How long would it take santa to deliver presents to children in america?

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Jack Frost

Now, before you make fun of me for even asking this, I of course know there isn't such a thing (my parents never even raised me to believe there was). But, mathematically speaking, how long do you think it would take such a person to deliver presents to children ONLY in America. Seeing as there is about 73.7 MILLION children ages 0-17 in america in 2012, and estimating that there are 2.5 children per household. what do you think?
and logical answers please! i just really want to see the mathematical version of the answer, not just magic :]

Answer
Well, what do you think...twenty minutes per household with kids? According to your statistics there should be about 29.48 million households with kids. So. 29.48 million times 20....589.6 million minutes total. That works out to 9,826,666 hours and twenty minutes, or 409,444.44 days, or about 1121 years. (But there are of course numerous factors I did not account for...traffic, weather, does Santa need to do more than one trip because all the toys do not fit in the sled at once...?)

Is Lucas Arts going to make any more Star Wars movies?

pMaster

I think all of the star wars movies are great,but what happens after Luke save the galaxy?? Some people would like to know. I have read stories of him and Leia getting getting married and having kids but i don't like to read books i want to watch it in a action film.

Answer
Unfortunately no amount of "waiting, or kicking back, or being patient" will change the facts. The fact is that there will NOT be anymore live action Star Wars movies ... anyone who says differently is so full of it that it is pouring out of their ears. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the book series come out in an animated form, doubt it will be to theaters more likely direct to DVD things, but there will not be anymore live action movies.

We all know that Lucas has the ability to change his mind with the direction of the wind but in this case I think we can believe him. In the years since the release of ep III Lucas has been asked two questions over and over and over and over again ... first, will he ever make anymore Star Wars movies and will he allow someone else to pick up where he left off. For the past four years the answer to those two questions has never changed ... NO ... and ... NO ... that's about as close to written in stone as you can get from Lucas. It only came to light last year but shortly after the release of ep III Lucas made a "minor" change to his Will. Everybody still gets all the same "stuff" BUT it has a condition to it now ... if any one of them ever allows anyone to make more movies or remake the ones already done everybody looses everything. We are talking millions and millions of dollars here ... do you really think they will risk it ... neither do I.

I do have to say that this is the first time I've ever seen anybody "witching" about Luke and Mara getting married ... personally I thought they were the perfect couple.

The future of Star Wars is animation ... the current series is running full steam ahead and will be around for a long time ... the live action TV series set in between ep III and ep IV is on track to debut in the fall of 2010 ... Lucas is still looking at the target date of 2012 to bring all 6 movies back to theaters in a true 3-D format. There's a ton of stuff that will be going on in the Star Wars world but none of that stuff will be new movies ... ticks me off too but George owns it all lock stock and barrel and what he says goes.

May The Force Be With You ...

EDIT: To "Boba Fett": Not really ... lol ... keeps my point total up. Now the "reboot" Star Wars questions ... hell hath no fury like an old school fan having his memories messed with ...

EDIT 2: Unless Lucas changes his mind ... then I'll be just another idiot who took him at his word and got hosed again ... I think might have to grab my toy lightsabres and go have a "talk" with the man if he does that ... lol ... but only after he's done making the new movies of course.

.

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When do most kids start learning about climate change?

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JTOWN

I'm writing a paper on encouraging education on the subject to begin at an early age, through toys, etc both home and in the classroom and was wondering when most kids begin learning even the fundamentals of climate change at school? Is it different in the US than in other countries? Is there already a movement towards encouraging this? Any information would be helpful, thanks.

Answer
I think that's a disgusting idea ,instead kids should be taught solid science,basic physics, chemistry and biology,not unproven heavily politicised ,one sided propaganda.Schools should free minds,not close and brainwash them.

How many toys does your toddler have? Or how much of your house does your baby occupy?

Jenny

I'm wondering how many toys other people give their toddlers. You can estimate.
Each stuffed animal counts as one toy.
A fisher price barn with all the animals I would count as one.
Each hotwheels is one toy.

