The Victoria Chart Company: A Winning Way to Teach Kids Life Skills

The Victoria Chart Company: A Winning Way to Teach Life Skills

All parents and educators know the end goal of their efforts is to raise children who are independent, capable, responsible and who can function in the context of relationships with others.  That's a tall order to fill.  Parents and educators also know it takes time, consistency and patience to do all of the above.

Helping Kids Learn to Self-Monitor

Helping kids learn how to self-monitor is the key to increasing their insight and performance.  If the question is, "How do we do all of this," The Victoria Chart Company is the answer. The charts by The Victoria Chart Company are colorful, engaging and beautifully illustrated. They'll make you feel a hundred kinds of happy when you open them up and look at them. I promise! What's more, these charts have been carefully thought out and are developmentally appropriate. Yes and yes!

Everything You Need to Promote Success for Your Child

You can proudly hang these durable charts in any room in your home.  And the company has thought of everything.  When you use a Victoria Chart, you'll get everything you need, delivered right to your doorstep in a complete kit.  Along with the chart, you'll receive reusable stickers (they're really well made) and a specially coated chart that will stand up to the test of time.  You also get materials to adhere the chart to your wall, along with an erasable marker.  It's a one shop stop!



Developmentally Appropriate and Expertly Crafted 

What we really adore is how The Victoria Chart Company provides excellent guidance that is developmentally appropriate and expertly crafted with each chart.  I found myself wanting to high-five the company as I read their messages and information for parents!  It is spot on! These charts bring an air of ease to some of the developmental tasks that can pose struggles in many households.

Winning Charts

While the Victoria Chart Company has several charts to choose from, the following three were submitted and have garnered the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award:

My Growing Up Chart

The Good Night Sleep Tight Chart

The Ultimate Potty Training Chart

My Growing Up Chart 

There are several skills a child must learn before they become adults. Dressing, eating, schoolwork, falling asleep, manners and civility are just a handful of the skills kids need to become successful adults.  Guess what? My Growing Up Chart covers all of them!



This chart can be completely individualized into hundreds of different configurations. There are standard stickers for skill sets common to all kids, and there are also stickers with a blank space for you to write skills more specific to your child. Find it HERE. 

The Good Night Sleep Tight Chart

Joy! If your child is having trouble settling in, keeps calling out after they go to bed at night, has frequent night awakenings and more, the Good Night Sleep Tight Chart may be your ticket to a sound night's sleep for everyone. We all know how important sleep is for everyone's daytime functioning and health.



This chart may well be the thing that helps your child take a step in the right direction. I remember making a sleep chart for my two youngest when they were little.  I assure you, they were nowhere near as fun as The Victoria Chart Company's version.  I wish they had been around then! Find it HERE.

The Ultimate Potty Training Chart

Let's be honest.  This thing called potty training may make you want to ask who's training whom?  So much of this it outside of our control (as are many things, if you haven't noticed)! The Ultimate Potty Training Chart is here to save the day.



Take the struggle out of it.  Use a Victoria Chart Company chart and away your troubles, down the drain. I really couldn't resist. Find it HERE.

Expert Opinion
(excerpted from The Victoria Chart Company site)

According to Dr. Lynne Kenney, PsyD

We use TheVictoria Company Charts with our families because they are developmentally appropriate and geared toward building skills with praise, attachment and encouragement. This is in keeping with our "Bloom Philosophy" that we teach children into new skill development. Thank you warmly for helping families worldwide build skills with love.

What One of Our Reviewers Said

"I think these charts are very visually attractive for children.  I love that they help to deal with all different ages and levels in a child's life.  These are great."

These charts really are wonderful.  Joyful would be one word to describe them!

Victoria Ballard, founder of the Victoria Chart Company,

 and her children.





You're Going to Love The Victoria Chart Company

We think you'll agree, The Victoria Chart Company offers an amazing product at a great value. You'll turn to their products again and again, to support you in your quest to raise responsible and well-adjusted individuals. 

Welcome to the Kidlutions family, Victoria Chart Company. We are so happy to have you on board!



Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids

An On-Call Therapist at Your Fingertips

If you have a child in your house, "Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids" by Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore needs to be on your bookshelf.  If you can purchase just one item to enhance your parenting this year, this may well be it! This is about as close as you can get to having a therapist on-call as you raise your kids.

