Christmas. I want to get her the whole set. If not good for a almost two year old, woulld it be good for a 4 year old? I am buying presents for my kids and need help! Thanks!

Answer
I think Baby Annabell would be more suitable for a 4 year old - most ads say "3 and up." Probably too many loose pieces for a toddler.

Why not get one of the first doll types for the younger girl? Corolle makes some really cute ones, as well as Playskool. One Step Ahead even has one that can be personalized with baby's name. Another, more expensive but highly collectible first doll, might be one by Kathe Kruse.

In addition, Baby Genious has an award winning "My First Baby Doll Gift Set" you might like. It is advertised as being suitable for age 18 months and up.

Karate Kid, Toy Story 3, or The Last Airbender?

Any kid toy stores online that accept paypal?

deady

only store ive found was toysrus but they dont accept paypal.. or atleast i cant find anything that says it does...

so any kid store recommendations that accept paypal would be great! thanks

Answer
All Aboard Toys

http://www.allaboardtoys.com/

BigBadToyStore.com

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/

ToyWiz.com

http://www.toywiz.com/

Wizzywig Collectibles

http://wizzywig.com/xcart/catalog/index.html

All the above are reputable online retailers and I would trust buying from them again.

online shopping toys for kids?

genkins26

can any 1 tell me where i can buy toys online for my 7 year old and get them shipped to Ireland please as i hav tried a few sites but they wont ship and her bday is coming up thanks

Answer
Firebox.com is nice has some nice things and gadgets

Thursday, April 24, 2014

EAS emergency alert on TV?

Q. What does this mean?

Answer
Emergency Alert System.

For TVs, it is a way for TV broadcasters to take control of your TV to get critical emergency messages to you, such as severe weather alerts. It is mandatory and there is no way to opt out or disable it.

where can i get emergency medical alert online?

Q. hey guys! I want to know where can i get emergency medical alert online? I need an emergency medical alert for my elderly aging parents.please provide me a reliable source where i can buy emergency medical alert at cheapest price and life long durability? so Hurry Up Guys!! Give me your Best result.I am waiting.Thanks a ton.

Answer
Yes you can get emergency medical alert online here at cheapest price.I buy an emergency medical alert for my Grandfather.

Electronic Kids Toy Late 80s Early 90s?

Q. I can't remember what its called and its driving me crazy.Its not speak and spell and I had two late 80s early 90s,it was an electronic learning system,battery operated,I had one in red and one in blue and one was to help learn spelling and one math and the spelling one had a hang man type game on it,anyone know what I'm talking about?Thanks.

Answer
Yes, there were electronic toys in the 80s and 90s

Space soldier toys from the 90s, please help!?

ascrit

I am trying to identify some toys that I used to have, they were little space soldiers that had magnets on their feet. All of their vehicles (rocket ships, tanks, etc) also had magnetic panels and could could connect (i.e. a rocket could pick up a tank.)

Does anyone remember these awesome toys?

Answer
Actually, they were
from the 80's and
resurfaced in the 90's

" STARCOM:
U.S. Space Force "
http://www.toyarchive.com/STAForSale/NEW2001+/Starcom/StarcomIndexPic1a.jpg
Coleco
circa- '86 -'89

" Like many 1980’s toys, the Starcom line was developed
as part of the merchandising for a cartoon. Starcom: The
U.S. Space Force was a syndicated series that depicted the
adventures of an American astronaut brigade as they fought
off attempted invasions by Shadow Force, a nasty collection
of aliens and robots led the nefarious Emperor Dark. The
heroes on the Starcom side included ace pilots John ‘Slim’
Griffin and James ‘Dash’ Derringer.

The coolest thing about the Starcom toy line was its use of
Magna Lock technology.
Basically, what this meant is that the action figures had tiny
magnets implanted in their feet. Not only did this allow them
to stand on the vehicles and playsets without falling off, but it
also activated nifty gizmos in the playsets. For instance, you
placed a figure in the elevator of the Starbase Station, its Lock
magnets would cause the elevator to rise to the top by itself.
On the same playset, if you put a figure in one of cannons,
the Magna Lock magnets would activate a mechanism that
made it turn and fire its rockets. "

http://www.skooldays.com/categories/toys/ty1289.htm
http://www.squidoo.com/starcom
http://www.digitalmonkeybox.com/starcom.htm
http://www.virtualtoychest.com/starcom/starcom.html

A collector's website...
http://www.starcomspaceforce.com/

An actual Coleco promotional tape
made exclusively for potential buyers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrLLG3X3vUo

Can be found here...
http://www.planetforce.com/starcom.html
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=starcom+toys&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&_odkw=starcom+space+force&_osacat=0

***

Bumble smilez**

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I have a 2 year old rat, any ideas for toys and games for her?

snuggly_ra

She likes people alot.

Answer
You've got an old rat there. :) I have two, but mine are less than a year old and still *really* easily excited.
One of the things that they love are dry noodles, they carry them around and chew on them (which is good for their teeth)...but those aren't exactly toys, although they do get really excited about them.
My rats had lots of fun playing with carboard tubes. You can buy ones at pet stores that are made out of rodent friendly materials (basically dried veggie matter) and they can hide in them and chew them up if they like.
Mine reallly like fabric that they can climb up, climb in, or chew up. Old socks are good. There are also some websites that sell "rat hammocks" that they can climb up in to take a nap.
Cat toys are also a good idea, like the little balls with bells stuck in them...they will obsess over them for hours.
"Peas in a Pool" is funny...frozen peas put in a shallow bowl of water. They will try really hard to get the peas out, and make a mess in the process.

A shoebox filled with rags makes a good rat hide-out, especially if there are treats in it. Mine mostly just like to crawl around on the couch under "pillow forts" covered with a blanket.

I know I'm kinda rambling, but I love my rats.. :)

2 year old birthday presents?

A.J.'s Mom

So my son is turning 2 on Halloween. And I have no idea on what to get him. The only thing I have come up with is a power wheel. Like a four wheeler? What is your opinion? Is it too young?

And what are some ideas?

Thanks

Answer
When my daughter turned 2 I was in the same problem as you were, I didn’t know what to give her. I search the web, asked people and my neighbor received a package, I went over and saw with my daughter and my neighbor had explained to me that she had ordered this medieval castle from this one site that sells really nice and educational toys, I wasn’t too convinced until I saw my little girl so stuck on the toy my neighbor both for her son. I visited the site and bought some toys and they worked perfectly. Here is the site visit it you might find something.

Where is cheapest bdsm toys ?

Q. Where is cheapest bdsm toys ?

Answer
There are a ton of bdsm on a budget websites that can teach you how to make toys at home that are cost effective and useful. You can also speak with people in your area who also partake in the lifestyle. See if they have floggers or extra rope they never use and offer to purchase them. You will also find people active in your community who enjoy hobbies like wood working and leather work who make and sell toys affordably. Likewise if you join an online community like Fetlife there are a ton of groups for making your own toys as well as artisans that sell their projects quite cheaply. You may also find meet ups in your area for lectures and swap meets.

I would caution you against simply looking for ' cheap toys' though. An experienced Dom/me can tell within a few seconds of holding a toy whether it's well made or not. Not only will it not look nice, it may not have the right weight, may be flimsy and your sub/slave will most likely not enjoy it. I've felt the difference between a cheap adult store crop and a well made equestrian crop. The more expensive had a cleaner sting where as the cheap one simply hurt my behind and was not pleasant. My first cheap ball gag I bought myself? I bit right through it the first time I reached sub-space. Save your pennies and get quality!

