v 4 issue 1: Media Mania

We have chosen some wonderful and educational programs for the web and tv for your children. We encourage you to step into the cyberworld and join your child with safe exploration of the internet.

Cover by Tina Rodgers








1 Lots of new and exciting events are buzzing about at www.thomasandfriends.com. Meet a recent addition to the Tarrytown team named Stanley. Discover a new town on the Island of Sodor. And, greet the next narrator in a line of greats- Pierce Brosnan. All this, in one upcoming DVD called The Great Discovery.

2 Bravo to SoSmart for creating such eye-catching animation with bright colors and age-specific content. Sure to catch the eye of your infant or toddler, this well researched and mind tingling DVD teaches young ones letters, first words, shapes, colors, and a whole lot more!

3 Being a realist, Dr. Algayed understands televisions sometimes do get turned on for children under the age of two. Her solution was to join forces with experts to create the As I Grow DVD Series. Taking into account the changing learning needs of infants and tots, these DVDs provide increasingly complex topics to accommodate the growing minds of 0-18 month old youngsters in a set of 6 DVDs.

4 Boost thinking skills with the Bop-a-Lots! Play along with Huggy-Bop, Silly-Bop, and Sugar-Bop to hoist imagination, creativity, and thought to a place where children are eager to explore anything and everything with the courage of a lion. We love Bop-a-Lots for their mantra of teaching children how to think... not what to think!

5 All well behaved little preschoolers (or the ones who need a little practice!) gather round to hear the tales of King Otis and his Kingdom of Goode. Theses videos do a fabulous job of teaching lessons of patience, tolerance , and sharing through warm-hearted storytelling. Brilliant animation and Broadway style tunes add to the adventures and make it a perfect fit for your 3-5 year old.

6 Stop, drop, and roll on over to amazon.com to pick up a copy of every one's favorite neighborhood heroes Fireman Sam and the Pontypandy Fire Brigade. These chaps take safety seriously and want to pass the lessons on to your little ones. Fireman Sam: To the Rescue delivers five fiery hot episodes ready to cool you off for the dog days of summer.

7 Join Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew by the ocean as they start construction on a new seaside town. Bob brings along two new friends, Splash & Bristle, to help get the job done. But will they finish in time for the grand opening of the Bobland Bay Promenade? Sit back and enjoy the summer fun with five episodes in all.

8 Ride along with a dog named Loopdidoo and his five year old sidekick, Petunia, for some "loopiness, laughter, and little life lessons". These two best-friends seem to get into a lot of sticky situations, but always come out with their hands clean by learning lessons through their mishaps. Just delightful!

This weeks mom tips:
Cleaning Tip:
Keep the toilet bowl ring-free by pouring a half-gallon of white vinegar in it once a month. Let it soak overnight before flushing.
Green Tip:
When buying new household appliances, electronics, and lights, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR®. They meet strict federal energy efficiency guidelines that can save you money and are better for the planet.
Time Saving Tip:
Buy in bulk…if you have the space, plan ahead and buy things in bulk. You’ll save money and time by not having to go to the supermarket so often.
Financial Tip:
Save on nearly anything you need and want. Search for online coupons by searching Google with the store name or item along with the word coupon. Voila…savings! Our favorite is ChuckECheese.

Step into the cyberworld
Make sure your family is protected from inappropriate content online. Preserve the best of what's online for your kids and avoid the garbage with proper supervision.

When your children are ready to start interacting with the computer it should be with a parent or sibling. There are numerous activities and sites that are likely to be appropriate for this age group but, in most cases, it makes sense for the parent and child to be exploring together. They will need your help to navigate through the site and read any instructions that are needed.

Starting at about age 3, some children can benefit by having a bit more independence once they are familiar with how a site is set up. Sure they will make mistakes and get frustrated but that is just part of learning. It's probably best for parents to choose the Web sites they visit and not let them leave those sites on their own. You don't necessarily need to stand over them or sit with them the entire time that they're in a known safe site.