You Just Never Know

When you are raising children, you just never know what you are going to come up against.  Some things are pretty standard, and some things may seem insurmountable when you stand face to face with a child whose feelings are bigger than they are.  It may feel overwhelming at times.  No longer does that have to be the case, when you can access expert information from "Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids".

Here's a Sneak Peek 

You can get a feel for what you'll learn in this course right here:

The best news: It's on sale NOW for 70% off when you purchase HERE.
This price is good until Jan. 31, 2015
If you miss this sale, check back again in a month or two. 
It will be on sale about five times during the year. 
You can also write to Dr. Kennedy-Moore via her website, 
www.EileenKennedyMoore.com, 
if you'd like to be notified when the course goes on sale.

You can also find a set of three preview videos on Dr. Kennedy-Moore's site.

What's Included 

There's something for every stage of development in this package. The course is available in DVD, CD, video download, or audio download formats. Inside every set, you'll find the DVD with 12 topics (30 minutes of video each), totaling 6 hours of content, along with a book that has each chapter broken down by topic.  That provides you with a handy reference that you can either watch, listen to, read or all of the above.  This is the whole "therapist at your fingertips" notion we referred to earlier.

Here's the list of topics included on the DVD and in the book:

Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids

(12 half-hour video or audio recordings)

1. Developing Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence

2. Anxiety—The Way Out Is Through

3. How Kids Manage Anger—Positive Discipline

4. Building Authentic Self-Esteem

5. Empathy—The Roots of Empathy

6. What Makes Kids Happy?

7. How Children Make Friends

8. Playing Well with Others

9. Making Up and Breaking Up with Friends

10. Belonging, Status, Popularity, and Rejection

11 Teasing and Bullying

12. Growing up Social in the Digital Age

What One Reviewer Said

"My son is 8 and going through a totally different stage that what I am used to with him.  I believe this video will be perfect for my family.  I love learning all I can about how to raise healthy and happy children."

See? At any age or stage, the content delivered up in this DVD will be a game-changer.

You're Going to Love It

What sets this course apart from so many that you'll find out there, is that Dr. Kennedy-Moore has taken big psychological concepts and translated them into bite-sized, digestible pieces for all of us. Like a friendly next door neighbor (who happens to be an expert), Dr. Kennedy-Moore will have you handling even the trickiest parenting issues with confidence. You're going to love it!

Dr. Eileen Kennedy Moore

Psychologist/Author/Mom of Four

Welcome, Again!

Dr. Kennedy-Moore is no stranger to the Kidlutions Preferred Product Awards, having garnered an award for both What About Me: 12 Ways to Get Your Parents' Attention without Hitting Your Sister and Smart Parenting for Smart Kids in the past.

Welcome back, Dr. Kennedy Moore.  The consistent quality and user-friendly approach you use makes you a fan favorite

Flip2BFit: The Magic is in the Movement



Flip2BFit addresses physical, mental and emotional health!
It's a powerhouse of active fun and front-line weapon
against childhood obesity and low self-esteem!

 

The Magic is in the Movement

 

If childhood obesity, low self-esteem and health are problems (and they are all problems in our society), Flip2BFit and Bakari are the answers! This board game and memory card game offer a powerhouse of  active fun! They are a great way to introduce more exercise and movement into a child's life in a fun and non-threatening way!  And when something is fun, it is more likely to be done.  It's what Kidlutions calls the "Fun and Done" principle.  Consistent movement and exercise is the key to good health.  With Flip2BFit and Bakari, even kids who shy away from movement activities are sure to see how fun fitness can be!

 

The Power to Transform Lives

Flip2BFit products benefit physical, mental and emotional health through their fabulous Flip2BFit boardgame and Bakari Memory game that have the power to transform lives. Creative fitness is where it's at with these two fabulous resources!

Bakari! Improving mind, memory and muscles!

 

 Movement and Fitness Improve Self-Esteem and More

 

A strong body, strong mind and strong sense of self contribute to one's confidence and success.  Who doesn't want that for their child?  When you give a child the tools to achieve these characteristics, you are giving him the key to a better future.  Flip2BFit and Bakari do all of the above!

