television
« Previous EntriesLove for Doc McStuffins
Thursday, April 26th, 2012I fully admit that I allow my children to watch television and have since they were little. When NHL was little, we would sing and dance along with Bear in the Big Blue House, The Wiggles, Stanley, Jo-Jo’s Circus, and other shows on what was then called Playhouse Disney. By the time JSL was born, the shows had changed and things were morphing into Disney Junior. For JSL, we would sing and dance to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and The Imagination Movers.
Of course, Disney Junior is no longer just a morning lineup for children on Disney Channel. Now, it is a dedicated cable station that runs 24/7 with kid and family friendly programs and movies. When the channel debuted, we got to meet Doc McStuffins. Doc is now a major favorite of my four year old son. He pretends to be a doctor and I will often hear him singing the songs when playing on his own.
If you are unfamiliar with Doc McStuffins, please watch this small segment.
As a parent, I love that Doc uses real terms for things (though some are made up), incorporates items to help ease kids fears of medical professionals, promotes women as professionals, and embraces stay at home fathers. There are also great online Doc items on the Disney Junior website.
While at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, I will be attending a break out session that will be with the executive producers of Doc McStuffins. It will be wonderful to hear how they select topics for the show and make them developmentally appropriate for our children. I know that thanks to their work my youngest is even more well versed in staying hydrated, getting rest, being compassionate, and other healthy living items.
Are you a Doc McStuffins fan? What is your family’s favorite character or part of the show and why?
Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, we were given an incredible deal from Disney. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event. Thank you to Disney Junior for the photo and more clips can be found on their YouTube channel.
Talking to Kids About Current Events
Thursday, February 16th, 2012Current events are a tricky topic to talk about with children. They need to know what is happening in the world, but, let’s be honest, the news can be a scary thing for even an adult to watch. The other day, we were visiting Nana and Papa’s house and CNN or another news channel happened to be on. I quickly shuttled NHL and JSL away from the television. They were showing some graphic scenes from Syria. In addition to this, they were talking about things in Israel that may scare my children. NHL knows that we have family there and I do not want him to be upset over something he will not understand.
I certainly can not shelter my children from the world around us, but as their parent I need to help them to get doses of it that are developmentally appropriate. Of course, the news and current events can be a great way to start conversations. The untimely death of Whitney Houston can be the starting point for talks with children about addiction. Discussing how they can always turn to you, that you will always be there should they be faced with making a hard decision in a social situation.
This reminded me of something I wrote for another project just over a year ago. It was from mid-January 2011. One year later, I could have written it about a number of different events or items that have take place.
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Last Saturday, the world stood still as we learned about the chilling events in Tucson, Arizona. So many lives lost, and others forever changed. After other tragedies, I remember being glued to the 24 hour news channels. I lived in front of CNN and MSNBC after the Columbine shootings and events of 911.
This time was different
I wanted to learn more, but I had a problem. My 3 and 7 year old children were around and I did not want to scare them with the news. My husband and I did not talk about anything with NHL. I kept trying to think about what I should say to my 7 year old, but there were no words..
This made me flashback to September 11, 2001. A day that everyone will forever remember. I was a substitute teacher that day in a first grade classroom. The teacher I was in for was overseas at a wedding. I was scheduled to be in for 1-2 days. As I was teaching that morning, the principal stepped in with a note about what had happened. At lunch, we discussed that we would not talk about anything until the kids went home to their families. The next day, the kids came in. Several had seen news with the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. They knew their teacher was on a plane that day. Counselors came into the classroom and the kids were reassured that their teacher was safe and would be back the following week.
As I watched the moment of silence covered on Monday, I wondered if NHL’s school would observe this. They did, and he came home that evening asking questions. He wanted to know what it was about. I sat there wondering what he had been told, and even more curious about what I was going to say. In the end, I told him that something bad had happened Saturday. A lot of innocent people had been hurt, and several were killed. I told him that everyone stopped for that time to remember those people and to hope that those injured would get better soon. No more was said since he seemed content with this explanation. Still, I worry about what he will hear in school. Kids talk, don’t know the facts, and scare each other with inaccuracies.
How do you talk to your children about current events? Do you tell them everything, let them watch the news, or try give only details that they need to know?
