What should I get my dad for his birthday?

best kids rc toys image

Nycole

He is turning 47 and it is so hard to buy for him always has been. I'm not a kid, moved out married and having his first grandchild :) He is into flying airplanes, working on his cars and playing guitar. I thought about getting him something grandpa oriented lol but I don't know any ideas??
BTW his birhtday is tomorrow lol so trying to get something for him tonight!

Answer
Spend time with him, if your away, come visit him and rent a good movie, for example we saw "A Better Life", it was emotional, and really good, and showed how hard most average mexican families work to givee us a better life hey theirs,and how hard life is for illegals, my dad isn't anymore, but this was touching seeing through the life, also comfort him and say happy birthday, and thay you love him. my dad is sort of like yours, into planes, and his car, some guitar, also try a rc plane, my dad said when he was small, he always wanted a gas rc plane, but they were too much, and they were poor. Before, he's about 45-46, idk, but he will appreciate a gift he wanted from when he was a child, make sure it's not one that brings back bad memories, or find a toy he used for comfort during his childhood. Good luck

How much would you pay for a RC car?

Asda

I'm setting up an remote control (rc) toys company and wanted to ask what price you would expect to pay for a rc car for kids?

Answer
I'm not really a "kid" lol but i have 3 rc cars i payed around $400 - $500 for and have had to put well over $500 into 2 of them (My moms friends kids drove them and crashed them).

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What dogs are medium-sized and good with kids?

best kids garden toys image

skyr

We have 3 kids (8,8,5) and a 13 year old.

Answer
You could have a cocker spaniel or springer spaniel, they are both really energetic, fun and easy to train. My dad's friend has a Cocker spaniel and it is so adorable and very well behaved! I don't know if they shed or not, but very little if they do. These dogs will be amazing family pets, I can assure you!

I know these are a bit bigger, but I have a Labrador and he is the best dog ever. He puts up with me cuddling and kissing him, haha! He also wants to play with me all the time and loves chewing his rubber toys. And he is very cute! I would rate these dogs as no.1 on a family pets list. :)

You could have a labradoodle as they are also very friendly and cute! They also don't shed because they have the poodle gene. Or a cockerdoodle, my neighbour has one and he is so cute and well behaved! :)

All of these dogs are very family friendly and will give you lots of love, fun and they will cheer you up when you are feeling a bit blue. :)
They are also very energetic as my Labrador loves playing in the garden chasing after footballs!

Good luck! :)

How to stop kids from smashing pumpkins?

I have a pumpkin patch in my backyard an when some kids get out of school they come right to my backyard and either try and steal the pumpkins or smash them. I need some clever ideas.

Answer
I'd collect the pumpkin bits and heave them into the the kids' yards or by the front door with a note: ......Your kids think trespassing into my yard entitles them to destroy my garden for fun. If they need toys so badly, here are the pumpkins they have been having fun with.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How can my dog distinguish between his toys and other items?

best kids toys this year image

Trouble's

Okay- I don't want dumb answers here.

My 7 1/2 yr old yellow lab is a great dog. He has many toys that he's tough on and loves- but never touches our kids' toys (NOT ONCE in 5 years we've had him has even attempted to chew on, play with them), even if they are made of similar material, squeak, similar colors, etc. How is this? Is it just good training? Is it that he recognizes what's his by smell, sight, sound, memory? How does this work? Again, don't give me a dumb answer- it's a serious question.
Thanks for the answers. I'm especially asking because we got a puppy (about 5 months old) and I'd like to find a way for her to mimic our lab's good habits as much as possible.

Answer
Well you did an excellent job with training the dog. It is smell and sight and the fact that he knows they are your childrens things by the smell on them. I'm sure you had alot mor to do with it than you realize.

How do I explain to my neighbors that any time my 3 yr old daughter plays outside, it's not an open invitation?

.Brian T

For them to let their 3 & 4 year olds to come over unsupervised and steel my kids toys? I've tried explaining to them the difference between keeping an eye on my good kid, and suddenly having two more little heathens to look after. The best I get from them is after their kids have been over for about a half hour, they'll yell over if it's ok.
I often have to let them know when their kids are are riding their big wheels down the road.

Answer
I have no answer for this, other than to say, that's what you get for having kids. You get what you give, buddy.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some fun things for young kids to do?

best kids construction toys image

smiles

We are having a family reunion later this month and there will be lots of kids from 2 to at least 8. What are some fun ideas to keep them entertained?

Answer
1. Make mini cup cakes........put a plastic table cloth out on the patio.......along with cans of frosting and jars of sprinkles.....they can decorate their own then.

2. Buy some nerf balls of all sizes....and nerf bats. They will have their own baseball teams. Set up a small basketball hoop for others you want to do that.

3. Buy some beach balls and blow them up and some with the weights in them too.....they are wacky balls. Have them laying around they will do what ever with them.

4. Have some jars of bubbles sitting outside.

5. If you will be where you can let the kids run under a sprinkler head they will love it. You can buy a nice one like at Target that is raised up in the air..........

6. Have an area where all of their stuff is set up and CD's playing with interactive music........like the hokey pokey and stuff like that. If you don't have the cd's go to your library and see if they do.

7. Set up a canopy with a tv.........and some blankets on the ground..........they can go in and watch cartoons.......you know the old fashioned type......porky pig........bugs.....etc........get them from your library.

8. get some foam and make nerf horse shoes.......

9. Make up a clown head out of a super large box.......cut out a large opening for the mouth........the kids will soon try putting their nerf ball through it.

10.Get some construction paper and crayons at the dollar store.........they can draw if they want to.

11. If you will have tweens or teens.......let them get a good short story book......and they can read to the smaller kids....