You can figure your own system. I'm wondering if we're nuts or if most people have this many toys. We have a pretty big house and we've turned the dining room into a play room for books, letters and numbers with some stuffed animals and cars. It's also where my piano is and we have a sofa where I play guitar. The entry area has his play village with his play houses and tunnels. The village spills over into my office but it makes a nice door and he doesn't go past that line.

The kitchen, living and breakfast area are relatively toy free. Maybe a toy or two that he's playing with and his rocking horse stays in the living room.

Upstairs, his room is another play room which is nice in winter as it is much colder downstairs. We have more books, letter and learning toys, oodles of stuffed animals, Fisher Price garage and Farm and a variety of other toys.

Just curious to see the toy situation in your home. My mom says she's never seen a child with more toys.

Answer
My 2 year old doesn't have a lot, but she has enough.
Our house is a little different. Our main living space (3 bedrooms, 2 bath, kitchen/living/dining) is only 900 square feet all together - high ceilings in our A-frame make it feel bigger, though. We've got a basement that adds another 900ish square feet, but we only really use that when it's warm. it's only heat is a wood stove. So we don't have a lot of room for lots of toys.
In the kitchen area, I've got a cooking stand with a shelf that has 2 tubs of art supplies/playdoh, which she shares with her 5 year old brother
In the living room, she's got a large dollhouse (we fixed up my old one, for her, for Christmas) and in a corner I have a medium sized bookcase (3 ft x 5 ft) of puzzles, games and toys, 2 kid recliners with a little end table that has a few books. there's also a basket of books by the couch (not that anyone usually notices) We also have a large rubbermaid of blocks. Not necessarily fancy, expensive blocks - some were melissa and doug, but the vast majority are old decking cut up that a neighbor brought over. They love those the most.
In her room, which is pretty small, she's got a laundry basket of stuffed animals and dolls. She has a small play kitchen and a little bin of play food/dishes. She's got a small bookshelf with her books and a few random toys. She's got a few dress up clothes in there as well. And that's about it for her. We don't have oodles of anything.

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Are you buying your toddler a lot for christmas?

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K and D's

My little girl who is almost 14 months on Christmas. My husband I have decided not to get her much for Christmas. I have actually one bought her one thing. Anything she needs we always buy her. We figured we would take advantage of her not knowing much about it. I was just Curious what you guys are doing for your little ones.

Answer
mine will be 14 months around xmas as well. We didn't buy lots, mainly it was stuff that they needed anyways but we just wrapped it up. We bought them some new shoes, and an outfit, and each a toy. I figured that we'd enjoy these less expensive xmas's now because when they are older we would like to buy them more stuff that they will be excited about.

What is a good gift to get for a 1 year old girl for christmas?

Brittany H

I am going christmas shopping tomorrow, and I am very clueless what i should get for this little girl. It is so hard to shop for children under 3. Any suggestions?

Answer
One year olds can walk, so push along or pull along toys are great. Ball.

They are learning to use objects for a purpose and like to copy what people do, so...
toy telephone, very simple jigsaws, a small bag to put things in and take things out of, stacking toys, blocks, toddler musical instruments...
Anything with buttons to press, levers to flick

story books (can be nice to get a book to hold and chew but then also a nice one for the book shelf to keep until older),

paints/baby paint apron

Happy shopping x

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How many toys do your children have (roughly)?

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Supermommy

Big compared to smaller one's? I'm thinking about going through my kids toys and getting rid of most of the smaller one's because they are cluttering my floor and they have enough bigger one's I don't see the need for all of these. I have a 2 year old and an almost 6 month old. For my son's bday (he just turned 2 but his party is next month) he is getting a train table and a kitchen. These things will keep him more than occupied. Thanks.

Answer
Billions and billions.

4 ride on toys, 2 rocking horses, 400 mega blocks, a kitchen, a tool bench, 4 sets of tools, 2 sets of dishes, 2 sets of food, a blow up ball pit with 300 balls, 6 bouncy balls, severals cars and dolls, about 200 stuffed animals, 2 giant stuffed bears, 3 toy laptops, and thousands of small little hand toys. And that is just what I can think of off the top of my head. You really don't expect me to count them all do you?