Where can I buy cheap toys in australia?

Has A

any good online kids toys store?

Answer
I have couple of toddlers at home, So I spent quite sometime online looking for some good deals in kids toys. There are many online store for preschool kids toys. But my favorite one is FSTORE.

FSTORE have good toys collections and all backed up with money back guarantee. They also offers variety pack which is like a basket of different toys but much cheaper than buying individual items.

Free Delivery, If buying more than $80 they also give away free postage australia wide.

Free Pick Up, As store is located in North sydney you can also pick up your item from the store for free of charge.

Gift Wrap, If buying gifts for friends, you can also request for a gift wrapping. with additional $2 dollars you can have your gifts wrapped beautifully.

Gift Certificate, If you can't decide what to buy for your friends then you can also purchase gift vouchers of any value.

Best of all if you like to touch and feel the toys at your own place, then FSTORE comes to you. you can organize MEET FSTORE party at home and invites all your friends and fstore will bring all of its collection to your place.

My experience so far with FSTORE has been great, I truly believe what they say, Australia's Best Value Toys and Gifts Store.

Give it shot.

Why blame McDonalds for giving away kids toys?

Q. Almost every fast food restaurant nowadays have kids toys! They're just cute. I never went to McDonald's for the toys even as a kid...i went because it tastes good!
omg I still have a toy from McD's from when I was LITTLE and it still functions perfectly. It's a little videogame where you're a monkey and you have to catch all of the bananas. :D I had a stuffed animal monkey and when I was little I played that game as a way to "feed" him by catching the bananas for him <3

Answer
I agree, so what if McDonald is giving away toys, a lot of other fast food places do that too. Also in the end toy or no toy it is the parents who take their kids to McDonald and orders the food. Now in my opinion there is nothing wrong with eating fast food every once in a while but it shouldn't be an everyday thing. It's common sense to know that fast food isn't good for you and that if you eat that stuff (especially three times a day) you're going to gain weight. Just like in the move Super Size Me. Basically the toy is just an extra treat so to speak, something the kids can play with while they are eating or after they are done eating. Besides they already offer healthier foods too so you get to choose. Either way the toy isn't to blame.

How many toys do your kids have?

Queen of t

Just wondering because I was watching super nanny and on almost every show they go to a house that is FULL of toys. Some parents have complete rooms filled w/ toys or the entire basement is dedicated too just toys because the garage is already full.
How many toys do your kids have? Is it because of accumulation (old toys that have not been thrown/given away) or just because you/family/friends buy them that many toys?
Do you have a toy rule (if you buy a toy than another has to be given away)?
What is your limit? Do you have limits on toys?
I remember growing up and not having that many toys. I had one toy box and it was filled with books, dolls, trophies, and random stuff I made at school and that was it. My mom would go through it and clear it out ever year and give some if it away.

Answer
My kids are older now, but when they were little, they had waaay too many toys. That's because they had four sets of grandparents with nothing better to do than shop for my kids!

We ended up "rotating" toys. I'd put most of them up in storage, and every month or so I'd switch them out. That kept them all new and fresh. We also put certain toys aside for special occassions - some to take with us on trips, some for when they were sick, some for mommy's "project days" (days when I was really busy working on a project and needed them to be entertained for a while).

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Do you think it is right to even suggest that a two year old killed by a pit bull could be at fault?

Q. I had someone suggest that perhaps the pit bull was provoked. I'm sure that two year old was threatening the pit bulls life and it had to kill the toddler. No way a growl or nip would have sufficed? This person is actually suggesting that the dog could have been justified.

I say that there is no provocation under the sun that a two year old could possibly do anything to justify that reaction. This person is far more ready to blame a dead toddler over a 100+/- pound dog.

The person also goes on to defend the mother saying it wasn't her fault. They apparently don't see how leaving a two year old with a 100#+/- pit bull is completely irresponsible and that if she was determined to have such an animal in her house that it was her duty to protect her child and ensure that the animal was secured and could never be a threat to her child. After all, two year olds are known to be somewhat unpredictable themselves.

Of course it is her fault. She left a two year old unsupervised with a 100# biting machine. It doesn't matter if the dog had been good for years. Leaving a toddler with any large dog is totally irresponsible. If she was determined to have such an animal in her home, it was her duty to secure the dog and never leave her child alone with it.

Finally, I find it noteworthy that the mother left the house without a scratch. I guess her house is so big that she couldn't hear her child being eviscerated or she was too scared to even try to rescue her child.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/04/25/tod…

Answer
Do I think a 2-year-old could provoke an unstable dog to bite? Yes, certainly. The dog isn't going through some mental checklist of "can this human kill me?" or "what response would best make my point?". The dog is reacting in the moment to a child who *might have* seriously hurt or startled the dog in some way. The injury that killed the child may also be exaggerated by media. That is not to say that it wasn't a serious bite, but one serious bite to the head, neck, or thigh could quickly result in fatal blood loss.

However, that does not mean that the child is "at fault" for the incident. A toddler is impulsive and does not understand safety or the effects of her actions on others. The person/persons to blame for the incident would be whichever ADULTS made the terribly poor decision to leave the dog and the toddler alone together.

All those supposedly cute youtube videos of infants and toddlers mauling the "good old family dog" by chewing his ears, yanking his tail, bopping him with toys, etc. make me cringe. One momentary loss of control on the dog's part and their child may be damaged for life and their beloved dog may be have to be euthanized. Little kids and big dogs can mix, but there must be adult supervision, a safe space away from the child for the dog, and adult guidance so that the child is taught proper behavior around the pet.

What do you want to see in The Sims 4?

Q. Well since there is going to be a sims 3 in 2009 i garentee through all the fans there probably will be a sims 4.If there was going to be a sims 4 what would you want in it?Heres what i want.

1.To be able to actually drive the car and have control like with the arrow keys or something.

2.To be able to disapline my sims children(grounding,no phones or something)

3.To go to school. We see the kids get in the bus but dont you ever wonder what they do when there there.Possably we could give them the action to throw spitballs at the teacher or something.

4.They need more toys for the kids especially toddlers.(maybe give them a blow up pool,bike or sandbox.)

5.Also i want my sim kids to go to other party's.I want to walk the neighborhoods and ring the door bells in others houses and go inside.

6.Lastly for the sims to speak english that would make it so much simpler.

Answer
1.To be able to actually drive the car and have control like with the arrow keys or something.

- Sim City 4 lets you. It is not that fun. They won't put it in Sims... ever.

2.To be able to disapline my sims children(grounding,no phones or something)

I can bet you that it will be in Sims 3.

3.To go to school. We see the kids get in the bus but dont you ever wonder what they do when there there.Possably we could give them the action to throw spitballs at the teacher or something.

Sims 3 will let you. Confirmed for the most part.

4.They need more toys for the kids especially toddlers.(maybe give them a blow up pool,bike or sandbox.)

Sims 3 will let you, if not, there is mods.

5.Also i want my sim kids to go to other party's.I want to walk the neighborhoods and ring the door bells in others houses and go inside.

Sims 3, confirmed.

6.Lastly for the sims to speak english that would make it so much simpler.