Disclosure: This post was previously published on a project I worked on during the time when Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Arizona. The text is mostly the same, but I placed a new introduction for events happening one year later.
To Super Bowl Watch or Not
Sunday, February 5th, 2012
The Super Bowl is a day that most people probably love, but I am not really one of those people. For some reason, I never really got into football. Living in the land of the Giants and not far from the Patriots, I watch as everyone goes Super Bowl crazy. Growing up, my father was a San Francisco 49ers fan. While my brother learned to like the game, I preferred to watch commercials on this big day. Classic commercials like the ones with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird for McDonalds still bring me back to the good old days of Super Bowl ads.
Over the last few years, I could hit or miss watching the Super Bowl. The ads in recent years have gotten mostly cheesy and leave me forgetting what they are really about. This year, advertisers have also leaked out a lot of the bigger ads before the big day. I will admit, this one from Honda made me smile.
Yes, bringing back Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in a spoof was brilliant for the new CRV. It made me smile and remember the good old days.
So today, while everyone gathers around watching the Giant and Patriots battle, I will be spending time with my boys and when it is time for the half time show, I will be rocking it out with them and of course Madonna.
So how will you be spending Super Bowl Sunday?
Tuesday Tales – Reading Multiple Books
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012Books, books, and more books. As an educator our house is filled with books of all kinds. We have picture books, board books, drawing book, Newbery books, library books, Kindle books, travel books, and many more. Most of the time, I never know what I am going to read next.
The other day, I finally caught up with Ridley Pearson’s Kingdom Keeper books. The fourth book, Kingdom Keepers IV: Power Play
Of course, these are not the only books I am reading. The person that once thought it was impossible to have more than one book being read at a time does. I have a book in my Kindle for when I am on the go and am always reading with the boys. So what would I read next?
I recalled a book that I had been hoping to read. It would take me back to the good old days. You know, when I was a carefree kid who lived to see the next episode of Little House on the Prairie with her best friend. After I finished reading Prairie Tale: A Memoir
I am about a third of the way done with the book and am in love with Arngrim’s style of writing. I can almost hear Nellie Olsen reading the book. She tells us about her life growing up before Little House and then gives us her thoughts on the people she worked with for years. More details to come as I continue to read. If you are a fan of Little House and Nellie – I highly recommend Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated.
Do you read more than one book at a time? I would love to know your thoughts on this. What have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.
Disclosure: Four Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post with the four book titles mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the books through that link.
Say No to Censorship
Friday, January 20th, 2012Wednesday, I likely confused some members of my family if they stopped by my website. First, they would have seen this:
This was a widget for WordPress that TechyDad and I placed on our blogs to show support against the new bills that the US Congress and Senate are trying to put on the books. We really liked that this would help to inform people about what these bills will do to the average American – including bloggers like us. If you continued to my blog, this was at the top over my header/logo:
I did not blackout my website like Wikipedia, Reddit, and others. Instead, I did not post new content during the blackout period and had this information to educate people about the cause. If you look up in the right corner, I now have a Stop SOPA ribbon.
As someone who has had her content copied and used without my permission, I get that piracy is not ok. The problem is that SOPA and PIPA go far above and beyond that. Oh and IF you have seen the commercials promoting these bills – they are horrid. Scare tactics against citizens without all of the information is unacceptable. Here check it out (commercial begins at :29 mark):
For more information, please head over to read TechyDad’s post about the legislation.
So my question to you this week:
Did you blackout your website on Wednesday? I would also like to know why you opted with your choice. Please remember to make some noise and contact your representatives in Congress and Senate to let them know that censorship is NOT acceptable. We need to kill these bills and revamp to properly stop piracy.
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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.
Aloha #187
Perry the Platypus for President
Sunday, January 15th, 2012We are a Phineas and Ferb family. NHL had a birthday party with them as the theme, the kids have pajamas, shirts, special Disney World Perry shirts, toys and more. It is one of a few programs that we can all sit on the couch to watch, laugh, and enjoy together. Of course, as I type this at the dining room table, the boys are watching one of the new episodes and I hear the new song called Zubada.