I have two yr old twins and they have too many toys. They still have little rattles that are for babies. But they still play with them. For Christmas my son got a work bench and several sets of toy tools. My daughter got a kitchen and several sets of play food and dishes. But they play with all of the stuff. I am going to get rid of some of the teether rings and rattles. My little sister is pregnant with a little boy and I am going to give them to her.

But my carpet is covered with toys. I laugh about not knowing what color my carpet is. We have way too many toys but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love my kids and want them to have anything. And at your kids' ages toys are how they learn. they learn colors, counting, textures, sizes and many other things. You want to get rid of the smaller toys. What is the 6 mon old going to play with? A train table and a kitchen aren't really toys that are appropriate for a 6 mon old.

What is a good gift to get my son after his surgery next week?

Traci J

He is five years old and having a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy, and ear tubes. I want to get him something special. Any good websites or ideas will be much appreciated. Also, can anyone tell me what to expect after these surgeries?

Answer
I had my tonsils and adnoids out at the age of 25-it hurt for about 24 hours. After that I felt fine-I went out to dinner the night I got home. I have talked to lots of moms whose kids have had this done and it seems the same-24 hours bad, next 12-24 is like a mild sore throat and then back to normal. My son had ear tubes put in back in July a week before he turned 1. He was sleepy and fussy after surgery for about 4-5 hours. We got home and he walked to his toys (he had not been able to walk long distances prior to the surgery). He was his normal self that afternoon and was cleared to return to day care the next day-the tubes are out patient surgery takes 1/2 a day tops. I stayed home with him for 2 days but he was fine and could have gone back to his regular routine the same day as surgery. But your a mom-no matter what anyone says you will be worried about him.

I would get him a "lovey" (soft stuffed toy) that you give him before the surgery. Carry the lovey with you for a few days (even better, stick it in your bed under the covers for a few days so it smells like home). When you give it to him, tell him it is his special friend for the hospital to keep him company. You can talk about the lovey saying things like "lovey might be a little scared about staying in a big place, what do you think" you can get him to open up and tell you how he feels by telling you what he think lovey feels. But end these talks by telling lovey it will be okay and he will be safe and give him a hug-then tell your son the same thing. He will remember that while he is in the hospital and it will make him feel better. And of course lots of hugs and kisses! Hope that all goes well!

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What are the most popular toys for boys about 11 years old?

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Ann

What are the things that the kids see that they wish they could have? Price range about $10 - $30.

Answer
That price range is a little low if you're after the hot toys, but I understand that everyone's trying to save and cut back. Here are a few ideas:

You can find some of the new NERF Vortex shooters in your price range, like the Praxis and the Vigilon. (NERF Vortex is one of Walmart's Top Toy Picks this year)
.
Beyblade Metal Masters Triple Battle Set (spinning tops) is about $30. (Also a Walmart Top Toy pick)

The Redakai Championship Tin is really cool and costs about $25. It's a 3D trading/battle card game and has an advanced mode that would engage older kids.

If he likes to build and tinker, some of the smaller LEGO Ninjago (Ninja themed) sets and LEGO Star Wars sets are under $30.

If you're willing to go up to $40, you could buy an Air Hogs Hyperactives RC car.

Toy or game recommendation for kids years apart to play together?

WifeandMom

I have kids and two of them are several years apart. I have a tween and a toddler that enjoy playing together and I would like to get them something fun and interactive as a Christmas gift. Anything to get away from TV! Any good ideas?

Answer
a playground ball
sandbox toys/equipment
They can ride bikes, together.
anything RC

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What type of microcontrollers are used in kids toys?

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Jess

I've been taking apart some of my daughters broken electronic toys and checking them out to see how they tick and I've found that there are black epoxy dots that are covering microcontrollers on the tiny circuit boards. I'd just like to know what type of microcontrollers are used. I've exhausted every search for microcontrollers used in toys to no avail. I'm looking to control multiple leds with similarly small uCs.
The ic with that black epoxy dot is roughly 1x1 in., it was in the center of an old light up tiara. I'd like to try to keep it really small.