They have said, it will never happen. There is a reason they have them speak that language. (No one knows what it is called.) The reason is that if they did let Sims speak English then people would complain that all the voices were generic. But, if they have a made-up language, they can just make the sound files higher or lower pitched.

I would not get your hopes up for a Sims 4, it would not be out till probably 2012 or 2013 and the way Spore is looking, it seems like Spore will take the place of the Sims.

Your favorite childhood christmas toys?

machine90

I was a 90s kid, so some of my favorites were my power wheels, gameboy color, and the N64, what were your favorite gifts that you received as a kid ?

Answer
anything involving Smurfs
tons of stickers...I collected them as a kid (back when they made *real* sticker books & cool stickers)
Cabbage Patch Kids, no doubt (I always wanted a Cabbage Patch Pet, but never got one. :( )
Ooh, Flip 'n' Fold ( http://imissmychildhood.blogspot.com/2007/07/flip-and-fold-fashions.html ) Damn, I loved that thing. I don't remember if I got it for x-mas or not though.
Colorforms
Coloring books & such
records & books or those book & record or cassette combos where you could read along with the story as you hear it.
clothes
anything Sanrio
Strawberry Shortcake dolls (real ones, not this sh*tty updated version they have now)
board games or Atari/Nintendo (NES) games
Oh, and there was one year where I got ALL of the original plush Popples, including the Rock & Roll ones and a couple of the mini ones that had the plastic faces. My mom won them in some contest. That was really cool. I still have them too.

Funny thing is, about half of these things would be the best gifts to get me *now*, at the age of 32. I'm still a Sanrio/kawaii freak, still have all my old smurf figurines and a few other things & have been trying to find an old metal Smurf lunchbox that costs less than $100, still have my old S.S. dolls, a lot of them in original boxes, still have my Atari & NES & now a wii, always been a board game geek, etc. etc. And, I collect old metal lunch boxes and certain old toys & games. I'm a huge dork at heart, I guess. :)

where can i get free christmas toys n clothes form my kids?

Cathy

me and mykids are have a hard time.we moved up here we had lost are home..i am asking for toys

Answer
Listen. I am in the exact same postion as you are. Today I have called and left 15 messages on local area churches. I am also on the list for united ways toy drive. they give you a date and time and you go pick out toys for your kids. You can also call salvation army. i am waiting for a call from them. you can also call your local toys for tots.

here ares ome links...

http://www.liveunited.org/

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-text-dynamic-arrays/4A2D2520606517C4802573F5005661DB?openDocument

GOOD LUCK.
http://www.toysfortots.org/request_toys/toys.asp

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

What are the best websites for kids?

Q. What are some really fun websites for kids around the age of 10?

Answer
http://www.mypage.it/
mypage.it is the funniest we
bsite for kids. Create your own web page, personalize it anyway you want and play with: drawings, videos, tests, quizzes, games.

http://www.trekaroo.com/
Trekaroo is the fun way to get the inside scoop on traveling with children. With thousands of kid-friendly activities and places to stay,

http://www.moshimonsters.com/
Monster owners can nuture their pet by solving daily puzzle games to earn Rox, the in-game currency. Rox can be used to buy weird and wonderful things in the virtual shop to keep Monsters healthy and happy. Monster owners can make new friends and connect with existing friends through a wide variety of safe social networking features such as Monster blogs, Newsfeeds, pinboards and buddy lists. We’re hard at work dreaming up all sorts of new features to expand the game play and world of Moshi Monsters. Stay tuned!

http://www.neok12.com/
NeoK12 features online educational videos for K-12 school kids on science, math, social studies, language and other subjects. The videos have been selected, reviewed and categorized by K-12 teachers based on national curriculum standards.

http://www.carrotsticks.com/
Kids love it: Kids love practicing on their own or competing with friends in this fast-paced game.
Rigorous practice: The CarrotSticks curriculum is expert-designed to hone critical math fundamentals.
Social and safe: A safe environment for your child to play with peers without worrying about free chat.

http://www.gameclassroom.com/
the best and most trustworthy games, and conveniently sorted them according to skill, topic and grade level.
We spent thousands of hours creating an abundance of interactive content for parents to better understand the building blocks behind their child’s development.
We created a comprehensive, free homework help section for parents/teachers to provide to children including learning tips, online resources and sample problems.

http://www.whizkidgames.com/
A selection of flash games and stories for kids.

http://kidoz.net/
The KIDO’Z Kid’s Web Environment is the safe, easy and fun way for young kids to surf their favorite sites, watch videos, play games, send emails, create and communicate without knowing how to read and write!

http://www.smartycard.com/
SmartyCard allows kids to earn stuff they want by completing educational and grade appropriate activities. The rewards include subscriptions to their favorite virtual world or physical rewards such as books, video games, DVDs and toys.

http://www.tenmarks.com/
TenMarks is the smartest way for students to practice and master math. It’s an ideal supplemental educational resource that can be used by parents or educators to support and enhance their students’ learning studying in grades 3-10.

http://www.shidonni.com/
Shidonni is a virtual world for kids, based on the joy of drawing. Kids draw their virtual pets and play with them as they magically ‘come alive’.

http://tikatok.com/
Where kids write, illustrate and publish their own books.
It’s easy:
Create your story right on the website.
Upload your drawings or photos.
Buy as many copies as you want.

http://www.admongo.gov/
Raising awareness of advertising and marketing messages
Teaching critical thinking skills that will allow tweens to better analyze and interpret advertisements
Demonstrating the benefits of being an informed consumer

http://togetherville.com/
Togetherville is a fun, safe social site where kids under 10 can play games, create art, and learn new things, with you and people you know and trust there to supervise.

http://www.famzoo.com/
Virtual accounts to track income (typically from things like allowance, household chores, odd jobs, birthday checks, change found in the sofa, lemonade stand earnings, etc.) and expenses.
Allowances that are deposited automatically and can be split between multiple accounts such as spending, savings, and charitable giving
Budgets for tracking and controlling specific expenses like clothing
Automatic Debits for recurring expenses like online gaming subscriptions and cell phone plans
Compound Interest to encourage good saving habits
Chore Checklists to pay for work that’s completed (or to deduct for work that isn’t)
Savings Goals to help plan for larger purchases
Loans to allow the purchase of big ticket items that are paid back over time

http://kidblog.org/
Safe and simple blogs for students.
Kidblog.org is designed for elementary and middle school teachers who want to provide each student with their own, unique blog.
Kidblog’s simple, yet powerful tools allow students to publish posts and participate in discussions within a secure classroom blogging community. Teachers maintain complete control over student blogs.

http://hipchicas.com/
Hip Chicas is the first-ever Latina-themed virtual world for tween girls. The site was created because the founders, who have three young daughters, saw that content and brands for girls aged 6 to 14 were filled with all sorts of negative stereotypes and lacked the rich multicultural perspective that is the reality of today.

http://docrew.com/
Watch Do Crew Cartoons and Actually Be IN the Shows!
Create your very own Beaver Lodge!
Earn Wooden Nickels!
Send & Receive Cool Video Postcards
Sing, Dance & Play!

http://www.raylit.com/
Interactive sessions of stories, rhymes, fun learning activities & videos.
Smart cartoon characters engage kids, even talk to them by their name !
They teach and guide kids through online lessons and fun games.
Raylit actively encourages positive behavior and good habits.