This song will now be stuck in my head until the next one plays which is going to be shortly. No doubt, Way of the Platypus will be a song that the boys keep singing over and over.
Sure, we love all of the characters from Phineas and Ferb, but there is something extra special about Perry. Not every pet could be a secret special agent and fight evil. Yes, even Perry got me the other night. After the boys had gone to bed, I was avoiding work. I pulled out NHL’s drawing book and made this to surprise the boys with in the morning. I know it needs work, but not too shabby for a first attempt.
Next, I think I should draw up some Perry for President signs – what do you think?
Tuesday Tales – Disney Drawing Books
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012Do your children like to draw? My eight year old son, NHL, has caught the drawing bug. I still remember growing up and constantly drawing with the Ed Emberley books. I loved, loved, loved them and would spend hours making the critters and characters in the books come alive. I think these books may have sparked my desire to continue with art classes when in high school. To me, they were great to be creative and relax a bit from the high level science and math courses that I took.
During our February 2010 trip to Walt Disney World, NHL was fascinated with the drawings and animation area at Hollywood Studios. While visiting one of the gift shops, he begged TechyDad and I to allow him to purchase something. It was a giant “How to Draw” book of Disney characters. It looked like a bit much for him, but certainly something he would grow into. As a perk, it was not a plastic toy or new stuffed animal. We bought the book seen above. We pulled the Learn to Draw Disney: Celebrated Characters Collection
Recently, a Scholastic book order came home and something snagged my attention. There was Learn to Draw Disney Phineas and Ferb Book
We were impressed with the easy to follow instructions in the book. The new Phineas and Ferb book is actually made by the same Walter Foster publishing company. Inside the book there is a table of contents with all of the characters that you can learn to draw yourself. NHL was excited to see not only Phineas, Ferb, Perry, but also Baljeet, Buford, Jeremy, and many others.
Here is a sneak peek inside the book at drawing Agent P and Dr. Doofenshmirtz:
During one of the days of vacation, we pulled out the drawing books and other items to spending some time inside the warm house. NHL immediately picked a character to draw. Much to my surprise, he picked Buford and got started.
It was fun to watch NHL concentrate and smile when he was finished and had a favorite Phineas and Ferb character drawn on his own paper. Yes, I do believe many hours of drawing fun will continue with this book, and likely more from Walter Foster in our future.
Do you have any drawing books that your family loves? I would love to know. I would also like to hear about what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.
Disclosure: As mentioned, we bought both of the books featured in this post. Two Amazon Affiliate links are included. Should someone purchase these from Amazon I will receive a small percentage of the sale. As always, all opinions are my own.
Favorite Child Syndrome
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011Let me begin by saying that this post is inspired by Rene Syler, head GEM or Good Enough Mother. I was lucky enough to meet Rene in March at Disney. In May, I had lunch with her and then saw her earlier this month at SheStreams. The woman tells it like it is and is not afraid to admit that she is not perfect. The reality is that Rene has helped countless other parents, including myself, to accept that being good enough is perfectly acceptable. Rene also reminds us to take care of ourselves so we can be the best we can for our children.
Monday night, Rene mentioned that she was going to be on a segment of Tuesday’s Anderson. The topic of the show Are Parents Playing Favorites? Rene also let all of her GEM fans know about it Tuesday morning. I set the DVR, but happened to be able to catch it and sat there with my mouth on the ground. Here is the show preview from Anderson’s website.
Leading up to the segment with Rene were two parents telling the world that they admit they have a favorite child. Then, we saw video of one mother discussing it with her six children. WHAT?! No really, I could not make this up. Next, Rene came onto the panel:
The one mother stated that she didn’t think that this was going to cause any issues for her children. In the back of my mind, I could see the future therapy bills racking up. As you can see in the clip above, Rene did NOT agree. She kept bringing up the point that we birth our kids and our role should not be to have favorites. The other mother on the panel stated that she had a favorite parent and kids often do. Once again, Rene noted that it is one thing for a child to say this about a parent, but completely different for an adult to say to their child. Amen Rene!