Answer
These are small IC's but probably not uC's.

Have you ever been scarred out of your socks by an electronic toy that suddenly turns on by itself?

Signilda

My kids toys are always turning themselves on and making noises. I hear creepy sounds from behind the couch and coming from the toy box.

Answer
Yes, but the worst are those electronic flush toilets. Those things love to go off at all the wrong moments and scare the beejeebers out of a person.

Actually, my husband was away on business and I made the mistake of watching the movie "The Ring" in our dark theater room alone. On my way upstairs to go to bed I thought I heard a TV coming from my sons' room. If you've ever seen the movie you'll understand why I was scared sh-tless! I turned on every light in the house before opening the door...to discover my daughter had left her Barbie radio in their room under a bunch of toys. The vibration of me coming up the stairs must have jiggled the toys just enough to turn it on.

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How did your older kids react to a new baby in the house?

How can I get my 6 month old dachshund to stop chewing on everything?

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Sonia A

I have a 6 month old Dachshund and every time I leave the house she destroys all wiring to everything she can find. Its not only wires its shoes, my kids toys, if she finds trash she will destroy it and and shred it all over the house. Please someone help me any suggestions...

Answer
there are crates, depending on how long she is alone, and make sure she gets enough exercise, she is a puppy so nothing rigorous, but walks are very important

What are your absolute favorite toys for 6-12 month olds?

Emmy Jo (1

Our son will be turning 6 months old tomorrow, and we want to get him a few new toys as a half birthday gift. What are your favorite toys for your 6-12 month old, and what do you love about them?

Answer
My son is 10 mos.
-He particularly likes anything with large wheels that he can turn. He has a large plastic truck with no small parts and a little train with a few cars (also no small parts). I like these because he'll spend a lot of time just turning the wheels, but then he can also push it around the room.
-He also likes things that makes a sound if you press one specific area (he has a dragon that burps--I've no idea who came up with that but it still cracks us both up!).
-Here's something that I can't describe, but he loved it especially around 6-8 mos. http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/b0a3/
-Another favorite are bathtime squirt toys like these: http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Baby-Piece-Squirties-Vinyl/dp/B000G7WYNI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1278662459&sr=1-4 They're fun in the bath but he also enjoys carrying them around and blowing air at himself.
-There's also the "Scout" dog (and similar products). These are more expensive (ours was a gift), though still very affordable at around $20, and they can be programmed to talk to your child and say his name, plus you can choose songs and music that it "sings" which also can be personalized. I noticed that once we got it (at 5 mos) he started responding to his name quite a bit more and I think that it will later help him build a rudimentary vocabulary. http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-19156-My-Pal-Scout/dp/B001W30D2O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1278662573&sr=1-1
-Board books are also great. Our son doesn't care so much to be read to yet, but he likes turning the pages (and eating them). Later maybe we'll actually get him to pay attention to the words. :)

You didn't ask, but here are some "non-baby" baby toys that our son loves:
-a lightweight flashlight. It rolls, he can hold it and he's endlessly delighted with turning the light on and off
-a set of 'blank' keys. He used to play with our keys, but as soon as he became mobile we could never find them when we needed them. I went a hardware store and bought a few different keys (not carved to any specific design) and put them on a ring. He loves it and I know where my keys are now!
-a half-full bottle of water (tightly closed). It rolls, it reflects the light, makes sound. Our son learned to crawl chasing after a bottle of water.
-a small non-helium balloon (but of course only when supervised). My son loves this; he'll chase it around and he loves hitting himself (and others) with it.

Happy birthday to your son; if you haven't already, you should be starting to get more sleep soon. :)

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Natural ingredients to kill brown widow spiders?

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notusingmy

I noticed that most aerosol 'pest control' products that claim to kill spiders don't kill brown and black widows - they just shake it off and keep going. I have to buy one that specifically kills widow spiders. Regardless, I don't like using those chemicals around my kids' outdoor toys. What natural ingredients are strong enough to kill widow spiders but safe enough to use where kids play?