12. Have some Large nerf blocks or plastic blocks in a tub and they will soon be creative.

14. Have their own snack table set up so they can serve themselves to apple wedges.....carob dipped bananas....peanut butter in celery with raisins....Mellon balls........mini muffins....mini healthy cookies....yogurt in the long plastic bags..mini boxed juices in a tub of ice....If they have never eaten it.....or said they disliked it......they won't want to be outdone and will gobble it down.

15. Have a watermelon eating contest with small slivers of watermellon.

16. Cloth boomerangs and cloth frisbees.

17. White kitchen size trash bags with a draw string.......the kids will love picking up trash.

18. Have some small puzzles set out on boxes.......you have covered with white plastic covers.......you can get ones where they are for 2 to 8 years old........don't go over 50 piece puzzles though........


Using nerf products and cloth products will avoid injuruies to the children and other people attending.

Go to a Dollar Tree or a 99 cent only store (if you live in CA, AZ, NV, or TX).........you can get tons of safe toys cheap.......

how do toys influence the outlook and behavior of boys and girls?

cel

how do toys influence the outlook and behavior of boys and girls?

Answer
This is actually a very interesting question. Being the father of a little girl going through the toy store can be very frustrating. Seems as though most toys geared towards girls involve either cleaning home, cooking, or something fairy/princess oriented. I even saw a "toy" that enables a girl to upload a picture of herself and she can then pick herself apart and perform "virtual" upgrades. I was horrified. There's even a board game which involves spending money at the mall! OMG111 Contrast this with boys toys which pretty much run the gamut. They have construction toys, action figures, balls, sports stuff, cars, etc. etc.

Toys still are designed to reinforce the same old gender roll stereotypes in our young ones. You really have to think outside the box when buying toys, especially for girls.

In terms of violent toys, it's been demonstrated by social psychologists (Albert Bandura) that playing with violent toys does lead to violent behaviour. Toys are not just passive devices designed to keep our kids attention ... they are learning devices. Careful what's being taught!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What all things should I see for before buying a dog?

best kids toys in india image

shubham s

I am buying a choclate labrador from apet shop(reputed one) ....he is saying will take me to the breeder and he is aka or whatever it is registered...will give me my puppy with breed certificate and papers and first vaccination...
Plz tell me what all things I should do before buying it and what all things should I see for...and also I am gonna house train him only(advises needed)
And what is the best lab food available in india..

Answer
A play pen or a puppy pen are really handy as they keep your puppy safe and out of trouble but they still get to be near you.
Of course you will need a collar,
lead (light weight),
lots of toys (only give him access to a couple at a time so he doesnt get bored of them.)
Crate (optional) good for house training and to sleep in. make sure you get one big enough for the grown do and section it off for now.
food and water bowls
Kennel or bed


when buying him you want to see that he is healthy, check his eyes and ears for any problems, feel him all over checking for any lumps or bumps and fleas while seeing if he is happy for his body to be handled.
If he is with other litter mates, see how he acts with them. Is he always the first to eat and start play time etc? then you might have a dominant dog on your hands and have your work cut out for you. Dont assume that if the puppy is sleeping that it will be a calm dog.

For house training, if you have a crate, after a long period of time confined, take him straight out to the desired toilet area and say "go pee!" if your puppy does pee, make sure you give him LOTS of praise. Never punish your dog for peeing inside or rub his face in it for this will only make the problem worse while loosing your dogs trust.
After feeding, sleeping or drinking, always make sure you take your puppy to the toilet area and make sure you go frequently as they can not hold on for long periods (this time will increase as they grow)

You will want to socialize your puppy as soon as you have finished all the puppy vaccs (ask your vet for when this will be) at such a young age, it is a crutial time for them to meet new dogs and people. You want to introduce them to as MANY sights sounds dogs and people as you can a day, try 100 a week. Sights sounds and objects could mean reflections, vacuum cleaners, brooms, lawn mowers, and moving things like cars bikes and skate boards. You want them to meet a variety of people such as young kids to the elderly. You want them to play with all kinds of dogs big and small and you want to take them to as many places as you can so they can be comfortable in the world areound them. Also it can be really helpful if you introduce them to other animals like cats rabbits and maybe even horses or cows.

You will also want to do some basic obedience like learning sit, lay down, wait, no, stay etc and this can be taught as soo as you get it. look up videos on how to teach these if you dont know.

Good luck :)

How did Russia allow itself to lose half of its territory?

Dan

I'm reading a book written in the 1980s, and it speaks of the prospect of a break up of the USSR as though it were only "as likely" as a break up of the United States. And yet here we are, 25 years later, Russia is still there, but there are also 15 new countries. None of these newly independent countries seem to be doing very well for themselves.

Answer
After waiting for 25 year old view to prove its veracity & acquiring knowledge about the thought processes of such brains (efficacy of such opinions), why do ask the question "now"? There are people here (Y!A) who ask when the WW III is going to be, like asking when is the next Cricket match between India & Australia.
Most questions like the opinion you allude to, are really funny. It sounds like the heavy weight boxing title bout, War is a mere sport. Countries are like the wooden partition walls. They need to be dismissed with the wave of hand. There are umpteen Nazis (I wouldn't say Gun lobby) lurking here & there gunning down innocent, unsuspecting people & even preschool kids. What does it all show? Some of my people now American citizens, don't own guns. This attitude is deeply, ethnically embedded. Some people can't think of anything except disruption, destruction or some such thing. The sane society must keep them in control (it is easy as most of them are timid or even cowards). The best way to utilise their service to the society is to send them as marines to deal with Somalian pirates in the high seas of Indian Ocean, or into the high Hindukush mountains of Afghanistan to deal with the fanatic Mujahideen or their supporters.
Yet, I think something is wrong with the disruptive nature of such thinking. Even now I can't fathom how an 'Alien' (if you navigate through such questions in Y!A) is inimical, came here to destroy us and all that effing nonsense. Alien or no Alien, it is the thought process that goes into it, at the drop of the (celebrated) hat.
May be it is the failure to bring up a useful & peace-loving new(next) generation that is at fault. I know by now which ethnic groups give toy guns to the kids on their birthdays (never me). In our part of the country the compound wall is about four feet height to merely mark the site; but when I went to Delhi I noticed houses with eight feet high walls with upturned iron spikes securely fixed on them, that might hurt people in an accident. How do you explain that?
It takes all kinds of people to make the world. In the name of democracy we need to tolerate extreme, crazy, infantile views or those couched in wishful thinking.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I'd like to donate toys and dressing up to an orphanage, uk or foreign, anyone know of a collection?