Movement helps kids work through frustration, tension and grumpy moods! There is no better way to do it than this! It's the approach I'd recommend!

 

Studies have shown that movement helps prevent heart disease, reduce stress, imporove mental health, improve sleep, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes.  Kids might not really care too much about that, as much as they care about the fun factor.  Lucky for parents and caregivers everywhere, Flip2BFit has built the fun right in!  Genius!

 

 

 

 

10 Habits of a Healthy Kid

 

Flip2BFit offers these 10 suggestions to help kids lead healthier lives:

1. Be physically active every day
2. Turn off the screens and live your life!
3. Eat smaller amounts
4. Drink water instead of soda or juice
5. Eat plenty of vegetables and some fruit every day
6. Eat less fast food
7. Snack on healthy foods
8. Switch to lowfat (1% or less) milk, cheese and yogurt
9. Get enough sleep
10. Do something healthy every day that makes you feel good

 

 

A Product That Gives Back

 

When you purchase a Flip2BFit product, you are helping to support their mission to improve the lives of children everywhere.  Flip2BFit gives back in numerous ways, including supporting the health of countless children through the following programs:  Fit To Be Kids, The Fit Kids Foundation, CHALK and Fitness For Africa.  Phew! Flip2BFit is a company on the move when it comes to helping others!

 

Welcome to the Kidlutions family of award-winners, Flip2BFit!  We are happy to have you aboard! 

 

The Nightmare Nibbler Noshes Bad Dreams: Double Duty

Nightmares Happen!

Nightmares happen.  The Nightmare Nibbler can help!  Nightmares are common in preschoolers and can be an issue throughout early childhood.  Parents are often besides themselves, trying to figure out a way to make it all stop so the whole family can back to peaceful slumber.

Does Your Child Need a Sleep Makeover?

Do you have a child whose sleep habits could benefit from a little makeover?  Does he wake up during the night seeking support and solace because of another "bad dream"?  Sleep deprivation is a serious health issue that has far reaching effects.  In addition to health issues, lack of sufficient sleep can affect your child's mood, behavior, memory and growth. 

The Nibbler Knows

The Nightmare Nibbler knows just how to take care of bad dreams. He's happy to take the night-shift so that you and your pint-sized person can get all the shut-eye you need. 

More Than a Good Night's Sleep

When the Nightmare Nibbler sets off to work, and your child begins to master his nightmares, he'll get more than a good night's sleep.  You'd be grateful for that, I know, but there's yet another benefit.  When your child can get a handle on his nightmares, he'll be developing a sense of ability to deal with whatever problems come his way.  This sense of mastery is a huge boon to self-esteem!

Keeping Good Company

The Nibbler is a fabulous bedtime buddy, but he's a great daytime companion, as well.  Your child will be sure to make fast friends with the Nibbler.  Don't be surprised if he wants to carry the Nibbler with him everywhere he goes! 

Speaking of good company, the Nibbler has been with us for a year now.  It is his one year anniversary with the Preferred Products Award!  That's one more year of making bedtimes better and more sleep possible!   You can see the original winning post here.  We look forward to celebrating many more years together! 

Norbert Does Double-Duty

Norbert the Nightmare Nibbler has been doing a fine job of keeping nightmares at bay across the land. Now he has some back-up. Not that he needs it, mind you. He's been doing a great job on his own.  But now  he can call in for reinforcement with his very own book, "Norbert the Nightmare Nibbler".

In this whimsical book, Norbert is chosen for a special mission. He is selected to travel from the Nightmare Nibbler Nation down to Earth, where he will keep order in the house and peace throughout the night by gobbling up any nightmares in his path. From the moment he is shuttled to Earth, everyone is granted a tranquil night's slumber.

Norbert noshes nightmares like it's nobody's business.  But that's not all this book is about.  No, there's more to the story than meets the eye. There's a second message to be had.  You're never to small to make a difference!  This book delivers on a number of levels and is the perfect accompaniment to the plush Norbert, who has been winning his way into the hearts of kids and parents everywhere! 

To Norbert, Nightmares are delicious. Just like a full night's sleep would be for you!
Thanks for making a difference in the lives of children and families, Nightmare Nibbler.  Congratulations on your growth and having two products that bear the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award Seal for Social-Emotional Development. 