http://www.lookybook.com/
Picture books are for looking at-so we’ve made it possible to view entire-books-from cover to back, in all their splendor.
We’ll never replace an actual book in your hands, but we hope to show you new books and help you make informed choices for you and your kids.

http://www.whyzz.com/
Parents and caregivers don’t always know the answers to their child’s questions. whyzz supports parents’ interactions with their children as they answer those questions.

http://math.cilenia.com/en
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, problems with numbers: 10, 20 and 100. Math Playground for elementary/primary school students. Practice your math skills. Multiplication table, print ready.

http://www.faketown.com/
http://www.gaiaonline.com/
Online Hangout: Millions of teens spend hours a day on Gaia, exploring, chatting and just hanging out. Whether they’re posting on our forums, participating in special events, or playing our multiplayer mini-games, there’s always something fun to do.
Endless Customization: Gaia revolves around creative customization. Every member can create their own virtual character and dress it up with over five thousand items: clothes, accessories, pets, masks and just about anything else imaginable.

http://www.farmville.com/
Grow delicious fruits and vegetables and raise adorable animals on your very own farm

http://www.moove.com/

http://www.marapets.com/
http://www.panfu.com/
http://www.roblox.com/

http://www.dressupgames.com/
http://www.there.com/
http://www.clubpenguin.com/

http://www.powerpets.com/
http://www.activeworlds.com/
http://www.whyville.net/

http://www.outerworlds.com/
http://www.horseland.com/

http://www.famzoo.com/
Virtual accounts to track income (typically from things like allowance, household chores, odd jobs, birthday checks, change found in the sofa, lemonade stand earnings, etc.) and expenses.

http://www.there.com/
There is a beautiful virtual world where you can:
Create a 3D avatar
Hang out with friends
Play games
Build a home
Design and sell things.

http://www.habbo.com/
Habbo is a virtual world where you can meet and make friends.

http://www.fav20.com/
Fav 2.0 is a modern way to use your most visited websites. Set it as homepage and add your most visited sites. It uses cookies to store your sites and settings.

Kids of the 80's - Do you remember?

Q. Spirographs
Pogo Ball
Trapper Keepers
Mad Libs
Caboodles
Garbage Pail Kids

Answer
That's funny. I actually asked a similar question 2 weeks ago. Mine was about 80's toys and "fashion plates" (My favorite toy from the 80's)
I still love mad libs! My best friend and I try to think of the most disgusting, perverse words we could, and laugh our as*es off at the results!
And I LOVED my trapper keeper! Mine was covered with stickers. I used to have the big puffy stickers, and the ones that smelled like different things. My favorite was the one that smelled like a cupcake.

Check out this page : http://www.hallelnet.com/von/alllinks/80's_in_review.htm
Take a trip down memory lane! : )

what are some easy things my kids can cook for X-mas?

olschoolmo

They want to make 3 things (one a piece for the older girls) one chose cookies but what else (for a 7 and 11 year old)

Answer
I have 3 kids, they are home schooled and the 2 older kids (5 and 10) love to cook. Here is something fun you can make:

Very easy Apple pie:

6 large apples diced
3tbsp. butter
1/4 c honey
1tsp. cinnamon
pie shell
you can get a good pie shell recipe here ( http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001127perfect_pie_crust.php )

In a skillet mix all ingredients and cook over medium heat until the apples are tender (about 10 minutes). You can add a pinch of ground cloves for extra spice.

After you bake your pie crust bottom for 10 minutes, pour in your filling. Take remaining pie crust dough and roll out. Cut festive shapes using cookie cutters and arrange on top of your apples. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes more or less depending on your oven. You want the shapes on top to be a nice golden color. You can make your own whipped topping using heavy whipping cream and 2 tbsp. honey. Beat the cream until it is thickened, but not too much or you'll get butter. Add the honey and beat slightly to mix. Viola! Your easy apple pie is complete!

Do your kids cook food? If they do what meals?

Q. Do they like cooking healthy meals or unhealthy

Answer
My kids cook, usually lunch or dinner. And they like cooking healthy food and sometimes unhealthy(like cake or brownies).

An easy unique and cheap instrument?

Indiana

I wanna play a instrument.......... 1 yr of guitar!
Why are ppl now organising dates on YA? OMG this place has sunk to a new low! High school musical sucks!

Answer
You could try to find a cheap kids electronic musical instrument and circuit bend it (toy guitar, toy keyboard, etc).

Harmonica, Kazoo, and Ocarina are all good suggestions. I would like to throw in Slide Whistle (Tin Whistle?) and the Recorder in there... I've found cheap recorders for only a dollar or two, for instance.

I'd love to make myself an electric violin, but unfortunately that's a little in the future. It's not a difficult build, I think, but it may be more than something you want to tackle.

I remember a while back I answered a couple of questions about making your own instrument for a science class or something.... I'm trying to remember some of my answers...

I think one of them was making your own PVC trombone. An easier proejct would be a PVC didgeroo (sp? I never remember how...). Related ideas could be a trumpet, that one instrument Squidworth plays (I have a kid, alright?), or a series of different lengthed tubes as tuned drums.

I've found plans for making something called a tongue drum or slit drum. My sweetie's aunt gave us one, and it took me forever to figure out what it was. It's cool... hit a wooden box and make a tone. Kind've like a xylophone, I guess.

An instrument I'm very keen on making is a kalimba, or hand piano. I'd really like to make one that can attach to my guitar, but that will take me a while.... I'd even like to put a contact pickup on it so I can blend the sound with my pickups, or even run two separate sounds out of my guitar, so the pickups can give me that distorted tone that I like, but the contact pickup can be for that floaty, ambient stuff that I also like. =)

If you're handy with electronics (unfortunately not everyone is) you can make a simple musical instrument out of some various electronic components. The first one I found is called a "transistor organ", but since I can't figure out what to replace that transistor with, there's also one made with a 555 timer chip. Um, google "555 organ" I think. All parts should be available at your local Radio Shack or easily ordered from any electronics part company (Mouser, Digikeys, etc).

Making your own percussion instruments is easy and fun... anything you can put in a bottle or can to make a noise, really. If you can hit it and make a noise, it can be part of a percussion kit!

May I suggest walking through your local home improvement store's aisles and see if anything pops out at you as something that could make a sound? The plumbing aisle is a great place to be - pipes, parts, tools, PVC, etc etc.

Don't forget your local thrift stores, too. You never know when something might pop up that could work just perfectly (or be taken apart or slightly destroyed *to* work perfectly) at a great bargain.

Good luck!

Saul

Looking for Cheap wooden toys for my kids?

Bigstar

Is there any good online store to buys cheap kids toys and gifts? I would prefer to have wooden toys for my 1 year old. I want to them feel the natural material instead of synthetic.

Answer
there's always eBay.com or ebay.com.au

Monday, April 21, 2014

Educational toys for 3 1/2 year old girl?

My daughter is 3 1/2 ...I'm starting Christmas shopping and everything I've written on this list screams "fun" and there is ONE educational toy on it... I can't really find any that doesn't seem too complicated for her ... she's very smart but I need something that's fun but something that's educational at the same time. Any suggestions????

The only thing I've found so far that seemed nice was the Computer Cool School..

Answer
My son turned 3 last month and he's been having a lot of fun with a Bright Baby brand sticker book. It's hard to describe, but the book is full of pages of just silhouettes, and then there are pages of stickers in the back, and you have to find the right sticker that matches each silhouette and stick it on. Once you get all the stickers in place, it forms a big picture. It's been great for his motor skills, spatial skills, concentration, etc. And not too expensive, either.....