best quality toys for kids image

mamo

I've cleared out some of my kids toys they no longer play with but don't want to give them to a charity shop, which i usually do. Kids get so much at christmas, I'd like them to go to kids who have very little or nothing, they are all good quality.

Answer
Ripple Africa collects things for their orphans and preschoolers. I think parcels must be under 10kg. You can email Geoff and Liz Furber and inquire.

www.rippleafrica.org

What are the best toys for baby that are not too expensive to buy?

Jill Tregr

Looking for the best toys for baby that are affordable. We are buying tons of toys and we are trying to cut down on expenses so what toys for baby would you recommend we get?

Answer
Babies at this age need basic toys, and not all the expensive electronic gadgets.

I would look for something that encourages the baby to crawl/cruise - often toys where you push a button down, and then the toy moves further ahead.

musical toys are always a hit. I would look for something that encourages cause and effect, and better hand/eye coordination - xylophones, drums (which you can make out of an empty plastic container and a small wooden spoon), tambourines, bells, maracas and rainmakers. There are lots of baby-proof toys out there, and the baby sets can be fairly inexpensive because they are plastic and small. Also nothing wrong with pots, pans, plastic containers and wooden spoons, and spatulas.

Books - this is so important for speech development, learning how to read, setting the precedent for enjoying reading, and getting some quality time with a parent or caregiver. There are all different types of books for babies and preschoolers, just be prepared for some chewing. I still buy board books for my toddler and preschooler, because they are cheaper than the paper ones. And, some of the board books have the entire story and illustrations for 1/2 the price. Get a family library membership - libraries also offer story time even for babies.

Stacking toys and shape sorters - Wal-mart and TRU each make their own cheaper version than Fisher Price, but the FP is a thicker plastic. Be prepared that your baby will not be able to sort shapes for quite awhile. Stacking toys just need to be varying degrees of sizes, shapes and colors (to help differentiate the shape, and keep their interest). Great for hand/eye coordination and motor skills.

Blocks - get something that is easier to grasp in their small hand - larger, or squeezable, or even small. Just not too small that they are a choking hazard. TRU and Wal-mart each have their own knockoffs, which will save you a bunch of money.

Balls - I would get a bunch of softer balls. I would buy them in different sizes. If you have trouble finding them, my toddlers seem to be into the dog’s balls (we won’t go there). I don’t mind because they are indestructible (no chewing off small pieces) and most are squeezable.

And a couple of plastic containers in which to put stuff in. The stuff can be the shapes from the shape sorter, blocks, balls or other small toys. Older babies like to put stuff into a container, dump this into another container or out on the floor.

Babies are fascinated with themselves (actually I think they just see "other" babies). One of our babies went to daycare. They have a mirror, mounted behind Plexiglas) that was about 3 feet tall and 6 feet long. All the babies and toddlers were fascinated with it. A small unbreakable mirror would do. We hooked up a baby car mirror (unbreakable), that was too small for the car, up to the side of the coffee table (in this house we attached it to the railing that runs along the living room).

And the very best toy is YOU! Babies want to interact with their parents/caregivers. They want to play interactive games like Peek-a-boo, or pat-a-cake or sing nursery rhymes or children’s songs. This is the best place to find the tunes and lyrics for nursery rhymes http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/musicchild.htm Because I was never great at remembering the tune or the lyrics, or both.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some qualities you seek in an educational toy for a child that is 2 to 6 years old?

best quality toys for kids image

Key H.

I have to design a toy, and I need a little guidance. I do not have children, so I'm a bit lost in what to do. What is it you look for as a parent when it comes to educational childrens toys? Simple yet effective? Something more complex? Something that teaches multiple things such as colors, numbers, and alphabet? Just needing a little help and guidance. Thanks in advance.

Answer
When I buy toys, I'm looking for something that can be used in multiple ways by kids of different ability levels, and engages a child's creativity. I'm wary of anything that claims to be "educational" just because it has letters and numbers printed on it somewhere. Anything that talks, ties in with a tv show, or otherwise limits play options from the start, I absolutely refuse to buy. Anything that doesn't lend itself for being used for multiple purposes is not what I'm looking for. Simple is good -- I think blocks are really the ultimate learning toy for little kids, though I have lots of other toys that are a little more sophisticated that I also think are good (Wedgits, for example, or gear sets). No batteries required (and no sound emitted) is good. Anything purporting to teach numbers and the alphabet I meet with great suspicion (I'd say books -- and conversation -- are the appropriate "toys" to teach that, though something kind of abacus-like, or dominos, or something, might have some value in teaching numbers). Building toys, creative play toys, puzzles, shape sorters, etc. strike me as the toys my kids are really learning from.

If you're really trying to design a "learning" toy for children of a particular age group, do a little child development research for that age before you start to see the skills kids are picking up at those ages.

Oh yeah -- and please no lead paint, choking hazards, or other safety issues, especially if 2-year-olds are in your age range....

What are some decent affordable keyboards for a beginner?