Great Websites for small children-
Playhouse Disney
PBS Kids
Sesame Street
Alphabet action

Browsers-
Some kids' browsers come with pre-selected lists of positive content built into their program; they can make it easier for children to find Web sites that are fun and educational, and can keep them from inadvertently surfing into inappropriate areas. Some kids' browsers utilize filtering software to filter out access to inappropriate content.
KidZui is a kid’s browser that makes surfing the Internet fun and engaging for kids from ages 3-12. KidZui has all the sites and games your kids love with access to over 600,000 websites, pictures and videos.
Setting time limits-
EyeTimer is software that turns televisions and computers on and off. Parents set a time budget for each child-an hour a day Monday through Friday, for example. When the child wants to watch TV or use the computer, he or she signs on to EyeTimer, which turns on the device. When the prescribed time is up, it automatically shuts off.

Set house rules-
Give time limits for computers and TV.
Use the parental controls that your ISP provide as well as your TV remote, password protect the channels that your child should not be viewing.

v3 issue49: Just for toddlers

This issue is packed with some of our favorite toddler items as well as an article on toddlers sleep patterns. Is your toddler getting enough sleep? Temper tantrums and crankiness can result from irregular sleeping and eating schedules.


Cover by Alicia Cervenka








1 Take a sneak peek at the sassy songs of MusiGo and you are sure to wiggle and giggle with your little one. These songs get you moving while encouraging the development of your toddler's self-confidence and life skills. Snappy tunes with great lyrics! CDs, manuals, and all kinds of fun trinkets can be found at musigokids.com.

2 A mini craft center to go! Doodlebugz Crayola Doodlebag gets you off to the restaurant in a jiffy and keeps hungry toddlers entertained. Each bag comes with a pad of paper, a chalkboard, 5 pieces of chalk, and 10 washable crayons. Additional holders and pockets help you stack in a few favorite colors or stash away some special stickers for extra fun.

3 Citrus shades and handmade quality go into this empire waisted dress found at Bodemi. A matching sun hat adds a little extra flavor to this lemony treat, but nothing stands out as much as the superb quality of the fabric & the exquisite workmanship put into each detail.

4 What toddler couldn't be swindled into a teeth cleaning session with this super sweet princess toothbrush holder? Comes with a timer and a cup for order and efficiency. Keep the cavity creeps away in style with the complete, easy to clean set at only $27.99 at Rocknsprouts.com

5 Amateur linguists often come up with original words for the simple objects of this world and Translation Tees likes to call it "temporary language". They take your toddler's favorite word or silly mispronunciation and put it on a t-shirt. Plenty to pick from, but you can also submit a special request if you can't find exactly what you're looking for.

6 Live the life of a pirate this summer with Pooki the Pirate. Just the right size for tots to pack up with booty for a summer adventure or a long weekend getaway. A sleek metallic, black, and yellow color trio transforms any landlubber into a stylish man of the high seas at Oompatoys.com.

7 Kenzie Klips does a fantastic job of taking a snip of durable wool felt, giving it a bit of tender loving hand-stitching, and plopping it on a ponytail holder or a non-slip clip. The result is an adorable hair accessory little girls will love. Great craftsmanship that endures lots of use!

8 Eco-kids shouts out a big NO to metals, chemicals and artificial dyes and a big YES to plant, fruit, and vegetable extracts. They've created the perfect first playful dough for tots to sink their fingers into. If it happens to slip into the mouth or gets left out overnight...no big deal! It's all natural and a few drops of olive oil brings dried dough back to life.


This weeks mom tips:
Cleaning Tip:
Found gum on your new carpet? Remove gum from surfaces by using ice to harden and a dull knife to remove.
Green Tip:
Switch to a low-flow shower head. You will use about six gallons less water per minute, which will dramatically reduce the amount of water and heat used. Showers are responsible for 2/3 of water heating costs. Save even more by taking shorter, cooler showers.
Financial Tip:
Swap babysitting with another family on Saturday nights…enjoy a date with your husband one weekend and watch you friends kids the next.
Time Saving Tips:
Make a list of all your needs before heading out for errands. Map out where you need to go so you can go the most convenient route and try to consolidate all your errands to one shopping center. This saved time and gas.