What types of toys do 3 year old girls like?

Joy

Do 3 year old girls like Barbies or a horse that is Barbie-sized? Thanks! :)

Answer
My daughter is only 2, but i have a three year old niece and at the moment she is into dress up ie princess crowns and fairy wings etc. She also had a large dolls house bought for her birthday with the slightly larger dolls inside (its from 3 yrs +). She will play with it for hours. She is also into playing with her baby dolls and buggy. I suppose you could say it is very much pretend pay and role playing. My brother will be getting her a kitchen for christmas and i just know she'll love it. She is not into barbie dolls however, im sure in a year or two that'll change.

any pionters on small mechanical puppets?

Q. I am looking to make small mechanical puppets for halloween

Answer
What do you mean by "mechanical"? ... just jointed, or motion-oriented, or what?
And how small is "small"?

You might want to check out this page at my site on making jointed and/or flexible figures as well as puppets of various kinds:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/sculpting_body_and_tools.htm (all subcategories under "Types of Figures")

And this page has lot of lessons and info on making Halloween-type figures and other items:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/Halloween_etc.htm

And this page has some info on making "motion toys" which could have some of what you're looking for too:
http://glassattic.com/polymer/kids_beginners.htm (click on the category near bottom of list called "Other Toys")

If you want larger figures, you'd probably want to check out some of the Halloween sites for things they make:
http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+make+halloween+decorations+for+yard
http://www.google.com/images?q=how+to+make+halloween+decorations+for+yard
http://www.google.com/images?q=how+to+make+halloween+figures+yard
http://www.google.com/images?q=how+to+make+halloween+figures

HTH

best brand of toys for becoming a future mechanic?

Q. recommend a good brand of toys for helping a person be interested in mechanics. something that allows him to be used to
taking something apart and then be able to put it together. i've seen lego, but i want something a bit realistic, because lego is just a bunch of rectangular blocks. not very realistic. i've seen magnetix and it's not very realistic either. any suggestions?

Answer
How old is the kid? As mentioned, erector sets are a good idea. I don't think you need to be so focused on realism...the concepts of mechanical design can be gleaned from a wide variety of toys. We just bought our two year old a set of gears that assemble on a magnetic base...he loves it. (link below) In fact, the company linked to may have a lot of toys that might work for you.

I'm quite mechanically inclined and, as a kid, I loved taking stuff apart and putting it back together...things like my dad's stereo/turntable, radios, and calculator. So maby give the kid some old electronics or other items that they can just take apart to see how they work.

What is your toddler girl's favorite toy?

Q. I'm visiting my niece this weekend, and she's celebrating her 2nd birthday. What toys does your toddler girl LOVE that costs less than 30 dollars?

And, just to show I'm not a bad aunt, just leaving it up to strangers to come up with ideas for me, I'm thinking maybe...

a bubble-blowing kit to make huge bubbles outside
a fun sprinkler
a very very simple computer game (she LOVES the computer, and can't stand never being able to use it)

If anyone has experience with any of those items with their toddler, or can add to my list of possible gifts, please let me know :)

Answer
Your ideas sound great. Lots of the two year old girls I know LOVE Dora the Explorer...anything and everything Dora related. Dolls, books, blankets or a pillow in the shape of favorite cartoon character. I'm not sure if you have a Target near you but they have really cute cartoon character sprinklers.

A Sit & Spin might be fun for her too. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2264694&cp=&sr=1&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&origkw=sit+and+spin&kw=sit+and+spin&parentPage=search

a bubble mower
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2471678&cp=&fbn=Taxonomy%7CToys&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2255956&fbc=1&kw=mower&parentPage=search

and anything by Little People
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265113&cp=&fbn=Taxonomy%7CToys&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2254197&f=Taxonomy%2FTRUS%2F2255956&fbc=1&kw=little+people&parentPage=search

Best toys for a little girl? Toddler...?

snape4good

Answer
My 2 1/2 year-old granddaughter loves her baby dolls and all the accessories that go with a baby from bottle, diaper bag and diapers to a baby carriage and high chair. A doll for a tiny girl is best if it is sized so that she can handle it easily. It should be floppy enough to carry easily and not heavy. There are many soft-bodied dolls with vinyl heads and limbs available that are sized properly for tiny mothers. Toddlers love to push wheeled things around, so doll strollers and prams or little shopping carts are excellent toys. A miniature baby swing is another nice "action" toy for little girls. Mattel Little People play sets are often interesting to toddlers, especially if it is one with a theme with which the child is familiar. My granddaughter loves the girly camping set and the princess castle. Her family goes camping a lot and she loves all things princess, so these are things she recognizes. Just be careful to put aside any items that a child could choke on. The pieces can be restored to the set later, when the child does not routinely pur things in her mouth. Girls like ride-on toys, too.
Remember that toddlers have a very short attention span for any concentrated activity or play, so a toy may be well-loved but appear to be played with inconsistently.

What is a good homemade toy for a toddler?

Q. I am in a child development class for school and we have to make a child's toy. What toy is easy to make that also allows the child to learn and interact with?

Answer
How about a simple puzzle made from foam or cardboard. Shape sorter toys can be made easily. You can take a shoe box and cut holes in the top the same shape as your child safe objects. You can use blocks, toilet paper tubes and any object large enough they cant choke on for shapes. You could make a sock puppet and make a little play.

i need assistance creating a homemade toy for toddlers?

Grace

have to design and construct an educational toy for toddlers. I need some assistance please. It must be age appropriate, durability, concept development, attractiveness, and safety. Must use all senses!!!

PLEASE TELL ME YOU CAN ASSIST OR GUIDE ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONS!

Answer
I would make a "taggy" ball. You can construct it out of fabric in 6 panels like a beach ball and sew ribbon tags into the seams. When you are stuffing it, add a few jingle bells so it makes noise (sew it shut tightly so it is not a choking hazard). Use different colored ribbons so you can use it for color ID games and counting practice as well as gross motor and social games. Use varied textures of ribbon like grosgrain, satin and velvet so it is a tactile experience for fine motor development too. I wouldn't use anything battery operated that speaks or lights up as these toys do not foster development like a toy that allows a child to use their own imagination and creativity. In fact, I don't even allow battery operated toys in my house!

Have fun!

Grocery shopping with 4 month old and toddler?

Jamie

How do I manage shopping when I have to grocery shop with them both at the same time. My hubby is going away on work for 4 months and I don't have anyone to help me with them while I do these kinds of errands. * My newborn is in her carrier and my 2 1/2 year old will NOT walk along side of me. What other options do I have?
Thanks to everyone for the great advice, specifically the ones that did not have a comparison story of "I do it so can you" & "No whining please?" I too am a military wife, so I walk beside you, not in front of you or behind. I know what these deployments are like. Whether 4 months or a year. Thanks for the advice! ; )

Answer
Hi! I have a four month old and an 18 month old! My husband is gone sometimes for months with his work. We just moved here to a new place out of state away from relatives and friends, so I am alone.

When I go shopping I put my toddler daughter inside the cart and hand her stuff. The breakable items (like eggs or bread) go on the bottom rack or at the top next to the baby's carrier. If you really don't want to deal with the hassle, then ask a neighborhood kid to watch one or both of them for a couple dollars while your out. I think there are also probably some daycares that can take them at an hourly rate when you register them, but that may cost more than hiring a sitter or neighbor to watch them. Most of my neighbors will watch mine for free, though I always pay them.