Answer
Well, if you do spray the spider directly, any pesticide will kill widow spiders, Perhaps not immediately,
but they are gonners.
Liquid dish soap and water mix will kill them likewise, but you may have to hose them down pretty good.
Just a note, but the brown widow statistically, does not have the bad bite as its black brethren, but just the same, I won't say these are harmless to children. Kids are prone to play with spiders, and if one should get squeezed in the hand, this can provoke a bite.

what to put in the medium utility tote?

Katie

I recently got a medium utility tote for my kids toys, it seems to be too small for the toys, i was just wanting some other ideas are to put in the tote. Thanks.

Answer
You don't say what size it is, but here are some places I use them:
Art supplies
Off-season clothing
anything you want to store in the attic
use it to keep tract of outdoor gardening items/tools/seeds etc
Emergency supplies for the trunk of the car ( flashlight/first aid kit/disposable rain coat/gloves etc
Computer wires/disks/printer stuff/air in a can/stuff you don't use every day
Christmas packaging supplies like extra paper/tape/ribbon/bows/name tags
Cleaning supplies for the cars, garage tote with windex/paper towel/Armorall/chamois/rags/wax/buffer
Games/puzzles/"rainy day" activities
Stuff for the pets: shampoo/flea spray/brushes & combs/nail cutter etc
old documents you want to keep: the kids old school work, letters, maps, photos and newspaper clippings. The list goes on and on..
AL

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What to buy a nine year old that doesnt want anything?

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Little Pea

We must have been getting all the previous gifts right because this year he cant think of anything he wants! Bar one toy and a couple books
His birthday is two weeks after xmas so I do want to get him something special and skylanders isnt my ideal special gift

So please leave some suggestions or maybe tell me what you are buying or bought in the past a special nine year old kid for xmas

- Hes a bright kid, loves reading, movies, games usual stuff
Is a bit restricted playing outside as living in central London and already has a bike
Hes got a wicked sense of humour
Loves his stage school at weekends, singing, dancing and acting

Please help give me ideas!
=)
Ahh I should have said sorry JU and thanks too but no pets allowed in our tenancy agreement he is the perfect age for that though, sadly we cant

Answer
A trip to the theatre to see a show. If you have not already seen it I would recommend The Lion King. A special day out perhaps when the weather is better.

If not then just be glad that your child is not motivated by greed and what he can get. Just buy him what he has asked for and tell him you love him. Tell him that you are happy to get him a gift later in the year when he has decided what he wants.

Perhaps and Ipod with some children's stories already downloaded on it and some music by his favourite band or just a gift card so that he can choose his own from itunes with you.

My son often found it hard to decide what gift he would like for Christmas and one year when he was very young he only wanted a Postman Pat Toy so I got him it. He was delighted nothing else really mattered to him.

What toys would an eight year old boy want?

cookie que

I know nothing about this kid except that he is asking for a game boy or an mp3 player. This is going to be the only present he gets because he is not that fortunate. The present should be less then 45 dollars. Please don't suggest a book, because if it was going to be your only Christmas present, some people wouldn't want a book. Especially if you want a game boy or an mp3 player.

Answer
If he wants a gameboy then with $45 you could pick up a GBA for around 30 and some games for $10-15 if he is talking about a DS then that is a bit more now. Also MP3 players can be gotten for as little as $25 nowadays with $45 you can get him exactly what he wants. Hope this helps you and I wish you and him a very merry Xmas.

ps Here is a link to a player that I used for 4-5 years still very solid
>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330381721776&rvr_id=&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXS%3F&GUID=4cff6c0b1250a0b58406daa6fff4fdfb&itemid=330381721776&ff4=263602_263622

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What are some toys that kids of all ages can play with?

What electronic gadget was the kid using in the movie "Journey to the Center of The Earth?

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Ernesto

In the current movie there is the scene near the beginning of the movie where Brandon Frazier's character's nephew is on the plane and he uses a portable computer unit to goggle some info.
In that scene Brandon Frazier does say the he didn't think you could use the internet on the plane.