Every kids needs a Nibbler!

The plush and book are available separately, or together on the Nightmare Nibbler site. 

Kimochis: Plush Toys with a Purpose!

Feelings can be messy...Kimochis can help!

If I told you that you could raise your child to be happy and successful, and that it could be as simple as having them play with a plush toy, you might raise an eyebrow. Initially, that is! Because once you see and experience Kimochis, you will see exactly what I mean.

My heart skipped a beat when I was first introduced to Kimochis about a year ago. I was thrilled when the creators submitted them for our award. It didn’t take long for our reviewers to see that Kimochis and our Preferred Product Awards went together like PB&J.

Kimochis (KEY.MO.CHEES), which means “feeling” in Japanese, is the name given to these whimsical plush creatures, which do more than just look cute and colorful on your child’s bed or shelf. They are so much more than plush toys. In fact, they are plush toys with a purpose!

It’s all about the feelings. Being able to identify them in ourselves and others is a critical life skill. Moreover, being able to cope with those feelings, manage intense and uncomfortable feelings and having the confidence to handle whatever problems come our way, are the things that great lives are built upon.


An example of some of the feelings in the "mixed feelings" bag.

Kimochis help with all of the above in a way that is accessible and FUN for young children. Often, you will hear parents or caregivers say, “Use your words”, when trying to assist a child in communicating about intense emotions. Kimochis actually give your kids the feeling words to use.

Kimochis come with three feelings face pillows, that have the feeling written on the back. More available for purchase.  In the extra kits, there is a blank pillow and a marker, for your child to be able to talk about and deal with whatever feeling may be pressing at the moment!

More examples of feeling pillows!

They also come with an incredible 48 page “Kimochis Feel Guide”, which is an incredible resource when it comes to creative uses of the Kimochis plush toy and feelings. (Seriously folks, this “Feel Guide” alone is golden!)

Kimochis is all about the business of helping your kids manage feelings in socially acceptable ways. Only they make it fun, memorable and upbeat!  Don't think these will just benefit the kids, though.  Better communication about feeling benefits us all!

Welcome to the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award family, Kimochis!  So glad you have joined us!



Listen to Me, Please: A Triple Dip of Feelings Fun!



Don't parent without this book!


A Trio of Award Winners

Did you ever come across a product that made your heart sing?  What about three of them at once?  That was exactly what happened when I read and listened to all of the incredible greatness of Ava Parnass.  Ava is the multi-talented clinician that is behind three of our newest Preferred Product Award winning resources that help kids.  It was a triple dip of feelings fun!   Just knowing these products are out there changing the world has me dancing in the streets!  And this time, I'm not even dancing to the music in my head.  It's the music of Ava and gang that goes along with the some of the books!

Listen to Me, Please

What do kids need?  They need a lot, and one of their primary needs after food, water, shelter and love is the need to be listened to.  Really listened to.  It seems like something that should come naturally to all of us, yet with the frenetic pace of today's world, and multiple demands on our time, we may not listen to or children in ways that are meaningful to them. 

Ava Parnass, RN, MSN

Listen to Me Please: Time-In Not Time-Out is a game changer.  In this book, Ava and her co-author, Dr. Ron Taffel, give you the low down to raising socially-competent, well-adjusted and better behaved children.  All without time-out!  Use this book with your children, connect with them on a deeper level and watch misbehavior disappear!  It's pure relationship magic!

In addition to helping you listen to your child more effectively, this book will help you accentuate the positive, and help you help your child handle tough feelings, deal with the pressures of modern life and learn from mistakes.  This book is part parenting field guide and part interactive story book.  It's a book both you and your child will want to return to again and again!

My Feelings are Hungry



My Feelings are Hungry may be the single-most
important book in the fight against childhood obesity.

Did you even know that feelings could get hungry?  They can and this is part of the reason that childhood obesity is at an all time high.  Our country is working diligently at trying to prevent and remedy this problem.  My Feelings are Hungry is the first book I have ever seen that addresses some of the key emotional issues that make kids want to eat more.  My Feelings are Hungry is likely to become one of the single-most important books in the fight against childhood obesity.