I would seriously register my kids with the daycare in any case while your husband is gone. There may be some times when you need to see a doctor for yourself or want to just do something that they can't exactly be brought along. Having back up babysitters are important also in case of emergencies.

Its so hard to shop with two babies, I know, but when shopping day rolls around, have a free schedule. Don't rush yourself. Get all your shopping in for the whole week so you can avoid more inconvenient trips. Another thing it helps save money this way too! If you get a daily newspaper you can also collect coupons for diapers and stuff to save more throughout the week. With my coupons and planning, I am able to save 30% from when I was shopping more frequently without the kids.

Another tip is, have an exact list of items in hand. It just takes longer the other way. Keep lots of crackers, drinks, and a few toys in the diaper bag too.

Get a doublestroller. There are some sit and stand kinds that work fine and also side by side umbrella strollers. It will help you tons when your going anyplace, even to the doctor or whatever. I don't like those baby slings, they hurt my back, so I prefer the cadillac of all strollers, hehe.

If the time comes that you have forgotten something and HAVE to bake a cake for a guest or plan a last minute dinner party and need something, then pack the kids in the doublestroller and use the bottom basket to carry the small (5 or so) items that you need in. Don't go to the hassle of loading them up in the cart for just a few items! Strollers can be really handy at those times.

Carrying a loose toddler can be a real hassle so thats why strollers help a lot. If you decide to take them to a movie, go to a matinee when it is less crowded, don't bring in a stroller but have the carrier. Your toddler will enjoy that time with you. I have done all these things with my kids. Its the only way I survived time apart from my husband.

You can usually take your kids along with you to personal doctor appointments but I wouldn't advise doing it at the dentist or OB GYN check ups. But those don't happen often anyway. While your husband is away be sure to take frequent walks outside with the kids to parks or just for a power walk. The fresh air is good for them and also the exercise is good for you and will give you more energy to cope.

When you have to take a bath and need personal time for yourself, just busy your toddler with an activity in a baby proof room and bring the baby carrier/bouncer next to the tub so that you can watch the baby while you relax. It's tough but you can manage to do all the things you still like to do alone.

Is this normal for a toddler?

Q. I have been babysitting a toddler since june. I met the mother through a mutual friend who moved to my state recently. She has no family here and only has a couple friends. let me tell you a little about this child.

He is now 15 months old. Ive always wondered if he's had some mental issues. Hes been very far behind with milestones. he just mastered walking last month. He only knows how to say Dada. But what i wonder about is why he so reserved and withdrawn. He comes over about 4 times a week for a few hours a day, he screams at the top of his lungs at random! he will be touching a toy, look up, and then scream bloody murder! he will go to a corner and sit for literally hours. he is only quiet when he's on the couch and then he lays down and looks around all day. Ive tried to play with him and give him some mental stimulation (songs, learning cards, ect) but hes not interested in any of it. he is very overweight as well.

a little about the mother: She always holds him. as soon as he makes a peep she will swoop him up and always gives him what he wants. he was holding a sharp pencil and she said "you shouldnt have that!" tried to take it, he screamed and she gave it back. he always puts his head on her sholder like hes going to sleep but it looks like hes about to start crying at any second. she doesnt discipline him at all when he does something bad. she makes excuses for everything! my friend said that when they hang out she never talks to him, or plays with him. she will walk with him outside or hold him all day. he doesnt even know how to sleep on his own because she rocks him to sleep every night.

whats worse is that all she does is criticize me! i have a son 3 months older and he is an average child. playing, always smiling, he has moments with hitting and tantrums, but im always on top of it and we are very proud of how we raise him. but she will call him puny and say hes a problem child and say her son is just cuddly and thats how every child should be. i have never seen a toddler that always wants to be held 24/7. my friends and my kid always want to be down to play and run and explore. I have wondered if he might have autism or something but her doctor says hes a normal kid. i have even suspected abuse by the alcoholic father. he cant even watch his son for a few hours so i have to do it. not that i dont appreciate the paycheck but i still think its weird.

Does anyone have any opinion on this? is this a form of neglect?
I understand that children grow at different rates. And i try not to compare my child to hers. I am concerened because i have NEVER seen a child like this! my mom who was a nurse and had 6 kids was even surprised by him. Our mutal friend is also concerened. we looked up signs of autism and/or abuse in children and some of the signs match up but i am not sure that i should bring it up to her.

im not sure about this doctor either. we had a freak heat wave this summer and i would ask his mom every day if she brought him water and she said, our doctor said dont give him water. and he wont be thirsty. i was like, what?! are u never thristy?!

i am being judgmental because abuse has crossed my mind several times. i am not sure if he is just a slow developer or if this is something serious that should be addressed.

Answer
He is bound to be overweight if he as only just starting walking, my son didn't walk until he was 18 months and was fat but he slimmed down after he starting walking, I don't think a child under the age of 2 can actually be purposefully naughty they are just learning and may appear mischievous, I also don't think a child can be given too many cuddles but he does need stimulation from play and conversation, have you tried giving him younger toys for his age, does he have his own toys which he likes to play with, it seems bizarre that she is critical of your parenting if she pays you to take care of her son, if he has been checked by a doctor and he is not concerned I wouldn't worry too much some children do develop at different rates

Homemade guinea pig toys?

Q. :)

Answer
Making your own guinea pig toys is fun and cheap. You don't have to spend a fortune on guinea pig toys so why not try the homemade variety? Here is our guide on how to make your own guinea pig toys!
Paper Ball Surprise

This one is easy and is great fun for your guinea pig. Simply find a blank piece of paper (ink may be toxic to your guinea pigs). Place a small treat in the middle and scrunch the paper up into a ball. This homemade guinea pig toy will be an instant hit - your pigs will roll it around, chew it and pull it apart. It shouldn't take long for your guinea pig to reveal the magic treat inside!
Paper Bag Snug

Making your own guinea pig paper bag toy is very quick and the results are fun. Just find a paper bag, remove the handles, stuff some hay inside and lay on it's side in the cage. Your guinea pigs will love hiding in and darting to and from this snug little toy.
Shoebox Silliness!

If you have an empty shoebox or cardboard box going spare, then making this into a guinea pig toy is simple. Simply place some hay inside, and cut out one or more holes in the sides as entrances and exits. Your guinea pigs will love to scuttle in and out of this homemade hideout. You can also hide some treats in there too!
Tunnel Time

Using cardboard boxes, old cardboard tubes or old plastic plumbing pipes, you can create a network of tunnels for your guinea pigs. Using your imagination you can vary the layout to help make it stimulating and exciting. Your guinea pigs will love this mini-maze of homemade guinea pig tunnels!

Homemade Cockatiel Toys?

Q. Hello,

We are having some major problems with our cockatiel's toys. Our local pet shop is selling over priced, dangerous, and very easy to break toys.

I was wondering how to make homemade ones. My birds like shiny things, hair bands, bells, and anything they can sink their claws and beaks into.

Can you suggest any ways so that I can make safe, durable, fun, and non-destructable toys for my cockatiels?

Answer
I make my own bird toys. They are fun and easy to make. Some of the best toys are are not toys at all. My birds love cardboard toilet paper rolls. They love to tear those up.