Answer
hello
it was a psp

(playstation portable)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_Portable

How do you deal with your kids wanting games systems and the type of games that are out there ?

Q. I don't want to buy any of the game system for my kids cause the games that are out there are from the devil . How do you deal with this with your kids ?
i know how to say now i just wanted to know what you all tell your kids the explanation you know . I knw if any of there friends hae it then they are playing these games somewhere even though they cannot play with them at home . My husband dosen't agree with me that they are evil he says it is just a part of life . I don't agree i think this worls is evil and the end is closer then we think .

Answer
My son has three daughters and they do NOT have any 'electronic gadgets'. Children do NOT need them - what they need is their parent's involvement with their education!!!

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Are you buying your toddler a lot for christmas?

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K and D's

My little girl who is almost 14 months on Christmas. My husband I have decided not to get her much for Christmas. I have actually one bought her one thing. Anything she needs we always buy her. We figured we would take advantage of her not knowing much about it. I was just Curious what you guys are doing for your little ones.

Answer
mine will be 14 months around xmas as well. We didn't buy lots, mainly it was stuff that they needed anyways but we just wrapped it up. We bought them some new shoes, and an outfit, and each a toy. I figured that we'd enjoy these less expensive xmas's now because when they are older we would like to buy them more stuff that they will be excited about.

What is a good gift to get for a 1 year old girl for christmas?

Brittany H

I am going christmas shopping tomorrow, and I am very clueless what i should get for this little girl. It is so hard to shop for children under 3. Any suggestions?

Answer
One year olds can walk, so push along or pull along toys are great. Ball.

They are learning to use objects for a purpose and like to copy what people do, so...
toy telephone, very simple jigsaws, a small bag to put things in and take things out of, stacking toys, blocks, toddler musical instruments...
Anything with buttons to press, levers to flick

story books (can be nice to get a book to hold and chew but then also a nice one for the book shelf to keep until older),

paints/baby paint apron

Happy shopping x

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HELP ON my INFORMATIVE SPEECH?

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Munchkin

So I have to write an informative speech. It could be basically ANYTHING, just as long as it's informative of course. I wanted to write something that dealt with Toys in Happy Meals, and how it's basically luring in the kids to go out and make their parents buy them the toy which results to them eating the crappy food. I'm just not sure how to put it into words. What else can I say? Any ideas? Please help! /:

If you have any other idea's in mind, let me know! I'm open to other stuff as well and also find some interest in the topic of SEX. Young sex of course, something that will grab my audiences attention since we're a bunch of college students.

THANK YOU!! :)

Answer
You can use this as an opener:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/30/health/california-mcdonalds-happy-meals/index.html

McDonald's is replacing the toys with books in Great Britain:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/childrens-books-to-replace-toys-in-happy-meals-6287783.html

Center for Science in the Public Interest lawsuit against McDonald's:
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2010/12/16/group-finally-sues-mcdonalds-over-toys-in-happy-meals.html
http://www.cspinet.org/new/201006221.html

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What are good toys to buy for babies with eye problems?

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rainbowbri

My friends baby was born with eye problems, she's only 4 mths old so the doc says it's hard for him to make an exact diagnosis, but she has alot of trouble focusing on things it seems . I'm not a mom so I'm not sure what toys do what, but my friend is strapped for cash so I wanted to get her a couple of things that might be helpful maybe help the kid learn to focus better? any suggestions? brands? types? specific toys?
Thanks.

Answer
i would say things with bright colors and things that move, like a mobile or one of the things that can hang on the side of the crib.

What are some appropriate toys for a 3 year old?

fmmerritt

Well hell be 3 jan 31st.I need help figuring out what to get my son for christmas..No learning toys..I already know what im getting when it comes to that..I am at a loss as to what to get him this year..Any suggestions..What does everyone's 3 yr old's play with? Thanks in advance..
He has a ton of play-doh and crafts stuff.Im looking for just toys right now.