Mike

I want to learn to play the keyboard. Since it would be my first one it doesn't need to be top-of-the-line obviously. I want something affordable, yet still of decent quality. You know, not some cheap toy you buy for your kid who's taking piano lessons. Any suggestions?

Answer
Roland, Korg, Yamaha and Akai are my favourite brands. I'd dare say you could pick up a decent one for a lot less than $700 if you look around. Keep in mind also that just because something might look a bit like a kids toy, doesn't necessarily mean it will sound like one. Quirky designs are all the rage these days.

There's so many different possibilities and combinations of possibilities, it's difficult to know where to begin. You could buy a standalone keyboard, a desktop module that would save a lot of money but would require a MIDI control keyboard to operate. Or, if you're a bit computer-savvy you could delve into the world of soft synths. Again, this would require a MIDI controller (and a computer) but it opens up a whole new world.

For a standalone, the Korg X5D is a great little keyboard. They're no longer in production but you can always find used ones on eBay for less than $200.

The Roland XV-5050 is a fantastic module (again, no longer in production) that I would never part with for the world. $300 on eBay and a cheap MIDI controller would get you going and it is an absolute monster.

If you have any more specific ideas about the kind of things you might like, put them in your additional details or send me an email and I'll get some more ideas for you. Price range, capabilies, format, that kind of thing. The range of available keyboards is simply huge.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Please recommend some action animes.?

best kids learning toys 2011 image

Lucus

Hi,

I have already seen:
Hunter X Hunter 2011
Soul Eater
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Avatar: The Last Air bender
Avater: The Legend of Korra
Devil May Cry
Naruto
Naruto: Shippuden
One Piece
Bleach
Fairy Tail
Nabari No Ou
Kaze No Stigma
Sword Art Online
Rurouni Kenshin
Ao No Exorcist
Sengoku Basara

What I'm looking for:
I want a dramatize, emotional feel, specially like the dramatized feel of Naruto/Bleach/One Piece. I want the people to have powers dealing with the four elements (fire, water, earth, air), swords, demons, etc.

I dont want:
Girl Harem
Ecchi
Sports Action (I'm more into fighting)
Old anime artwork

(DO NOT RECOMMEND: D. Gray Man or Katekyo Hitman Reborn)

Answer
Here are some recommendations.

These are all exciting and violent but also complex and plot driven. I've put them in order of how much I like them, so you don't have to read them all. If you have any questions about them, send me a message. The numbers skip where I excluded an anime that you've already seen.

1. Steins Gate - This is about time travel and the butterfly effect. It lets you see how much of a difference in the world a single action can make. It has a lot of action and some romance.

2. Madoka Magica - Magical girls that turn evil to work against the second law of thermodynamics. It contains magic, time-travel, violence, and mystery. It is much more than it first seems and definitely worth watching.

3. Darker than Black - A futuristic world where people have powers and no emotions. It focuses on contractors and a mysterious wall that separates the urban setting from the outside world.

4. Paranoia Agent - Obsession taking over people and causing them to go insane. The art is a little lacking but this has one of the best plots of any anime I have seen.

5. Fate/zero - The main character is pretty cold, tactical, smart, and will do anything to win. It's action packed and quite complex.

6. Code Geass - A guy who uses his power to control people to protect his handicapped sister and launch a rebellion. It's mecha but much more psychologically complex than most mecha anime.

7. Death Note - Being able to murder simply by writing a name in a book. It is a psychological thriller for anyone. It has some very likable characters, L being my favorite anime character.

9. Monster - A neurosurgeon saves the life of a child who becomes a serial killer

10. Angel Beats - People who have died learning to give up their past regrets. I love the main character because of his apathetic yet rebellious attitude.

11. Requiem for the Phantom - It is a very dark, sad, action, thriller anime with a hint of romance. It follows a Japanese tourist who is abducted and is turned into an assassin.

12. Mirai Nikki - A survival game in which the competitors can have future diaries. It contains a crazy girl and a protagonist who undergoes a huge transformation.

13. Cowboy Bebop - Classic through and through. It is very funny and filled with action to boot. The different planets are really nifty settings. Everyone should give it a chance.

14. Zero No Tsukaima - This an anime about a teenage boy that travels to another world filled with magic. He is somehow mysteriously summoned by a young girl as her familiar pet, and has to fight as her slave.

15. Guilty Crown - this is a pretty action packed anime. It's new so the animation is top notch. It's about an apathetic kid who becomes powerful and saves the world from destruction using the power of DNA introns.

16. Kuroshitsuji - About a contract between a British heir to a toy company and a demon. It has lots of action and mystery elements.

17. Gurren Laggan - this involves people who escape from an underground world to fight strange earth dwelling creatures. It's mecha but much different that traditional action based anime. Pretty cool overall!

18. Higashi no Eden - This series features a male protagonist whose goal is to fix his country. It's action packed!

20. Clannad - It's really emotional and powerful. There's two season. Clannad After Story which is rated quite highly.

21. Durarara- It's about a teen who moves to Japan and get's involved in Tokyo's shady underground.

23. Pandora Hearts - A really dark anime. It deals with something from another world. Alice gives Oz a power that she has in a demon contract.

24. Trinity Blood - This anime deals with violent politics and empires and nobles and such in violent and super natural wars.

25. Hellsing - This is definitely the best of the vampire animes!

26. Ouran High School Host Club- a poor girl goes to a school for rich kids. She suddenly got into a club full of handsome guys and broke their very expensive vase, and she now has to be a host in order to pay her debt.

27. Elfen Lied - Lots of death and dark storylines, characters that arent who they appear to be to other characters in the series, great music.

28. Nabari No Ou - this is a ninja anime but it is focussed on an apathetic kid with hidden powers. It also highlights his relationship with another guy who is at first his enemy. A nice little story!

Hope you like them! :)

Teaching a Border Collie DOG commands?