Also, get an old perscription pill bottle and clean it out thoroughly. Fill it with a handfull of pony beads and put the lid on. The lid is child proof so your cockatiel wont be able to open it. I have used those with my green cheek conures for years and they have never been able to remove the lid. They love that toy. Another fun toy that is inexpensive are plastic whiffle balls. You can buy a bag of them at the dollar store for a buck.

Honestly, making bird toys can get expensive. I can make or buy a hanging toy for about the same price. Yes, you may get 500 beads in the pack, but do you really need 500 beads? Bells alone can cost about 30-60 cents each. By the time you buy all the materials, and pay shipping prices you might as well have bought a pre-made toy.

If your local pet store is charging high prices, look elsewhere like ebay. I have bought many nice toys and bird tents from ebay. Sometimes you can get them really inexpensive, but if nothing else you will get a huge selection. Try to remember that toys arent cheap to make in many cases, so the seller, in order to make a profit will have to mark up the price to make a profit. Designing interesting and safe toys is not as easy as it looks, so I always try to remember that when I buy toys.

Good luck in your bird toy making quest. Im sure you will come up with something fun, safe and unique for your birds.

What is the Best Street Toys and Candy for Iraqi Kids?

What are some small but durable and interesting toys for boys/girls about 6 years old to 14 or so that can be passed on the streets to Iraqi children? Got to get them cheap and in numbers... also looking for candy ideas... someone that can stand up to heat that would keep them occupied for some time.

Answer
If you look at the condition of living for these children, I think anything is something, the cheaper the better , you can buy more items and help more children. Maybe some cheap sunglasses, that would be handy for the sun & the sand ?!

What should I buy a 13 year old boy for Christmas?

Q. What should I buy my nephew, a 13 year old for Christmas? I have been buying too many car sets, remote controlled toys, books and gift certificate. Now that he's a tween I am not sure what to get him. My limit is under $30. Thanks.

Answer
I agree that at this age they usually like cash. One year a friend of mine said he wanted ''cold hard cash'' so I put $25 (his age) worth of change into an ice cube tray and froze the coins into cubes. He got what he asked for! This was easier since I have loonies and toonies, mind you. We got a chuckle out of it, but your 13 year old nephew might not find that funny...

If you want to give a physical gift then why not try to get him interested in a new hobby?
You can get lots of kits for building model cars, dinosaurs, bugs, etc.

You can also get lots of science based kits that I found awesome (but I was a huge geek and loved to play in dirt). You can get cheap microscopes that come with eggs for brine shrimp. You grow the shrimp and then look at it under the microscopes. You can look at things like hair and grass and dirt, too. It's just fun because they come with shrimp :) This was by far my favorite 'toy' as a kid. Hrm, maybe this is why I now study microbiology....

If he likes space or constellations you can have a star named after him and get him a book about astronomy, a small telescope (you may want to get a decent one and do a 'for the whole family' present if they're into this kind of thing), star charts, binoculars, etc.

If he likes to draw and paint you can get him a 'grown up' leather portfolio and a set of new brushes or pencils. He'll be proud of that and probably keep it for years and years.

Favorite sports team? Find bed sheets with their logo. That said, not everybody appreciates just how awesome bed sheets are until they move out....

Put together a gift basket with a bottle of soda, popcorn, licorice, small candies, fleece blanket, etc. and include a gift certificate for a game or movie rental. They make big popcorn bowls that say POPCORN, you can put all the stuff in there.

It's hard to say since I don't know him, but there are lots of ways to get creative for under $30.
Good luck and happy Christmas shopping!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

How do I start talking to a girl I like?

Q. So I have known this girl for a few years now. She is a freshmen where I am a sophomore. We say hi to each other as we pass by at school but other then that we don't really talk because we don't hang out in the same area. How do hang out with her or get her number without seeming weird that I am all of the sudden hanging with freshmen. Also we Aren't super close so she would think something was weird if I just started hanging out with her and her friends out of the blue.

Answer
Dont worry just take her to a cheap hotel and be like O HAI SEE MY P3NIS IN YOUR MOUTHS NAOW? Ok slowly rub your boobs. then go down to your vagina and insert your 2 fingers. then take out your toy and continue this motion

Where to find a good sewing machine for girls?

Cin D

My daughter wants a sewing machine. The toy machines have bad reviews. I'm afraid she might get hurt with a regular machine. Any thoughts? Where can I find a good sewing machine adequate for a child?

Answer
Where to look for a good sewing machine? At a sewing machine dealer, or at a sewing machine repair shop if you don't sew yourself. See: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtVc8znRrlRdYqlm02KFETbty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100423044254AAnGzFy&show=7#profile-info-OKJf8nHFaa http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111020035301AAowAnQ If you have a family member or a friend who sews well, then I'd suggest you could branch out into thrift store machines and machines from private sellers.

As to getting hurt by a regular machine: Is she a moderately careful child? Would you trust her with scissors with sharp points? Can she catch a ball thrown to her? If the answer to those is yes, then she can operate a regular sewing machine. I've been machine sewing since I was 5; worst injury I've ever had from a sewing machine was getting hit in the eyebrow with a thread takeup lever when I leaned in WAAAY too close. I've never put a needle through my finger, nor do I know anyone who has -- but I'm pretty sure you only make that mistake once. If the machine has precise controls, she's much less likely to get harmed than if the machine tends to stall and then run quickly, like some of the cheap or poorly maintained machines do. There are also finger guards available for a number of models (ask the dealer), but they are cumbersome and make sewing much more difficult.

Christmas Help for toddler?

Nikkie

I live in pasadena md I have a 2yr old daughter and cannot afford gifts or a christmas tree all list are full and noone seems to want to help me. Anyone know what I can do?

Answer
Christmas is not that important to me. It seems most the stuff is junk and does not ever get played with. I limit the amount of toys that come in my home. So don't let it get you down. Celebrate the holiday together and make it not about gifts.

I highly recommend Dolly Parton's Imagination library, free book program. Hopefully your state offers it. Also nickjr.com has a website that is also giving free books, I don't know the details, I saw a commercial last night about it and haven't researched it.

I would choose a book over a toy any day for a 2 year old. Plus your 2 year old will get a book every month.

You can also ask for a toy on the Toys For Tots website.

Worst gift or present that you have ever received?

Lan3381

When I was 14 I got this little police car toddler toy from my uncle, what makes it worst is that he left the $3 price tag on it. Worst gift ever by far!

Answer
lol thats funny

my worst gift would probably be a plastic ring, it was just dark blue and plain old plastic! my aunt gave that to me on my b-day! and she said she got it for 50 cents! i was really mad at her! and i cant believe she actually told me the price! lol o well, ill just have to deal with it :( o and i was 11 at that time :( o and she put it a bix box! she could have just putten it in a tiny box! ugh

What would be a great toy my 24 month old son would really enjoy?

Answer
3-n-1 Rock, Roll and Ride Trike http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Rock-Roll-Ride-Trike/dp/B00005UOSC

Bounce and Spin Zebra
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Baby-Bounce-Spin-Zebra/dp/B000EULX9I

Mega Blocks, soft blocks or wooden blocks

Toddler train set.. they have them at Walmart, dollar stores and most other stores.