Is your toddler getting enough sleep?
According to the National Institutes of Health, a good night’s sleep, along with healthy eating and exercise, is the crucial third leg in a child’s health triangle.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that one in three kids is sleep-deprived on any given day.

So what is enough?

No one can tell for sure. Each child's sleep requirement is as different as the child himself. Observe your toddler when he wakes. Is he happy and ready to start his day? Or does he seem tied and fatigued?

Your toddler is more likely to misbehave if they are not getting the rest their small bodies require.

Yawning, eye rubbing, slowing down, crankiness, lying down, and clinginess are just a few signs that your child needs some shut eye. You will notice that it happens just about the same time every night so look for the signs and schedule bedtime accordingly.

If your child wakes during the night attend to their needs, however, try to limit conversation and social interaction with them.

Naptime-
Most toddlers, aged 18 months to 3 years, will nap. Try, playing some calming music, and read a book before nap time. Having and keeping a routine is key. Require your toddler to nap in the same place he sleeps at night. If he is at daycare, bring a stuffed animal from home. Discourage your toddler from cat naps in the car or stroller.

When it becomes clear that your child no longer requires an afternoon nap you should implement a quiet time instead. Quiet time can include dim lights, calm music and some books. They need this time to recharge their batteries and it is great for Mom too.

Just make sure your children have a regular bed time and a regular nap time. Their bodies adjust to these times and they anticipate those times to sleep every day, even if they don't act like they want to go to sleep.

v3 issue 48:A Day at the Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears...Oh my! Our zoo review is here and we have chosen our favorites to share with you. Now here is something to travel for, a list of free zoos around the USA and Canada.

Cover by Ruthi David









1 For the soft blanket lovers in your life, be sure to check out this gift set from Z. Daisy. The coordinating set comes with a travel blankie, 2 blankie bungees, and a binky bungee to keep baby's most loved treasures where they belong...not on the ground. There are just some places where the 5 second rule doesn't apply-regardless of what any study says!

2 Zoobie Pets has some brand new additions to the family and the new zoo review is in. They're fabulous! Still 3-in-1 and tons of fun: the stuffed animal changes into a cushy pillow and the cushy pillow opens up to a kid-sized blanket. Rightfully earning its place as "the perfect travel companion", the animals of the zoo collection are just as great as their forefathers from the safari.

3 Plucked straight from the heart of Africa and slapped onto a kid's t-shirt, this giraffe is in disguise. No one knows what he's done, but the cool shades and pacifier help him blend into American culture without a doubt. You can find this giraffe, along with his other hoodlum buddies-Stinky and Skully, hiding out at Vera Plum.

4 Hand-crafted, hand-painted (with child safe paints), and made of eco-friendly rubberwood...this is a toy with integrity. Not only is it safe, but also multi-faceted. Flip the puzzle over and you have a whole new puzzle in a flash. Stand it up and you have a decorative piece of art. Nothing like a piece of artwork that makes you think! We think the company name says it all – Imagiplay.

5 Malaysian Chineses designer, Mel Lim is hitting the baby scene with this bib and onesie set. A little blast of color is embroidered onto an organic cotton onesie and bib in a giraffe scene straight from the savanna. From the girl who does a little bit of everything, and does it all well, we are wild about this set and can't wait for its arrival in the summer of 2008.

6 Patricia Ann Designs has the most fabulous blankies around when it comes to luxurious softness. We are very fond of a little someone who just can't live without this giraffe print Indulgence Blanket. She adores it, celebrities adore it, and we're sure you will too!

7 Daily adventures to the zoo are possible!Frecklebox books takes a child on a personalized storybook adventure through multiple animal exhibits and helps them take in all the details by camouflaging their name into the pages. Hours of wild-life adventure can be yours all for a one time price as low as $19.95.