Answer
If you haven't already, introduce him to T-Ball. Buy him a t-ball set with bases, ball and bat, the works. Boys love that. Then help him to learn to play and enroll him in the sport when he's a little older. Also a v-smile could work. Kids love video games, and they're made for children. You can buy diego games, spider-man, etc. Also things like, power wheels, roller blades, other sports things, etc. Hope this helps... Good luck!

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How much money should a single parent have before the baby is born?

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Q. My belief is that a single mother can raise a child as well as two parents if she tries hard enough... the only thing I can't figure out is money! These days women are often choosing to become single parents but do these women have a lot of money already saved up? What kind of jobs do they have?

Obviously it depends on location, but how much money should a woman have in the bank before she chooses to become a single parent? How much money should she make per month if she wants to be "comfortable" financially?

All this is assuming that the woman is strong enough to handle single parenthood etc, I'm just wondering about the money aspect.

Answer
Some of this depends on how you're going get to be a single parent. If you're going to do artificial insemination, you should have enough cash to cover two tries. IVF is about 10K per try without insurance, and mine covered 80%, so we saved for two full IVFs and 1 implantation. (We got pregnant naturally after IVF #2) Adoption is also about $10K, but some employers help with that (like IBM).

Baby costs - we did that on a shoestring, using an existing dresser (3 drawers high) for him and as a changing table. We put diapers in one drawer, lotions and a non-skid pad on top. We did buy a crib / toddler bed for $300, and a stroller for $200 (used). We did not buy a bassinet - Dr. Spock said a cardboard box would work, and it did.

I tried to breastfeed, had problems, so formula was about 1K the first year. If I hadn't breastfed or used a warehouse club generic formula, it would have been at least 2K. Diapers is maybe 2K / year. Clothes can be from $300 (all used) to $1000 each year.

Childcare is the big expense. We were able to do it at home the first two years, but I think my friends were paying as much as $1500 per month, in Raleigh NC - relatively cheap.

So, a single mom should
- Have on hand: $5 - 30K, for:
- Getting pregnant costs (0 - $20K, depending on insurance)
- pregnancy and birth costs (3 - 10K, depending on insurance)
- Baby basics (1 - 2K, depending on gifts, used availability)
- Make enough to rent or buy a 1br place, plus:
- food for self ($300/mo?)
- Gasoline, utilities (?)
- Child care (1 - 3K / mo)
- Child food and diapers ($350 / mo)
- Toy budget ($100 / mo) (we didn't want lots of toys, but couldn't stop ourselves)
- Debt payments (school loans, car loans)
- Enough for your other needs (clothes, haircuts, etc)

This is at minimum - if you make $500 / month more than the minimum, you should be in very good shape. You can also save up a year's worth of ongoing costs in advance, and child care can be tax deductible with a child-care spending account.

To give you an example, he's now 2yo. We have a household income of about $70K, a 3br house, 1,100/ mortgage, $400/mo utilities, $500/mo to retirement, $500/mo for childcare 3 days a week, $400/mo school loan payments, $600/mo groceries, $300/mo saving, no car payments. We're squeaking by - no dinners out, no xmas presents for the parents - because we're saving up for house repairs.

Good luck, and kids do just fine with single mothers who have the financial resources to care for them. Dual role models don't have a big effect, really - it's all about the financial resources.

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How much should things be sold for at a garage sale?

kids best selling toys image

Amber M

kids toys, appliances, craft supplies, out dated dvd players and computer parts speakers moniter, etc. TONS of womens clothes, books, work out equipment. thanks :)

Answer
sell if cheap so ppl will think its a great deal and buy it right away. you don't want to end the sale with everything you started out with still on your hands. price things so they will go quick!

Where can I buy a toddler friendly CD player or boombox?

Kat

Looking for a kid CD player or boombox. Toy stores only sell toy with fake CDs, but I want my 2 year old to actually learn how to play a CD himself. Everything I see is for older kids 7+ or adults. Is there anything on the market that would actually work for a toddler?