Ride on roller coaster http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=1&oq=ride+on+roller+coast&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ACAW_en___US366&q=ride+on+roller+coaster+toy#q=ride+on+roller+coaster+toy&hl=en&rlz=1T4ACAW_en___US366&prmd=ivs&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&ei=SiDjTIhpxaqUB6-c3e8O&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQrQQwAA&biw=1003&bih=388&fp=180c07a4ca199aa8

Toy truck, cars and toddler race tracks.

Mr. Potato Head

Wooden puzzles

Books

Edit: Radio Flyer Wagon, Tonka trucks, toy tool bench set, toy kitchen set, tricycle or other ride on.

If I reduce my toddler's toys to 15 toys, which ones should she own?

Laughlin

I'm interested in a list of the top 15 toys every toddler should have. I want her to grow up in a clutter-free home, but I want her to have the most beneficial toys for learning and developing. I'm also very into finding toys that are nontoxic and I try to stay away from lots of plastic (mainly because it's cheap and doesn't last as long).
My daughter is almost 15 months and a very active little girl. We already have a wooden bead on a twisted wire thing, a bouncing zebra, a radio flyer ride-on toy, several M&D puzzles (which probably aren't nontoxic), a push popper thing, several balls, various plastic noise-making battery-operated toys, and too many things to list.
I would really appreciate any links to news articles on this matter.

Thanks!
Not really sure why you think what I said about plastic is creepy...Did I somehow say that I do not use ANY plastic in my home? I find your answer to be incredibly narcissistic and narrow-minded. I need help with MY problem and not your problem with parents who are detoxifying their homes. You have your kid- raise it your way- I'll take my baby and raise her my way. If you want to overload your kid with a bunch of toys and limit their creativity- more power to you. I have a completely different take on the matter, so your answers are not needed here.
Now if I could please have people who can provide helpful answers and not ones that waste my limit.

Answer
This is such a hard question because kids age so quickly and the list of their top toys changes dramatically over short periods of time. As I was reading your question, a few things stared automatically popping through my head -- books, play doh, arts & craft supplies (crayons/paint/paper etc.), stinging toys/beads -- then I got to where you said she's 15 months and went, "Oh, that won't work." Well, the books will and the art stuff to some extent...

A 15 month old doesn't have a very long attention span so she'll want to move from thing to thing to thing. That doesn't mean you need a lot of toys, at that age almost everything in the house is a toy to her. If you want to stay simple I'd stick with a few classics -- a shape sorter, blocks, simple puzzles, books, maybe a xylophone and/or band instruments (maracas/triangle etc.). A bead sorter is good too. Now that it's summer, outdoor toys are good, a water table and a sand box are terrific bets.

I do know you said you don't like plastic much but the one toy that I recommend the most for kids in the one to two range is Fisher Price's Laugh and Learn Home. It's plastic and it's pricey but every single child that has come through my door loves that thing, be they one or five, and having the first grandchildren on either side, my kids have a large assortment of toys for play dates to choose from. Somewhere between the five and seven age range kids finally start ignoring it, but that toy has gotten used and used and used, and it still looks brand new and works like the day I put it together (four and a half years ago).

But, really, at 15 months, you could present her with anything and she'll have fun with it. So, I guess the basics, and music stuff, would be a definite in my house at that age.

How many GI Joes did you own as a kid?

Angus Beef

Did they ever get "lucky" with Barbie? What did Ken have to say about it?

Answer
I had one, Snake-Eyes, and the only reason I got it was because someone put it in a backpack my granpa bought me from FRED'S. I was a poor kid, never really had much. I loved getting that.

Which Barbie Outfits Did You Put On Your GI Joe When You Were A Kid?

Answer
I actually put GI Joe clothes on my barbies an said they were men.

Do you buy your kids' lots of toys?

Q. I do. I've always read that they learn thorugh playing with toys. I make it into a NECESSITY not a luxury. She is not spoiled but I do buy her Fisher price little people, snuggle kins etc.. My sister is mroe well off than I am and she acts jealous of my kids toys becuase she thinks of them as a luxury and would rather buy stuff for herself (Lately its 100 dollar bottle of some weight loss stuff). So she only takes hand me down toys which she doesnt care if theyre clean/safe etc.. she doesnt even wash them first. Anywy im very annoyed because she came over here making comments that i Must be rich to have so many toys for my kid. It pisses me off becuase im in poverty (literaly below the poverty line) and she is liek middle class.
She wont spend one penny on toys for her kids. If there not for free, she wont get it. then she also puts them all in the closet so that they dont make a "mess' so they kids never get to play with them anyway. so there always getting in trouble then seh yells @ them all day.

Answer
Your sister sounds as though she needs to get priorities straight. Children's needs come before parent's wants. She sounds lazy. Not because she's buying weight loss gimmicks, although that is a symptom, lol...but because she she doesn't wash the second hand toys before giving them to her kids, won't let them play with the toys because she'll have a mess to clean, and because she yells at them instead of talking to them and explaining why things are the way they are.

That said, buying your kid second hand toys makes good money sense, even for people who have money. Actually, especially for people with money. Ever wonder why they have it? It's because they don't spend it, and when they do it's on something they won't have to throw away in a year. You want to be rich? Do as rich people do. I learned that from my father, who is a Cheapskate to teach all Cheapskate's but has got everything he could possibly want or need and money to boot. He'd rather spend $1500 on one good tv, than $400 several times on crappy tv's that keep breaking.

It's the same concept with toys. Kids grow out of them so quickly it's foolish to spend too much money on them, you're literally throwing it away.

My kids didn't have "tons" of toys, one doll each. They had buckets upon buckets of blocks, hotwheels, k'nex, and little animals from the dollar store. They had puzzles and more BOOKS than they could count. That is where money is well spent. Education & imagination. We bought a lot of board games, even when they were 2 there were games they could play and learn with. They had soccer balls, basketballs, skipping ropes, chalk...outside toys.

Now they're teenagers and don't want everything in sight. They know that what they ask for better be something they really want because Greedy gets nothing, and they'd much rather have a $200 camera than a bunch of little stupid things that amount to $200.

They also work and save to get most of their belongings. We buy them stuff at Christmas and birthdays, but if they want that Wii game that's being released next month they had better find a driveway to shovel and pray for snow.

Toys at their age are not "necessity". They are luxury. That's a lesson that should be instilled at a very early age. They'll appreciate everything they have so much more.

As for the stuff I have bought them....all still being used. They're 14 & 12. What they don't use themselves, my nieces and nephews get lots of use out of when they come over. They don't take a lot of space (and I live in an itty bitty apartment, so I'd notice, lol) so I don't see myself ever getting rid of them (aka, throwing away money).

Quality not quantity.

Leads in kids toys?

blueberry

Most of my babys toys are from china! Her theme is Hello Kitty. So i've been collecting a bunch of hello kitty things such as stuff animals, hello kitty figures, lamps, tin boxes, those hello kitty mcdonalds toys. Its all made from china! should i be worried?!? Shes just one & puts everything in her mouth. Do i need to throw them out? One of fisher price toys on the recall list she got on christmas so would it still contain lead?

Answer
I would go find the fisher price web site and go through their recall list. I found a toy on there my kids have and reported it, they are suppose to be sending me a package to return the toy and then giving me a coupon for the toys worth to buy a different toy, not on the list. So go check it out, but try to keep her away from any toys you are concerned about until you can find out if they need to be returned. I also saw on the news there is a "Lead Test Kit" you can buy at most hardwear stores so you can test your childs toys with out having to try searching through all the recall lists. Good Luck, and be safe

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