This book is incredible from start to finish. The main character, Rebecca, is having a very bad day.  Through rhyming prose, we take a trip with Rebecca through her kitchen, as she tries to calm herself with goodies and confections of all sorts.  Suddenly, Mushy, a magical book guide, appears to transport the main character through Feelings Town.

Here's just a small sampling of the book's prose as the characters make their way through Feelings Town:

Mushy told me that asking for so many treats
Means I'm not saying something I feel underneath
So I told her what happened one step at a time
Like a tangled-up string I had to unwind

See?  I told you it's GREAT!  Pair that with bright, whimsical drawings and you have a winning combination that's better than any calorie-laden concoction.

On their journey, Mushy helps Rebecca explore myriad feelings.  Through talking and processing those feelings, Rebecca is able to learn new ways to cope with them.  Feelings Town is a wonderful place for all kids to explore their inner workings and learn that having big feelings is okay!  The message that My Feelings are Hungry delivers will last a lifetime. 


Where Did My Good Mood Go?

Did you ever have one of those days where you just didn't know what came over you?  One of those days where you felt out of sorts?  Kids have those kinds of days, too.  Now, you can help them make sense of it with Where Did My Good Mood Go?

Mushy, that magical book guide, again helps the main character navigate the sometimes uncharted waters of difficult feelings.  Mushy models healthy exploration of feelings, and getting assistance from adults, as needed.  Speaking of grown-ups, one of the things I heart about these books is that they call the adults "my grown-up", which is really so clever.  Many times, children do not live with their mom or their dad, and saying I asked "my mom" or "my dad" for help may not be something they can relate to.  This is true for bereaved children, for children in foster care, and for children being raised by grandparents to name a few examples. 

Where Did My Good Mood Go normalizes the fact that we all have "down" and "out of sorts" days, but it also offers hope, by showing that feelings of upset don't last forever.  That's something we can all smile about!

Welcome, Ava and Listen to Me, Please, to the Kidlutions family of award winners!  So glad you're aboard!

Name Your Tune CDs Help Kids Rock Out While They Grow More Condfident

Name Your Tune, Volume I

What’s in a name? Plenty, it turns out. We never tire of hearing our names. The same is true of kids who love all things personalized: bedding, backpacks, wall art, placemats, and the like. Savvy teachers know the importance of greeting children by name, wise business folks know it and those that are naturally connectors to others know it, too.

With all the enthusiasm tied to our names, you can imagine the delight a child feels when there is a song written just about him! When there’s a whole CD dedicated to him, it’s nothing short of thrilling! The Name Your Tune CDs, Volumes I and II, provide your child with the kind of excitement that cannot be found in generic songs. With these personalized treasures, your child will be strumming along to the beat and be singing with wild abandon to well-known songs with his name in it.

Name Your Tune, Volume II

Name Your Tune CDs are the mastermind of Candace Alper, a Canadian-based mompreneur and Eric Alper, her music-industry husband. The CDs were inspired by their daughter, Hannah. You can read more about their story here.  The foot-stomping, hand-clapping fun contained on each CD does more than offer a melody, though.  These CDs can actually help build your child's sense of confidence and self-esteem. 

The Alper Family



When we use a person’s name to address them, we acknowledge their identity and boost their self-esteem. The mere mention of someone’s name validates their existence…it says, “I see you!” and that fact alone is uplifting. When a song is written with a child’s name in it, it elevates the “name-game” to a whole new level!  Name Your Tune CDs offer fun with a function!

Years ago, when I was a child, there was a television show called “Romper Room”…some of you may remember that…which aired from my then hometown of Baltimore, MD. At the end of every episode, the teacher would use her “Magic Mirror” to “see” her friends in television-land. I would watch every episode my mother would allow me to, in hopes of hearing my name called out. To this day, I can remember how exciting it was to actually hear my name!

With Name Your Tune Volumes I and II , your child will hear his name more than 80 times, which is exciting in and of itself. However, when you factor in some of the titles of the songs, they go a long way towards developing a strong sense of self-confidence. One of my favorites is “Boom, Boom, Ain’t It Great to be YOU!” Other topics covered in the CDs include being friends, dealing with feelings, counting, letters and more.