The odd part of this show is the timing. Driving home from school the other day, my eight year old son asked me a question. He wanted to know if I had a favorite child. I told him no I did not. Of course, then I wanted to know why he was asking this. He said he was just wondering and had asked TechyDad the same thing the day before. I told NHL that both of them were my favorite boys. I love both of them with all of my heart, and that even when they may not make the right choices, or do something that makes me upset, it does not mean that they are not a favorite or that I love them less.
I have to say that my parents did an amazing job. My brother and I often joke that one or the other is the favorite child, but neither of us is really serious. I think they knew the importance of this for our growth into the people that we would become. Thank you Mom and Dad!
TechyDad and I always tell the boys that they are our favorite 8 and 4 year olds. The reality is that at any given moment my attention may be with one child over the other, but it is not because of favoritism. Parenting is a balancing act and each day we try to make it work. I am a parent and spread myself to the kiddo that needs it at that moment. Is it perfect? Nope, but that’s the beauty of parenting. We learn from our mistakes and our kids become better humans because of it.
So, what do you think about this subject? Should parents have a favorite child?
Smurf Filled Memories – Then and Now
Saturday, August 6th, 2011Dear NHL and JHL,
A few weeks ago, we went to see the new Winnie the Pooh movie. While waiting to get into the theater, I went over to take this photo.
The two of you sat puzzled and curious. Finally, one of you asked what they were and why I was taking the picture. Daddy tried to explain about The Smurfs that we grew up with, but it was kind of hard to explain. Later, as we walked around the mall, we arrived at Build-A-Bear where they were handing out hats for everyone.
You were officially intrigued with Smurfs and seeing what they were about. When we got home, Daddy found the old episodes that we grew up with via Cartoon Network on Demand. Since that time, I have heard a lot of Smurf jokes coming from both of you. You both want to be a certain Smurf and battle Gargamel. Luckily, you have not been singing their song.
Nana had the day off of work on Friday and wanted to take us to see the new Smurf Movie. We arrived at the theaters and who should we see while getting our tickets?
Yes, it was Smurfette and Gutsy Smurf. They must have known we were coming. The two of you were so excited. When we got upstairs by the theater, we saw the birthday room all decked out in Winnie the Pooh and Smurf clings. Since we had time, the two of you had fun standing with them for some pictures (tough since the lighting was odd).
NHL, you were blown away with seeing Clumsy’s feet at the bottom of the Smurf area. He was definitely the Smurf that you were interested in seeing.
JSL, you wanted to see Smurfette and Papa Smurf. Of course, you were very excited to have your photo with Tigger and Eeyore.
When the movie was over, the two of you immediately wanted to see my old Smurf toys. I have to see where they are, but I am sure I kept them. It certainly looks like we will be having some Smurfy days ahead.
Love,
Mommy
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If you want to participate in Dear Kid Saturday, head on over to Cutest Kid Ever by clicking on the button below.
Disney Junior – Live on Stage!
Thursday, May 19th, 2011During our extended stay at Walt Disney World in March, we knew there was a new show at Hollywood Studios that we had to go to. Just a week or so before we arrived, the park opened up the revamped Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Prior to this, it had been a Playhouse Disney Live show, but was redone to go with the new branding.
The boys knew that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Little Einsteins would be back. JSL recalled the previous show and was upset that Tigger and Pooh were no longer included. This disappointment quickly went away thanks to something else. A new Jake and the Never Land Pirates part would be in the show and intrigued all of us.
This was especially true after the Disney Junior Party during the Disney Social Media Moms event. That was where the boys met THE Sharkey and Bones.
We knew that this show meant sitting on the floor, surrounded by other parents and children, but it was well worth it. Check out the excitement on JSL’s face just before the Jake and the Never Land Pirates section was coming on:
That happy little guy fell in love with all over again with his Disney Junior friends. Minutes later, the audience got really excited as Jake, Izzy, Cubby, Skully, Sharkey, and Bones came onto the stage.
Before we knew it, it was time for Captain Hook and Mr. Smee to add to the story line.
Now, I am kicking myself for not keeping the video on during the entire show. I will admit – my feet fell asleep sitting on the floor. Man, getting older is the pits. Anyway, thank you to Disney for creating a fun filled and interactive show that is perfect for young children.
Have you seen the Disney Junior Live Show? I would love to hear what you think.
Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.
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