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Products With a Bang!
On the Fourth of July, the booms and bangs of the fireworks can be exciting and entertaining. Along those same lines, we want to offer you and your kids exciting products that are sure to entertain. The helpful product Knot Genie, offered locally at Kicks for Kids, will rid your child of hair tangles and make brushing easier. I was introduced to the other educational products highlighted while attending Mom Congress this summer in Washington, D.C. Utilize them to create wonderful memories for you and your child that will last a lifetime. All of the following were awarded our highest rating of 5 Hearts which is “A Must Have! We loved it.”
Knot Genie – Detangling Brush
Ages: All ages
Price: $14.99
Kicks for Kids, 8191 S Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, 918.493.6465
Described by our 10-year-old reviewer as “easy-to-use and unique,” this product “really works.” Touted as a detangler and brush all rolled into one, it works on short, long or naturally curly hair. According to our parent reviewer, “It has been a lifesaver in getting rid of stubborn tangles.” The kid- sized brush incorporates soft bristles in different lengths that easily bend to gently untangle wet or dry hair. The Knot Genie is available in several colors.
Go Out and Play!
(Candlewick Press, 2012)
Ages: 5 and up
Price: $15 donation receives one copy
With summer in full swing, it’s time to share some ideas to help chase summer boredom away. We have the perfect book to help you get started. Darell Hammond, Founder and CEO of nonprofit organization, KaBoom!, shared his organization’s commitment to encouraging children to engage in outdoor play. He emphasized, “Children who play are fitter and more creative, learn how to play well with others, and do better in school. Most important, children who play are happier.” With that said, his most recent book, Go Out and Play!, focuses on a collection of 69 outdoor kids’ games – incorporating new and creative games such as coconut bowling as well as more traditional games such as Red Rover and London Bridges. During Mom Congress, he encouraged parents to let go of adult agendas and make play a priority. And with games such as Dance Freeze and Shoe Golf, it’s easy for parents to show their silly side while having fun with their kids.
Parenting without Power Struggles
by Susan Stiffelman, MFT (Atria, 2012)
Ages: For Parents
Price: $16
www.parentingwithoutpowerstruggles.com
Mother, author and licensed Family Therapist, Susan Stiffelman, blogs weekly as the parenting expert for AOL/Huffington Post. As a former teacher and educational coach, she has worked with thousands of families to help them achieve happy, healthy relationships. Her book provides parents with clear direction and concrete examples to help parents stay connected with their kids. Topics of particular interest include getting your child to cooperate without arguing, and proven ways to bolster good behavior in your child. She also emphasizes the importance of parents being in control of the parent/child relationship. The book serves as a guide for “raising joyful, resilient kids while staying cool, calm and connected.” Examples throughout enable parents to successfully identify tools and techniques to help build strong relationships with their kids. “You will find this book essential in working with your kids and their behavior.”
Huggtopus
by Kimochi
Ages: 5 and up
Price: $24.99
Nina Rappaport Rowan, founder and CEO of Plushy Feely Corp., and Ellen Pritchard Dodge, educational director and curriculum author, worked together to develop Kimochis (“feeling” in Japanese). These plush toys were designed to build self-esteem and confidence through creative play. The basis for Kimochi toys, emphasized by Dodge, makes “communication the key.” A variety of Kimochi characters are available including Cloud, Huggs, Bug, Lovey and Cat. Little kimochis displaying feeling words are tucked into the character’s pouch for kids to pull out during discussions or while working through situations where they are trying to navigate and understand their feelings. Some of the feelings that can be displayed are loved, happy, mad and sad. This is a great way to open the lines of communication and help children express their feelings in a productive way.
If you have any comments, questions or something that you would like to see reviewed, email Nancy at jandnmoore@cox.net.