The songs range from upbeat and fun-loving to relaxing and calming. I absolutely love some of the sound effects in the songs. I’ve listened to the CDs numerous times as part of my review, one time being on a road-trip with my 16-year-old son. (This was a huge departure from his usual techno or metal tunes.) Interestingly, he spontaneously offered, “A kid would love these!” That out of the mouth of a once-upon-a-time babe!

The Name Your Tune CDs, Volumes I and II make a great gift for a baby shower, birthday, get-well, Christmas, Hannukah, Easter, etc. It's a great anytime gift for no reason at all, too.  Just a way to celebrate your child!  It would be a gift the recipient would not soon forget.

Welcome, Name Your Tune, to the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award family! I know your songs are already warming their way into the hearts of children across the world! You have warmed my heart with your “giving back” through the “Hear Here” foundation, to help underprivileged kids get hearing aids. Now, that’s music to my ears!

You can also check out their website for more products that are personalized for the special child in your life!

Great products for kids!

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Last weekend, several of our Kidlutions Preferred Product Award winners were featured in a door-prize giveaway basket for one lucky winner at the MACs Kids Expo 2011 in New York!  How exciting!  All of our product winners can be seen at: http://www.kidlutions.com/awards_winning_products.html

The Nightmare Nibbler Promotes Sweet Dreams

Anyone with a young child can tell you about night time fears that can take hold and sometimes disrupt the sleep of everyone in the household.  Nothing good comes from sleep-deprivation, so thank goodness for the Nightmare Nibbler who makes a snack out of bad dreams!  This adorable little creature is so incredibly soft and sweet, your child is sure to form a fast friendship with him.

The Nightmare Nibbler was created by Susan Smith, a mom whose own son, Sam, was dealing with nightmares.  Susan soon discovered, as have many other parents, that Sam's sleep issues affected the whole family.  Not to be outsmarted by these unwelcome dreams during her son's slumber, this savvy mama set to work to remedy the situation.  The Nightmare Nibbler made his debut and it worked so well for Sam, and for others in Susan's circle, that she wanted to share with others.  Hence, the Nightmare Nibbler went global. 

The Nightmare Nibbler works for young children, but would also be applicable to older kids who have to undergo scary or painful medical procedures, and particularly to kids that have experienced trauma.  For some of these kids, their nightmares come in the daytime. 

The Poem

I’m a Nightmare Nibbler who’s on duty through the night,

protecting you from scary things that might give you a fright!

It doesn’t matter what it is, I’m not afraid at all

whether 1 inch, 1 foot or a bazillion feet tall!

You see, as a Nightmare Nibbler all I do is eat,

bad dreams, scary dreams, I think they’re all a treat!

Those dreams do not stand a chance, when I am here with you

since I chew them up and swallow them, before they can say boo!

So hug me tight, close your eyes and wipe away your fears,

I’m here all night to protect you, if anything appears.

Good Night and Pleasant Dreams…

xo

 The Nightmare Nibbler contributes to social-emotional development in a big way.  When kids learn how to conquer their fears, and master situations that make them feel helpless, their self-confidence soars.  Now, that is something to cheer about!

When the Nightmare Nibbler was granted a Kidlutions Preferred Product Award, it marked the momentous occasion of  us going international with our award!  The Nightmare Nibbler hails from Canada, our neighbor...and we are pleased as punch to be able to showcase great products that promote social-emotional development from around the world!

The Nightmare Nibbler is a Green Parents' List Approved product, which means you can count on it to be safe for your child to snuggle with and drag around.  This distinction means that the product was tested using the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

To sweeten the deal even more, every purchase of the Nightmare Nibbler gives back to an organization that ensures a good nights' sleep to children around the world.  The Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) organization provides a bedkit that consists of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies. Bedkit contents vary from country to country depending upon local needs.

We concur with this disclaimer found on the Nightmare Nibbler site: Please seek the advice of a professional if you notice that your child’s nightmares become worse, happen more often or if their fears impact daytime activities.

Open Up a Box of Fun: The Do Tell Game

 
Open up a box of fun! Open up the Do Tell Game! It's hard to imagine that your family could be more entertained playing a game other than this one. Even the box shouts excitement! The colorful lid beckons you to open it up and look inside, and once you've flipped off the lid, the fun just never ends.