Answer
You can buy it from
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=kid%20CD%20player&tag=189-20&index=blended&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search?ie=UTF8&keywords=kid%20CD%20player&tag=189-21&index=blended&linkCode=ur2&camp=1634&creative=6738

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What film do you think will win Best Picture at the 2011 Oscars?

best kids toys 2011 image

Black Swan?
Winter's Bone?
Toy Story 3?
The Social Network?
The King's Speech?
The Fighter?
The Kids are All Right?
Inception?
127 Hours?
or True Grit?
Who do you think should win and who will win?

Answer
I think either the King's Speech or the Social Network will win.
But I want either Black Swan or True Grit to win.

Where can I find sweepstakes and cash giveaways for 2011 ?

kenzsmommy

I am also interested in toy giveaways for children!! I have a few daycares that I would love to win some toys for and cannot really afford to go out and buy a bunch of toys for these kids!!! But this would be awesome!! ANy information will be considered and Appreciated !! Thanks soooo much in advance for your suggestions!!

Answer
There a big list of sweepstakes at the site listed below. They are sorted in a variety of ways so if you are only interested in winning toys, you can probably find a list of just toy sweepstakes.

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What is your favorite educational toy for babies/toddlers?

best toddler toys 6 months image

plastic

Ages 6 months to 2 years?

Answer
this little electronic book thing, he loves it.

How can my husband and I reintroduce our 3 yr old dog to our family?

Nicolette

Two years ago my husband, my son and myself had a very tight bond with our pitbull named Winter. She was very sweet and well behaved, house trained and playful. She was excellent with our 6 month old son, she allowed him to touch her face (muzzle, eyes and ears). She was not food aggressive or toy possessive or overly protective. Living in NYC made her very energetic, however.

I say WAS because a year and a half ago my family moved to South Carolina and because we were not yet established in a home that accepted dogs, Winter has stayed with a family friend as an outside dog. Our son (2 and a half years) seems to have lost the connection with Winter and she herself seems stressed by both the move and the fact that she has been away from my husband.

Is there a safe way (and with minimal stress) to re-introduce our dog to both our toddler, our new house and our family without overbearing both her and the family?

Answer
If I were you I would bring a trainer to your home this situation can be nothing more than putting them together and then it may be alot more. I wouldn't take the chance your family is worth more than a visit from a Pro Trainer and I mean a Pro Trainer someone who trained Police dogs or Military Dogs.

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How do you teach your 4 and 5 year old to pick up after themselves?

best kids toys 5 year old image

Lynn

My 4 and 5 year old are so messy. They have toys all over the place constantly. I tried giving them designated toy areas and also making them pick up at the end of each day in hopes the overall habit would kick in. It isn't. Any suggestions?

Answer
i think the key thing is to start them when there younger than that when my daughter turned 1 i had her help me pick up her toys and she is for now and she cleans her whole room and makes her own bed but maybe you can get them motivated by asking them if they want to help you do some things around the house with you kids love to help there Mommy's also i hang up a little chore chart like picking up toys and GIVING the cats water and even brushing teeth and she gets a sticker for it if she gets all of her stickers i take her to the dollar store at the end of the week and let her buy a couple things with her own money i give her you just have to Find things that will motivate them to do it by doing the chart and allowance thing it shows them other skills to GOOD LUCK

What Disney Theme Park is Best for my 5 year old?

Jessica

I am planning to take a trip to Disney World in Florida with my 5 year old son, and I was wondering which one you'd recommend. He enjoys TOYS STORY, FINDING NEMO, Sports, and roller coasters.I just want him to have loads of fun. I am having difficulties choosing the best park for his age. I am also looking for a Basic Hotel, nothing too fancy. My main focus is that my son enjoys his time at DISNEY!

Answer
I think that Magic Kingdom is the park that everyone, kids and adults, MUST go to as part of a Disney vacation. It has the most to do for all ages, lots of variety, and the most of that Disney magic feeling. There will only be a couple things he can't do (depending on his height). You can probably spend two days just at Magic Kingdom, actually.

If you must see Pixar stuff, probably Hollywood Studios would have more. However, it is a smaller park with less to do overall, and with less to do for kids.

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