N.T.

ok I know that this dog breed is very smart and it is say that they can pick up commands with 3 or 4 tries....BUT...I am having a problem with my Border collie....he wont pick any command when I try to teach him...I mean I can spend literally hours trying to teach him to give the paw and he hasn't learned!
while my cocker has, BUT he learns a lot by accident! I mean while walking with him and doing things completely unrelated to training, if I ask something like sit, or lie, i just push him twice and he learned! as well as stay, stop, leave, on his back.....etc....but when I try and tech him he just wont learn anything, any tips? please I will try it all! I want to go on dog sports with him so this is very important! THANKS
THANKS
details
yes i use treats sometimes
I do take him to obedience class HE IS EXTREMELY WELL BEHAVED
AND HE DOES SEES ME AS THE LEADER IS JUST THE "SILLY" COMMANDS HE WONT PICK UP, BUT HE WALKS BEHIND ME, HE GOES AFTER ME, STOPS WHEN I DO, AND RESPECTS ME COMPLETELY HE IS AMAZING AND HE HAS BEEN HERE ONLY 6 DAYS

Answer
Forget about all the alpha dog and dominance methods of training.
Find what motivates your dog (treat, toys etc) and use that as a reward in training. If you are going to do dog sports you should really look into postiive reward-based methods of training like clicker training. It is the best way to build a fast, confident dog that trusts you and will do anything for you.. not out of fear but trust.
Training sessions should be short and fun. Dogs are like kids and they really dont' have the attention for "hours" of training. Heres is an intro clip about what clicker trianing is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wv1uvvqaSw
The clip is made by "kikopup" she has lots of great videos on clicker training as well.

Here is a story of a border collie that didn't meet expectations...but is now a world champion agility dog. The owner is Silvia Trkman a great dog trainer.
http://www.lolabuland.com/2011/11/07/my-sweet-autistic-bu/

Remeber, not every dog is the same, and dogs (like kids) learn differently from one another.. but a good trainer can adapt and find new ways to communicate with the dog :)

When i first got my dog, anyone would have called it dumb. She lived in a kennel for the first 6months of her life. She didn't understand anything.. didn't know how to follow a pointed finger.. would just freak out at moving objects! But using clicker training, i worked with her.. first at her fears, then step by step, and my dog is also competing in agility, and performing tricks on stage, does everything an assistant dog does too :) I did it all with reward-based training, and i hope you can find a trainer that uses rewards-based training in your area.

Congrats on your new dog! You are doing the right thing bringing him to obedience class. Good Luck with the training!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I have to create an educational toy for toddlers(2&3yrs), Can u help?

best toddler toys educational image

Grace

I have to design and construct an educational toy for toddlers. I need some assistance please. It must be age appropriate, durability, concept development, attractiveness, and safety. Must use all senses!!!

PLEASE TELL ME YOU CAN ASSIST OR GUIDE ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTIONS!

Answer
well, you can make the super pillow... its a small pillow that they can play with and it comes with a little "suck on" toy, it has a button in the middle that they can push to hear a lullaby, and has a lavender smell... just an idea

What do you guys do with your toddlers & preschoolers during the day?

littlenick

Just curious what you stay-at-home mothers do with your toddlers and preschoolers all day? Do you have some sort of formalized "curriculum" or schedule that you do with them to teach them various things? Or do you let them decide what they want to do? I stay at home with my two boys, ages 1 & 3, and I feel really guilty all the time that I don't do any sort of formal teaching or activities with them. We really don't watch much TV; most of the time, I just let them play freely. My three-year-old is especially into playing firefighter these days. Anyway, just wondering!
Thanks!

Answer
I let my toddler play what he wants. He goes two half days at a Montessori and we have two playgroups we attend a few times a month. I don't have a "curriculum" b/c I think that he is learning and mastering things everyday without a lot of structure on my part. We color, read, build blocks(his favorite), wrestle, go to the park. When they're so young, getting their attention long enough to do some sort of formal teaching activities is tough...not to say that you can't sit down with them and play educational toys and things. Don't be too hard on yourself. They've got about 12 years(at least) of formal education so let them enjoy being kiddos. Good luck!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

my house is a mess how can I get motivated?

best kids toys age 1 image

JazzyKat

I've got dirty dishes piled up in the kitchen, laundry to be folded on the couch, dirty laundry to be washed, kids toys (3 yr old and 18 month) scattered through out the house, floors need mopping... and i'm sitting here feeling like crying because i'm worrying about other things like money, moving country and my weight... I know I just need to just do it but I don't know where to start... how can I get motivated?

Answer
i feel your pain!!! im a mother of three ages 8,3, and 1. i work four days a week and my hubby is ALWAYS working. hes a neat freak and is usually making comments about the house and usually i dont care. i clean as much as i can when i have the time or energy during the day. then after the kids are asleep i sit and relax for about an hour then i do dishes or whatever needs to be done. fold the luandry as u sit on the couch. grab a "toy box" and load all the kids toys at once. you dont need to do it all at once!! once you see the results youll feel better i always do!! good luck and dont worry.....with kids your house will always be a mess

What are some ways to make cleaning fun?

Nicnac

When we clean it is so boring. We all hate cleaning.
What are some ways to make different kinds of cleaning fun for kids ages 1-17? Of course the little ones won't be able to do much to clean.
Also, how can littler kids be involved and do some of the cleaning?
They are not my kids. I am one of the kids. I'm 16.

Answer
turn it into a competition. Who can find the most red toys? Try having the kids shoot dirty laundry into the hampers as if they were shooting baskets in basketball.Listen to your favorite music,or even talk about like fun times yall have had and just talk and stuff im 15 and doing at that makes time for faster when we have to clean the house or sumthing :}hope i helped :}good luck lol

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the best car seat toy for a forward facing carseat?

best toys for kids under 6 months image

julie.cipr

I am going to be getting my son a new car seat because he no longer fits in his old one. The new one is forward facing. In the old car seat, we have a bar that has rattles and a light up musical frog that my son loves to play with. Anyone have any ideas for an awesome car seat toy? I'm looking for the best one out there, one that I haven't seen on my google searches. Thank you!!