8 64 Zoo Lane, the delightful children's series, originated in the UK in 2000 and currently appears on the Noggin channel in America. For those of you who haven't had a glance at this super-sweet animated show (or if you have a child that can't get enough of it!), a new DVD is hitting the shelves July 29th. You can also pre-order a copy at Amazon.com.

This weeks mom tips:
Cleaning Tip:
Before hanging shower curtains, soak in salt water solutions to prevent mildew.
Organizing Tip:
Make your bed first thing in the morning when you get out of bed. There may never be another opportunity throughout the day.
Time Saving Tip:
Create a box/folder just for bills. Compile all you need to get the job done including stamps, envelops, checkbook and of course the bills. Having it all in one place allows you to easily get the task done. Just pull out the box whenever you have a free minute.
Green Tip:
Replace 5 light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). According to the Department of Energy and the US EPA, Energy Star CFL bulbs are up to 66 percent more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs.

It's a zoo out there!

Zoos go ConservationConservation involves acting as an "Ark" for endangered species, like the white rhinos that have been among the world's most critically endangered species since the end of the 20th century. Zoos also breed endangered species as part of the European Breeding Program. Next time you visit a zoo, look out for information about its work with endangered species.

A Few Great Zoos

The Toronto Zoo- Scarborough, Ontario
The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier Zoo, known for its interactive education and conservation activities. As a unique wildlife experience, we inspire people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world. The Zoo has over 5,000 animals representing over 460 species. Approximately 1.2 million visitors per year.


The Bronx zoo- Bronx, New York City NY
New York's Bronx Zoo, one of the world's greatest, has been enjoying a renaissance. For a decade scarcely a year has passed without some spectacular addition to this park. 2008 is the year of the frog and the Bronx Zoo has a plan to save the frogs- The Zoo joins a worldwide campaign to highlight threatened amphibians. At various exhibits and events, you’ll meet frogs from around the world and learn about the amphibian extinction crisis.

Smithsonian National Zoo Washington, DC
163-acre zoological park set amid Rock Creek Park in the heart of Washington, D.C. Home to 2,000 individual animals of nearly 400 different species. Their best known residents are our giant pandas, Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Tai Shan. The Zoo is one of Washington's and the Smithsonian's most popular tourist destinations. They welcome up to two million visitors—from the local community, the country, and the rest of the world—every year, free of charge.

Philadelphia Zoo - Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Zoo’s 42-acre Victorian garden is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of them rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world. The Bear Country is a must see! With gushing waterfalls, babbling brooks and cool, deep pools, you'll discover an array of burly bears from around the world-sloth bears, spectacled bears and polar bears.

San Diego Zoo San Diego, Ca.
Home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo is a world famous conservation organization where visitors view exotic animals in habitat environments. Zoo guests may view rare giant pandas, cuddly looking koalas, reptiles of various shapes and sizes and many more interesting species.


FREE ZOOS
ARIZONA
Navajo National Zoo, Window Rock
CALIFORNIA
Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka
FLORIDA
Santa Fe Teaching Zoo, Gainesville
ILLINOIS
Cosley Animal Farm, Wheaton; Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
INDIANA
Columbian Park Zoo, Lafayette
KANSAS
Brit Spaugh Zoo, Great Bend; Clay Center Zoo; David Traylor Zoo of Emporia; Hutchinson Zoo; Kansas Wildlife Exhibit, Wichita;
Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City; Ralph Mitchell Zoo, Independence
MARYLAND
Salisbury Zoo
MINNESOTA
Como Zoo, St. Paul
MISSOURI
St. Louis Zoological Park
NEW JERSEY
Bergen County Zoological Park, Paramus; Cape May County Park Zoo; Cohanzick Zoo, Bridgeton
WISCONSIN
Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison
Ochsner Park Zoo, Baraboo
CANADA
Riverview Park and Zoo, Peterborough, Ontario