Monthly Archives: February 2007

Time4Learning…Fun and Successful

Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Age 7-10, Ages 10-13, Educational Toys

As a mother of a seven year
old, I’m always looking for a way to balance learning and fun. I’ve
noticed that Sebastian becomes really engaged in learning when lessons and
activities are interactive. In my search
to find the perfect program for Sebastian, I considered a few things. First, I wanted something that would begin
building a foundation of skills for first and second grade. Secondly, I had to find a program that would
help Sebastian who struggles with reading comprehension. Lastly, I was on a budget and needed to find
something extremely cost effective. I
began my search and eventually made an great discovery…Time4Learning.

Time4Learning can be used for
preschool,
as an after-school
supplement, as an
alternative to summer school,
or even for homeschooling. For those children with special needs,
the engaging graphics, songs, and videos create interactive learning activities
that kids really enjoy. Sebastian loves
how the lessons can be read aloud by a fun cartoon character. This feature, in particular, keeps him from
stumbling over new material or from losing his place on the page. Activities in the preschool program, such
as counting games and alphabet songs, keep Sebastian entertained while
learning. It’s amazing! The best part is that Sebastian can work
independently using the personalized program in which he can navigate entirely
on his own. Time4Learning’s low monthly
cost will fit perfectly into any family’s budget.

Sebastian actually looks
forward to logging on to the Time4Learning website after school.  He particularly enjoys the reading lessons.
The characters are very easy for him to follow and enjoy and the stories are
engaging.

Time4Learning is a
student-paced program for grades Pre-K-8th. Children work at their own pace…something I find
very helpful, especially for Sebastian, whose self-esteem began to soar as he
used writing tools such as graphic organizers, spell-checkers, and personalized
evaluations. I saw incredible
improvement and lots of smiles shortly after Sebastian began using the Time4Learning
website.

Learning and fun: http://www.time4learning.com/demos.htm

Preschool http://www.time4learning.com/preschool-games.shtml

After school supplement http://www.time4learning.com/learning-enrichment.shtml

Summer school http://www.time4learning.com/summer-school.shtml

Homeschooling: http://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm

Special needs: http://time4learning.com/learning-special-needs-shtml

Preschool program: http://learninggamesforkids.com

I’ve got great news!
The first three people
to email me regarding this post will get 1 FREE MONTH on the Time4Learning.com
website! Email me at Alicia@themommyinsider.com and I will email the
first three who respond Friday afternoon to let you know what the next step is.

Princess Onesie – Roslyn’s Closet

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Baby & Kids Clothing

Roslynscloset_princessonesie_1Princess Peanut… that’s what I call Madelyn. I know, it’s a pretty wierd nickname.

Now, when Madelyn wears her super cute princess onesie from Roslyn’s Closet, the whole world understands that they are not in the company of ‘just another baby’ (there is no such thing, actually), they are looking at a Princess!

The genius behind the whimisical designs at Roslyn’s Closet, Jodi, is a mom of two, and her goal was to create pieces that capture the innocence and
sweetness of being young which I think she has done exceptionally well.

Madelyn’s onesie is nice and soft with an easy to slip on neck. The fit is very cute. Of course, the onesie is machine washable.. would I allow anything else in my home.. no! 

There are designs for both boys and girls at Roslyn’s Closet. Her sizes go up to 6T and are available in short and long sleeves.

Where to buy: Roslyn’s Closet

Plane Sorter Pull Toy

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5

Tiddleywiddleyplane
One of the toys that I remember most from my childhood is my little fisher-price pull telephone with the winn up dialer.. do you remember that one?  I LOVED it! I would pull that toy all over the house and I even took it to my Granddad’s house when I was little. I actually remember that!

Now, Madelyn (9 months) has her very own wooden pull toy plane sent to her by Tiddley Widdley that she is enjoying as much as I remember enjoying my little pull telephone. This incredible Plane Sorter Pull Toy by Boikido does it all. Not only does Madelyn pull the plane around the house, but she also plays with the three different colored passengers that each have a uniquely shaped base so she can work on learning her shapes and colors. (She’s going to be a genius!)