Answer
When deciding on any toy to be allowed in the car, think about what's going to happen in an accident and it goes flying. This will sound silly, but its a simple test to decide whether it should be allowed as a toy in the car: smack yourself upside the head with it. did it hurt? If not, go for it, if it hurt you, think about how much more it will hurt a baby, whose skull is softer, and when in an accident it will hit with a lot more force. Ican't at all remember who made them, but check your local kids resale shop (like Once Upon a Child) since they seem to have them often: soft toy steering wheels so child can play-drive while in the car.

However, a bigger issue here, would be how old is your child and what size? Sounds like he's outgrowing an infant carrier car seat? Kids do not go from infant carrier seat straight to forward facing seat. The next step is a rear facing convertible car seat. Most state laws require kids to be rear facing until at least 20lbs and 1 year, but more importantly, the laws of physics say kids should stay rear facing as long as they possibly can. Its THAT much safer. The old 20lbs/1 year rule is just that. OLD. It came about in the 1980's when our seats were only capable of rear facing to 20lbs and we didn't know any better. Now we definitely know better and all current convertible seats rear face to at least 30lbs, but its hard getting people to realize this.
Turning kids forward at 20lbs/1year is an outdated practice that could cost you your child's life!
1)A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 5 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age.
2)A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone.
3)Current research suggests that children under the age of two years are 75 percent less likely to die or be seriously injured when they are riding rear facing.
4)In a recent article from Injury Prevention, it was found that the odds of severe injury to forward facing children age 12-23 months old was 5.32 times higher than a rear facing child. (Car Safety Seats For Children: Rear Facing For Best Protection; Injury Prevention 2007; 13:398-402.)

It works this way: when you get in an accident and run into something, the car stop suddently, but everything and everyone in the car keeps moving in the direction the car was moving when it stopped, in most accidents, this is forward. So in an accident with a child in a forward facing seat, his head, the heaviest part of the body on babies and toddlers, flies forward very forcefully and easily snaps. If that same child is in a rear facing seat, his head tries to fly forward but is supported by the back of the rear facing seat, so there is no stress put on the child's neck and spine.

Check out this photo album exclusively of rear facing kids, many of them much older than 12 months: http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum.aspx There isn't a single documented case of a child breaking their legs b/c they were rear facing in an accident. There are, however, lots of cases where children have been killed and seriously injured where a rear facing seat would have protected them better. And most kids actually prefer to be rear facing b/c they can rest their feet on the vehicle seat back. When they are forward facing, their legs don't receive enough support and will frequently fall asleep.
WHY REAR FACING:
http://www.carseat.org/Resources/633.pdf
In the foreground is a forward facing seat, in the background a rear facing seat. You can see how much trauma the forward facing dummy has to endure. The rear facing child simply rides it out.
http://www.oeamtc.at/netautor/html_seiten/kisitest_2002/videos/test2002/frontcrash/maxicosipriori.mpg

Here's another video. You can see how there is NO trauma to the baby, it simply sits there waiting for it to end.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v163/jen_nah/carseats/?action=view&current=video06A_MGA_213_RearFace-Convertib.flv

The story of a child who suffered severe injuries from being forward facing when he could've been rear facing:
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=59783

What are some fun things for young kids to do?

smiles

We are having a family reunion later this month and there will be lots of kids from 2 to at least 8. What are some fun ideas to keep them entertained?

Answer
1. Make mini cup cakes........put a plastic table cloth out on the patio.......along with cans of frosting and jars of sprinkles.....they can decorate their own then.

2. Buy some nerf balls of all sizes....and nerf bats. They will have their own baseball teams. Set up a small basketball hoop for others you want to do that.

3. Buy some beach balls and blow them up and some with the weights in them too.....they are wacky balls. Have them laying around they will do what ever with them.

4. Have some jars of bubbles sitting outside.

5. If you will be where you can let the kids run under a sprinkler head they will love it. You can buy a nice one like at Target that is raised up in the air..........

6. Have an area where all of their stuff is set up and CD's playing with interactive music........like the hokey pokey and stuff like that. If you don't have the cd's go to your library and see if they do.

7. Set up a canopy with a tv.........and some blankets on the ground..........they can go in and watch cartoons.......you know the old fashioned type......porky pig........bugs.....etc........get them from your library.

8. get some foam and make nerf horse shoes.......

9. Make up a clown head out of a super large box.......cut out a large opening for the mouth........the kids will soon try putting their nerf ball through it.

10.Get some construction paper and crayons at the dollar store.........they can draw if they want to.

11. If you will have tweens or teens.......let them get a good short story book......and they can read to the smaller kids....

12. Have some Large nerf blocks or plastic blocks in a tub and they will soon be creative.

14. Have their own snack table set up so they can serve themselves to apple wedges.....carob dipped bananas....peanut butter in celery with raisins....Mellon balls........mini muffins....mini healthy cookies....yogurt in the long plastic bags..mini boxed juices in a tub of ice....If they have never eaten it.....or said they disliked it......they won't want to be outdone and will gobble it down.

15. Have a watermelon eating contest with small slivers of watermellon.

16. Cloth boomerangs and cloth frisbees.

17. White kitchen size trash bags with a draw string.......the kids will love picking up trash.

18. Have some small puzzles set out on boxes.......you have covered with white plastic covers.......you can get ones where they are for 2 to 8 years old........don't go over 50 piece puzzles though........


Using nerf products and cloth products will avoid injuruies to the children and other people attending.