The Do Tell Game earns a coveted Kidlutions Preferred Product Award because it just exemplifies what social-emotional development is all about. The obvious reason is that it brings families together to talk and laugh in a very meaningful kind of way. The question cards (four whole boxes of them: Do, Tell, Wild and Risk) are ingenious at getting family members to open up, to talk and to delve into conversations that help them get to know each other better than they did before the game started. They also help family members to be silly, let go, step on the wild side and share a good belly laugh.

Fun for all ages.  Intergenerational magic!

One of the first things that impressed me with the Do Tell Game, besides its whimsical, vibrant design and spirited game pieces, was the generosity with which this game was created. Literally everything you need to play this game is included, right down to the timer, pencils (ten of ‘em, already sharpened) and paper! Where else do you see that, today? (This fact alone had my youngest son doing back-flips.)

Kathy Jacobson, creator of the Do Tell Game.

It just keeps getting better from there. Kathy Jacobson, the creator of the Do Tell Game, has poured her whole heart and soul into this game. The quality and the richness of the questions asked on the playing cards clearly reflects the time and thought that went into devising this most clever game.

Here is just a sampling of the topics covered in the Do Tell Game, which clearly sets it apart as a game that amps up social-emotional skills:

Handling Conflict
Being Patient
Honor
Positive Thinking
Dealing with Disappointment
Being Flexible
Sadness
Dealing with Mistakes
Self-discipline
Trust
Confidence
Responsibility
Respect

The beauty of it is, the questions and the sentence stems do not seem contrived or blasé. This means that even the sometimes hard to engage tween and teen crowd won't be put off by the game. The questions are so well written, that they draw the reader in and make her really think about how she might respond or react to a given situation.

The entire Do Tell Game team!

But we’ve merely talked about the cards, thus far. There's a whole lot more to the Do Tell Game. Once you add the game board, the timer and various family members, the game just comes alive. Every time you play, the game will be different, and the instructions give you lots of variations for playing. This is one of those items which you could give with confidence as a gift. This game is for everyone, because we all strive to be understood and to understand others. 

Currently retailing on Amazon.com for $29.95, this game will bring you a lot of fun for your buck! It's a game that can help your kids do better in school, too.  That's because kids with good social-emotional skills tend to do better in all other areas of their lives.  But don’t let us convince you, play it once and see for yourself!

Welcome, Kathy, and the Do Tell Game, to the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award family! We’re so happy to have you aboard! When it comes to the Do Tell Game, everyone is a winner, because building relationships is what life is all about.

Canson and Eric Carle Capture Your Child's Imagination

"What Do You See?" Colored Construction Paper

Kids. Art. Eric Carle. Blend all three and you have an unbeatable mix of fun, opportunity and the prospect of unlimited exploration.   Most important, this line encourages the use of your child's imagination. The unrivaled combination of all three of the aforementioned was not lost on the Canson paper company. When they unveiled their Eric Carle, “What Do You See?” line of eco-friendly papers, they uncovered a whole new world of possibilities for young dreamers and thinkers.

"What Do You See?" Painting Pad

What we like best about Canson’s Eric Carle line is that it allows kids to dream as big as they wish. The theme that is echoed throughout the line is that of open-ended potential. The very premise of “What Do You See?” offers kids a blank canvas upon which they can express their hopes, dreams, fears and concerns. There are no expectations, no demands, no pre-fabbed directions on how a child is to use the "What Do You See?" line.   This allows kids to experiment and just enjoy creative endeavors. “What Do You See?” simply invites the budding artist to share his or her internal world with others. And that is pretty powerful.

"What Do You See?" Finger Paint Pad

When kids are given free license to create whatever their hearts' desire and encouraged to share their innermost world on paper, magic happens.  When a child takes a blank piece of paper or construction paper and makes a piece of art, a new creation is born.  What a celebration of imagination!  And using our imagination is a key piece to developing self-regulation, or the ability to control strong feelings.  That is social-emotional skill building at its finest!

"What Do You See?" Complete Line

Kids. Art. Eric Carle. Together, they’re just better. And nobody outshines the combination of these three better than Canson's eco-friendly line of “What Do You See?”.  That makes this line something that both parents and kids can feel good about.

Congratulations, Canson, and welcome to the Kidlutions Preferred Product Award family!  We are so happy to have you aboard!