With the simple push of a button, the plane makes a neat flying sound so Madelyn is learning to identify that sound with the planes she see’s outside.

The bright colors, and the design, give the Boikido Plane Sorter Pull Toy a whimsical spin to the classic wooden toys we loved as children.

Summary:Tiddleyplane
Wooden pull toy
Shaped like an airplane
Long, easy to hold string
Bright colors
Holds three brightly colored animal passengers with uniquely shaped bases that fit into the passenger seats
Easy push button activates flying sound
Great, durable wooden construction

Tiddley Widdley has a great assortment of other wooden toys, apparel and much more.

Where to buy: Tiddley Widdley

The Mommy Insider readers enjoy 10% off with code MOMFINDS.

Myself Belts – They make life a little easier!

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Baby & Kids Clothing

As most of you know, I have a seven year old son, Sebastian. Sebastian loves to be like Daddy and Daddy wears a belt.  So, Sebastian always wants to wear a belt. . just like Dad. However, he learned quickly that Dad must have a trick up his sleeve because it takes him about 5 seconds to put his belt on and it would take Sebastian about 5 minutes of spinning himself around and around in one spot before  getting his belt through all the loops and then buckling it. He was a real sport though. As long as he looked like Dad, everything was OK. The patience of a 6 year old!  I wish I had it.Myselfbeltes

Sebastian’s belt routine became a whole lot easier when he recieved a Myself Belt to try out. He caught on to the three simple steps to the Myself Belt very quickly and life has been a breeze since. (at least that few seconds, anyway)

Sebastian was able to figure out how to put on his Myself Belt the first time which really impressed me. I know your child will do the same. All the child does is snap the end of the belt around the front right belt loop to secure the belt, first. No more dangling belt. Then he slides the rest of the belt through the loops. He has since learned that standing still works a little better than spinning around and around when putting the belt through the loops. The last step is to join the ends together via the Velcro on both ends. That’s it! He’s done!!  What a relief.

I recommend a Myself Belt or two, or three, for your kids ages 2-6. Myself Belts are a great way to give your kids a sense of self accomplishment and help them look like Mom or Dad without taking forever like traditional belts.

Myself Belts are available in sizes for 2 – 6 year olds and larger sizes are available as well. Parents can choose from several styles for both boys and girls. My favorite girl belt is the Pink Cordouroy and my favorite boy belt is the Camoflauge.  Don’t worry, your kids can also have a Myself Belt for fancier occasions like Church, going to Grandma’s house, etc as they offer nice black and brown leather belts for both boys and girls.

Where to buy: Myself Belts

The Mommy Insider readers get 10% off when using coupon code FINDS.

Are you a stressed out Mom? DUH!

New posts

I got an email from Dr. Lynne Kenney who works with The Montel Show producers and is looking for moms who want to improve their life. Please read below and email Lynne if you want to participate. Please mention that Alicia Hagan with The Mommy Insider refered you!
——–

Are you ready to improve your life?  Do you want to get your kids on a
solid routine, improve family scheduling, get your kids to do as they are told,
get your passion back, develop a hobby, discipline your kids successfully, lose
weight,manage your busy life, find time for yourself, gain confidence or face a
long-standing habit and finally change it!

Then invite THE FAMILY COACH into your home for a Better Family Living
Makeover.
THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW is looking for families to participate in
television segments regarding improving family life.  We would like
families that will allow us to go into their home, have a coach intervene with
them to enhance their skills and then feature them on the show to see the
progress.

We are looking for families who desire to improve several
areas of their lives.
1) Health 2) Exercise 3) School success 4) Friendships 5) Organizing your
home 6) Parenting your children successfully 7) Coping with tweens and teens 8)
Love relationships 9) Discipline 10) Family management 11) Family meal planning
12) Family conflict 13) Parenting after divorce 14) Raising confident kids 15)
Raising exceptional children

Please email Dr. Lynne Kenney realtimemoms@aol.com if you wish to learn
more.