Go to a Dollar Tree or a 99 cent only store (if you live in CA, AZ, NV, or TX).........you can get tons of safe toys cheap.......

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the fairest way a parent can discipline all of their children?

best kids toys age 5 girl image

NeedAdvice

I have 6 kids. A boy age 9, a boy age 7, two girls both 5, and two more boys who are 3. They all have to follow the general house rules but obviously the older kids have more responsibilites and such. But I am always worried that we are either being too hard on them or not hard enough.

My question is how do you know whether you should have different consequences for all your kids or have them all the same??

Answer
They should be different according to age and each individuals circumstance. You could take a toy away from a five year old and this could be devastating to them whereas the nine year old probably would not care and just find something else. You need to find something that works for each individual child.

What age do you think girls should start playing with Barbie?

Sasha N

And what age do you think they stop?
Is Barbie suitable for a 5 yr old girl and a 7 yr old girl?

Answer
I also wouldn't give a Barbie or any other doll with small accessories to a toddler, but a 5 year old & a 7 year old is another story.

Dolls don't give girls negative self images or perpetuate stereotypes, that is a bunch of nonsense. I am 50 years old, grew up with Barbie, my friends, my sisters, my nieces & their friends ALL played with Barbie & NONE of us have eating disorders, poor body image or any thing else.

Of course, we were lucky enough to have parents who didn't put us on diets when we hit the chubby stage (which most kids will grow out of with proper nutrition & exercise), didn't force us to wear contact lenses in grade school because "boys don't like girls who wear glasses", didn't buy us padded, push up bras when we were 12 & never made us feel as if brains were NOT as important as looks.

I have worked in various forms of retail for 20 years & the stuff I have heard & still hear parents (especially mothers) say to their young daughters breaks my heart. Most recently, a mother who was dressed like Pamela Anderson told her daughter (who was maybe 6 years old) "you don't want that dress, it is too little girl looking. WTF? The child IS a little girl.

Let kids be kids & let them decide when they are done playing with ANY toy, whether it is Dora, Barbie, Hot Wheels or anything else.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What toy should I get for my 7 year old niece?

best kids toys 7 years old image

lod

I don't know what to get for my niece this Christmas. I don't really know what's hip these days for 7 year old kids. What toys do they like?

Answer
My 10 year old niece has been asking for a Zhu Zhu pet. It is a little electronic hamster and there are a lot of different accessories that they can buy and expand, so it's pretty cool. They're not too expensive either.

Any suggestions for a present for a 3 year old boy?

Q. I want to get him something he can do at my house when his parents come for dinner. We don't have a lot of kid toys. He has a 7 year old brother who would want to play too.

Any suggestions for games or toys that I could get?

Answer
At 3 NOT Legos (I saw that). They are too small for little hands and could be a serious choking hazzard.

Duplos (larger sized Legos) would be appropriate and a good idea.

An older 3 may also be entertained forever with Matchbox/Hot Wheel cars (mine did).

They are both pretty compact and don't require a lot of accessories or adult help to be fun.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How can i get my 5 and 7 year old to listen and not get in trouble?

best kids toys 7 years image

Mommy2BeOf

What is the most effective way to get a 5 and 7 year old to do what they are told to do the first time? I have to repeat myself at least 5 times before they get the hint while raising my voice. They seem to seek out trouble instead of avoid it because they know the discipline they receive will not be as harsh as it should be. What is the best way to get them to listen and what is the best punishment if they don't? They are both boys.

Answer
I am guessing these aren't your kids if they are not your kids than put them in time out for 5 min for the 5 year old and 7 min for the 7 year if they are your kids punish them by taking toys away, putting them in time out, or a good old fashioned spanking would work.

Which is the best age for a kid to start to learn music in a more formal way?

I want my kids to learn to play a musical instrument. I always have heard that the earliest the kid starts is the better; my kids are 3, 4 and 7 years old. I want to hear personal experiences too, thanks!!!
My 4 and 7 years old kids had been asking me for musical instruments, however, my 3 years old boy has not show yet any interest in music but I would like him to learn something. Should I push him a little or wait some more?

Answer
The recorder is usually an easy instrument for child to learn to play because it isn’t difficult for small hands to handle. Many toy stores sell very inexpensive recorders but I would suggest you invest a little money because the sound is far superior. We got a very nice recorder from Courtly Music for less than $30.00. My daughter took private recorder lessons for 4 years starting when she was 7 years old. Originally the plan was she would only take recorder lessons for about 1 to 2 years and then switch to the flute but she liked her teacher and so she stayed with it a bit longer. She did eventually play the flute in the school band and for a time was playing 2 instruments.



I started taking piano lessons when I was 7 years old but I beleive children can start earlier; it just depends on their patience and interest level.



No matter what instrument your child decides to play the most important thing is finding a good teacher. A teacher who can develop good rapport which your child is paramount. If your child does not like and respect the teacher then you are wasteing your time and money.



I hope this helps. Good luck!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Where is a good place to buy Christmas gifts for Kids?

best toddler girl toys for christmas image

I have a 7 years old boy and a 3 years girl. Can someone suggest a good place to find what the top gifts for boys and girls are? any good idea of good toys for my children for this Christmas?
Thank you

Answer
I know how you feel, I have a 4 years old, they are in big changes now. Also, I have soeem nephews and I know how hard id to find a good place to bouy christmas gifts for kids. I was searching on internet anf found good website for gifts toys. I am putting all the details on the source. What I like about that website is that there are tons of information and everything is visual so you can have a look at what is ther. they also have a list of the top gifts for boys, girls, toddlers and preschoolers. I hope this helps.

What can I get my 2 nieces for christmas?

eat my try

They are two girls aged 2 and 6 months.

