Update
by Samantha Chan
PARENTGUIDE News March 2010
Dino-Mite
While everyone believes that dinosaurs are extinct, it turns out there are a few lone survivors. This group now lives in the Web-based world of Webosaurs. Players create dinosaur avatars and interact with friends around the corner or on the other side of the world! The parent-approved social networking site provides a safe virtual space that previously was not readily available to preteens. To access the game, log onto www.webosaurs.com.
Fun With Food
Parents customize children’s bed and bath accessories, so why not spruce up mealtime with place settings just for your children? Olive Kids makes it possible with Personalized Plate and Placemat Sets for boys and girls. With various seasonal and thematic options, you are sure to find a fun and unique mealtime setting suitable for each of your kids. Visit www.olivekids.com to check out the various styles and personalization options before dinner is served.
How Crafty
While the weather outside is still chilly, keep your children’s imaginations fired up with the endless craft ideas in What Shall We Do Today? (Ryland Peters & Small). Author Catherine Woram shares more than 60 projects for artists ages 3-10. Find ideas for potato prints, papier mache, decoupage and other materials, all arranged by season. Get crafty by picking up a copy at Barnes & Noble or through an online retailer.
Picture Perfect
Sharing pictures with loved ones is easier than ever with the eStarling 802.11n Touchscreen Digital Frame. The high-tech device makes it possible to take pictures while on vacation, and, with the particular Gmail address that is given with each frame, send pictures to the frame back home. The frame accepts photos e-mailed from any computer or smartphone. Also, the Wi-Fi system allows automatic uploading of images from Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and other photo-sharing Web sites. Learn more at www.estarling.com.
Hostess Handbook
Sharing special occasions with friends and family members makes for incredible memories. Master the art of party hosting with The Entertaining Encyclopedia: Essential Tips and Recipes for Perfect Parties (Robert Rose). Author Denise Vivaldo provides 200 tested recipes, along with hundreds of party ideas and tips to confirm your party will be remembered fondly. And don’t worry about not being able to enjoy your party; Vivaldo ensures the host or hostess will enjoy every step to party success. Pick up this go-to party guide online at www.amazon.com.
Learning After Loss
Oliver Jeffers, the author of How to Catch a Star and The Incredible Book Eating Boy, brings audiences The Heart and the Bottle (all published by Penguin Group). Join a curious and content young girl as she skips through life, until one day everything changes: Someone the girl loves has died. She initially loses her sense of wonder and joy. But years later, a young girl reminds the main character of what it is like to be excited. Help your children understand and cope with death by getting this book at www.us.penguingroup.com.
Salon Baby
Begin your child’s healthy bathing regimen with the salon-quality baby hair and body products by jenerations baby. Products are natural, organic and completely free of sulfates and parabens. For more information on the ingredients and the perspective of jenerations baby, head to www.jenerationsbaby.com. Products are available at buybuy Baby and www.babiesrus.com.
Dogs Give Back
In a typical household, dogs give love and affection. In the home of someone with a disability, dogs give so much more. Founder and director of the Good Dog Foundation, Rachel McPherson has compiled inspiring stories of companion and care dogs in Every Dog has a Gift: True Stories of Dogs Who Bring Hope & Healing Into Our Lives (Tarcher). Learn to the story of a young boy with autism whose behavior significantly improved once he was able to live with a fabulous furry friend. Get the book at www.flipkart.com.
Text and Go
For moms on the move comes the texthook, a holder for phones to be toted with ease during an active lifestyle. The unique design holds most smartphones with a protective case that can be affixed onto most stroller and bicycle handlebars. Multitasking has never been this simple. The texthook connects you with your world with the touch of a finger while you are exercising, shopping or strolling around town. Find texthooks at www.thetexthook.com.
Samantha Chan is an assistant editor.