Answer
I got my 2-year-old niece a Cabbage Patch Kid Newborn. She loves to play with dolls, and I felt this was a good buy at $15.
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Curve-LC27027-Lamaze-Octotunes/dp/B000I2MRMY/ref=sr_1_70?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1195060662&sr=1-70http://www.toysrus.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=cabbage%20patch&origkw=cabbage%20patch&f=Taxonomy/TRUS/2254197&sr=1

There's also a new line of Crayola products called Crayola Beginnings. They're specially-designed art supplies for children ages 18 months and up.
http://www.crayola.com/products/splash/beginnings/

T.M.X. Cookie Monster Extreme

Also: books (they love anything Disney princess!), dress up clothes, a Build-a-Bear all dressed up for the holidays.
http://www.buildabear.com/shop/browsecategory.aspx?Category=Christmas

For the 6-month old, I love the toys from Lamaze. They are so cute, cuddly, and colorful.
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Curve-LC27013-Jacques-Peacock/dp/B000I2MRLK/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1195059997&sr=1-30
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Curve-LC27027-Lamaze-Octotunes/dp/B000I2MRMY/ref=sr_1_70?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1195060662&sr=1-70
Baby Einstein DVDs

You can also get both of them clothes--they have really cute stuff for infants and toddlers at Old Navy.
Christmas stuff:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/category.do?cid=38414
They have a special "baby boutique" this year:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/category.do?cid=38519&mlink=38541,608633,01babyBtq_babyGirls_btn&clink=608633

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How do you keep your toddler out of his dresser drawers?

best toddler walking toys image

hmv_84

Every morning when I wake up and get my son out of his room I walk in and find all his clothes thrown on the floor from his dresser. I have been to stores looking for some kind of safety device to prevent him from opening them but have been unsuccessful. Is there a product out there made for this? I tried to see if the things we have for our cabinets that you have to push down on to open them would work but they don't fit right for dresser drawers.

Answer
First make him put them back. Then if you can you might want to try putting some toys in the bottom dresser draw (this is what I did for my daughter), the 2nd from bottom has pants so if she throws them on the floor I don't really have to worry about them. She hasn't raided her drawers in a while, though now she likes to go thur mine. LOL it's really rather cute because sometimes she wants to wear my shirts but usually she picks out my cloths when we're going out or right after a shower.

How do you help your toddler resolve social conflict?

Tali B

Hi all
I was just wondering, how do you you usually react when your toddler has a conflict on the playground? Let's say, he takes a sand tool from another baby and that baby cries? Or wise versa, someone else takes something from you toddler and your toddler is upset? Do you even let them settle it between themselves or do you actually step in? Do you just talk and explain or physically get involved?
In other words, how do you let your baby learn social skills without harming him and others?
My boy is 14 months old

Answer
It depends on the actual sitations for me.

As far as the sand toys being taken away, I would only need to get involved if MY child took something from someone else. He's 4 now but when he was younger I would simply encourage him to find something new to play with. Now that he's older he understands that he can play with something else until the toy that was taken away is sat down again.

On the other hand... if he takes something from someone I make him give it back immediately and say he's sorry. I want my child to have manners and allowing him to take things away from someone else isnt a good start at teaching him how to play with others.

You cant control other people's children and what they do to your child, but you can enstill ideas into your child's mind at a very young age and sharing is something that is actually very easy for children to learn if it's something they do on a regular basis.

A toddler should understand that it's NOT ok to take something from someone, but having them understand what to do when someone takes something from them is a little more complicated.

You dont want to baby them each time and have your child scream and cry each time someone takes a shovel from them. If you respond to the fact that they're crying by putting something else in your hand they're going to continue to react the same way... Instead show them they have other optoins and let them get them on their own.

"Look, there's a blue shovel there". or "Look at the tractor you can play with instead!"

Eventually your child will respond naturally by looking for something new rather than the toy that was taken away. If a tantrum results in getting their toy back then they're going to naturally throw a tantrum every time to get it back... I dunno about you but I dont allow my children to obtain things that way even if it is something they are rightfully entitled to.

Let your child learn the skills on their own to an extent... you do your best to encourage them to act and react in a way that is acceptable for you.

PLEASE dont be the parent that thinks you're teaching your child social skills by ignoring or dismissing their not-so-good actions when they're playing with others.

Last week at McDonalds a child hit my 4 year old. It wasnt real hard so he wasnt hurt but it did upset him to an extent (confused him more than anything because he didnt understand why the kid hit him). Anyway... the kids mom walked over and told her son to say he was sorry, he said "no", then SHE apologized for her child, went back to sit down, and let her kid go play some more.

I would have personally told my child that hitting is NOT acceptable, made him say he was sorry, and I would have taken him home... end of story.

I think it's awful to see responses saying that parents will step in only if someone's hurting their child, but not if their child is doing something wrong to someone else.... /sigh

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How are they getting away with marketing Transformers 2 to little kids?

best rated kids toys image

Magic 8 Ba

The new Transformers movie is rated PG13 last time I checked, and yet Nickelodeon has been marketing it during shows like Dora the Explorer and Spongebob. My son got a Transformers toy in his Burger King Kids meal as well.

How are they able to market this movie to such a broad range of children when arguably the kids who are viewing the ads really can't see the movie anyway?

Does this bother anyone else?

Answer
Just because it's PG13 means nothing. It's just a guide line for parents. I saw nothing wrong with the movies. My 9 year old loved it. The kids can see the movies. I believe a parent has to be with them. At that age a parent should be with them anyways.
If you have a problem with the movie don't let your kid see it. It's your choice.

How old do you have to be to take a kid to the movie theaters?

en

I'm planning to take this 3-year-old to see a movie over summer. It will be a kid cartoon movie such as Toy Story 3.

Answer
I think only movies rated PG or G would be broad enough for him, not sure what toy story is rated but but I think its perfect.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers