Neglecting my cat :(. Need some interactive toys?

Christine

I have been working some insane hours at work. I come home and give linx kisses, get a shower and go to bed.. I get up and get ready for work... He IS MISSING play time! Any toys someone can recommend while i am in this wirlwind at work..
Gizzy,, Love the battery operated thing.. Where did you get it?? Also really like the idea with the food in a ball!!!!
Summer is the busiest time at work for me... Linx in used to 2 hours of play time with the mom (me :)) This will last until august.. He always was tired out from playing and slept with me all night. Now he is so energetic and running all night long, as cats do.
sack o t .. lol.. What a great idea.. Linx would definatley chase that thing... :)

Answer
Know the feeling, I've been unemployed for a few months and the cats have been used to me being at home and having all the fuss and play time they want. Now Im working again I am out of the house all day, get home and all I want to do is sleep.
I found a battery operated toy 'thing' it has a bendy stick that moves around randomly with a feather on the end, my cats love it. Though I don't like to leave it on when I'm not in the house, but it is good to put on when I get home and am making dinner my zombiefied state..! Also lasers get them running around madly and require little effort on your part.
While you are out though balls, bells, string dangling from door handles/ furniture etc are good. You can also get balls with small holes that you put their food in, they have to chase it and roll it about to get at it, that keeps them occupied for a while.
In the main though, don't forget cats like to sleep... Lots. I wouldnt be surprised if he falls asleep after you leave in the morning and doesnt move again until you get home..!

Edited to add links-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panic-Mouse-360-interactive-electronic/dp/B0009YYPC6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339157253&sr=8-2

not quite the sort I have but similar, it jerks and jumps about in random directions, then goes still for a min or so, then starts jumping about again. Great fun to watch! When I was looking for this link I also saw a few solar powered versions that you stick to a window, they randomly start bouncing around at different times of the day... Looks fun..!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B001LWRFW2/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_0?ie=UTF8&index=0&isremote=0

Just found this too and had to add it, not as expensive as I would have thought, and looks good fun, I'm more of a kid and want to play more than the cats I think!

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/cat-toys-cat-treat-balls-c-163_976/catrine-catmosphere-dispenser-ball-p-3624

Once again not quite the one I have but similar. These sorts of things are cheep too. I also have a tube type one with holes cut down the sides like a flute so they never know quite where the food is going to pop out

http://www.amazon.com/Stimulo-Feeding-Station-Activity-Center/dp/B004EG21FS

Something else I just remembered too, I saw this in the local vets a while ago (I'm in uk but it seems it is American based so shouldn't be too hard to find) I didn't buy it, couldn't afford it at the time, but I really want one. By the looks of it you have different sized tubes that can make it harder/easier as well.

Also one other idea, like I said, I was unemployed, couldn't afford much, I made them a toy. I took a shoe box, cut a few holes in it, threaded a piece of string through the holes and put some treats and cat nip inside. Shame yahoo won't let me add pictures because I have some great pics of my two cats going mad over this..!
Good luck :)

What are the most popular toys to get this year?

Susan L

I don't have any kids so I'm just curious what they are.

Answer
Top Toy for Girls: Digi-Makeover Interactive Make-up Kit

Top Toy for Boys: Air Hogs Radio-Controlled Storm Launcher

Top Toy for Teens: Nintendo Wii

Top Seasonal Toy: Fisher-Price Little People Children's Nativity Set

Top Toy for Family Play Time: Cosmic Catch

Top Infant Learning Toy: V.Smile Baby from VTech

Top Toy Girl 3-5: Baby Alive Doll

Top Toy Boy 3-5: Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price

Top Toy Girl 6-9: Amazing Allyson

Top Toy Boy 6-9: ESPN Fast Action Footbal

Top Toy Girl 10+: Designer's World Plug n' Play TV Game

Top Toy Boy 10+: Fly Wheels XPV (Xtreme Performance Vehicle)

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entertain kids while babysitting them?

Jane

I'm babysitting 3 kids and I want to know how to entertain them. The boy is 9 and there are two little girls who are 5 and 7. How can I entertain them for 3 1/2 hours!?

Answer
Start out by having the kids give you a tour of the house, their rooms, and show you their favorite toys. With 3 kids, that can take a while. "how does this one work? Can we play this game? Oooh, that looks like fun, let's set this up so you can show me how it works!"

Take them in the kitchen with you. At some point, they'll probably want a snack. Take your time with it. Take out a bunch of stuff: graham crackers, peanut butter, M&Ms, honey, marshmellows, e.t.c. Let them stack the graham cracker squares with their favorite goodies and gobble it down! That takes time!

After that, the kids will probably be sticky and messy. Take them outside and play in the sprinkler!

That will EASILY fill up 3 1/2 hours. AND its a great way to stay interactive with the kids and not just plop them in front of a television or computer.

what is an interactive toy?

Vanessa

I am supposed to analyse the clients needs and wants.

Answer
It's a (usually electronic) toy that responds to the child's actions. One easy example is a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll--if you press its stomach, it'll respond by shaking and making laughing sounds. It doesn't necessarily have to be a doll or a vehicle; anything from laptops designed for kids to books that make sounds when you touch an attached electronic pen to a picture on a page can be classified as an interactive toy.

In other words, any toy that has an automated response to something the kid does to it, whether it lights up, moves, or makes sounds--is an interactive toy. It shouldn't be a direct effect: e.g. a rubber duck that squeaks when squeezed probably wouldn't be called an interactive toy, but when Elmo does a two-minute dance routine if you push a button on his foot, that's an interactive toy.

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What are the most popular toys to get this year?

Susan L

I don't have any kids so I'm just curious what they are.

Answer
Top Toy for Girls: Digi-Makeover Interactive Make-up Kit

Top Toy for Boys: Air Hogs Radio-Controlled Storm Launcher

Top Toy for Teens: Nintendo Wii

Top Seasonal Toy: Fisher-Price Little People Children's Nativity Set

Top Toy for Family Play Time: Cosmic Catch

Top Infant Learning Toy: V.Smile Baby from VTech

Top Toy Girl 3-5: Baby Alive Doll

Top Toy Boy 3-5: Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price

Top Toy Girl 6-9: Amazing Allyson

Top Toy Boy 6-9: ESPN Fast Action Footbal

Top Toy Girl 10+: Designer's World Plug n' Play TV Game

Top Toy Boy 10+: Fly Wheels XPV (Xtreme Performance Vehicle)

What are some great interactive, possibly physical toys for a 5 year old?

Wiss

My daughters birthday is on the 30th, and I would really like to get her something fun, that she isn't going to go through in a day or get tired of easily. Can anyone suggest any great toys your kids enjoyed? Thanks for the help!

Answer
my kids at 5 played every single day with their set of wood blocks, and virtually every day with their wooden marble track (Haba makes a great, though very expensive, one). For active toys, they rode bikes a lot, and the currently popular toy in our house is a disco light (they have "dance parties" practically daily). No toy really competed with the couch cushions for forts, though. :-)

edit -- oh, and we also have a gymnastics mat and a wedge mat (for somersaults, etc.). they get a lot of outdoor use and indoor use for "shows" and "olympics" in our basement.

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Toy ideas for a ferret that hates toys?

D

My new guy (3 months old) does not like toys. The only thing I have seen him play with is: running through tubes, my moving feet, and plastic bags. I have tried plush toys, swinging balls, jingley bells, etc. Even if I wiggle the toy around- he has no interest and goes for my hands or feet instead. He does not bite or chew or scratch anywhere. He also will not eat treats --yet :)
Basically all he does is runs laps around the room for 2 hours or crawls around on my shoulder.

Any ideas on toys/ interactive entertainment? I have never dealt with a ferret who has no interest in 99% of toys.

Answer
SNAP!!!!
I have 2 fur kids and they're not interested in toys much at all. Freddie LOVES tubes, my husband is a carpet fitter so we have access to the old carpet tubes and he realy likes them. He also likes the cat teasers you can get but that's about it really. Hattie couldn't care less about any toys, she is only interested in getting into mischief and finding the smallest hole to crawl into! Because of this I try and put things like old boxes, plastic and paper bags, anything smelly down on the floor for her to nosy at! They both do like towel rides though, just shake it at them and they dance and dook then jump on for a ride!!
Don't worry too much just keep trying things as long as they're not too expensive and anyways your ferret will love you the best cos you're his fave toy!! Good luck xx

Craft Ideas For Kids, Please?

emo.cherri

Please read the whole thing before responding!

I would like any links to sites or even ideas for fun crafts for two boys, aged 11 and 8. I would prefer it to be either something fun and simple that can be tossed relatively quickly, or something practical that allows them to use their creativity and the item can be kept for a while. I've already found a bunch of sites for "crafts for kids" but they are either too elementary for them or something like that; I mean really, how many pipe-cleaner bugs and painted pictures can you make?

This is optional, but the older one is really into science and chemistry, and the way things work and whatnot. The younger one loves to paint and likes things that are fun and interactive. I'd love things for both of them to work on!

Thank you for suggestions.

Answer
Here is what I answered a while back. I know there may be stuff you don't want, but they may generate some lateral ideas, hence .....

Firstly, though, for science toys - here's a site I love :
http://scitoys.com
But a few more in that category --
http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryactivities/tp/makesciencetoys.htm
http://www.thelivingweb.net/science_toys.html
http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/toys.html

If the 'toy'/activity is "easy", you can always convert it into a competition, giving the younger kid some sort of headstart or handicap points. This will spice up Any activity ;-)

Also, let the kids Choose for themselves, at least occasionally. Let them choose & then you can all decide together whether it should be done, it's relevance, etc. etc.
Also, they should try to unravel the scientific principle behind each 'toy'.
Here's another site that the boys can browse through if they want to make something in particular :
www.howstuffworks.com

Other activities :
- papier mache toys/articles/dinosaurs.. www.artattack.co.uk This site some great stuff - just click on particular icons for detailed instructions.
- origami models including dragons, etc. www.origami-resource-center.com/
- mini scrapbooks [of what they've done during the summer ;-))] www.papercraftcentral.com
- cartoon-drawing
- puppet-making & staging a play with those puppets. you could try various kinds of puppets like marionettes, shadow, sock, string, etc.
- creating characters & weaving a story with them. each kid can also choose one character from any book he's read & together, create a new story.
- make science toys â kaleidocycles , permanent rainbow, homemade icecream maker, etc. http://scitoys.com
- recycled crafts
- clay-modeling
- go for nature walks
- make collage from various stuff like paper, fabric & things picked up during their nature walks like twigs, flowers, bugs, ....
- make own stickers
to make a sticker you will need - gelatin and a picture to make a sticker.
mix 2 or 3 spoons of gelatin with water. apply the mixed gelatin to the back of the picture. let it dry for some time. your sticker is ready!
lick the place where u applied the gelatin and stick whereever you want. mix any essense with the gelatin and apply the mixed gelatin behind the picture so that you get a sweet smell.
- leaf-printing -- select a few nicely shaped leaves from your collection. coat them with some thick water color & use as stamp-prints.
if you use acrylic paint, then you can do this on fabric & use the fabric for their bed linen.
- similarly, slice different types of vegetables [okra, cucumber, onion - horizontal or vertical, celery, capsicum, ....], dip the cut surface in paint & use to print. again, if you want to do it on fabric, use fabric colors.
- modelling with play-doh, clay, etc.
- make letters from the clay & write their names with them. adhere them to a piece of wood or plastic - they will have made their name-plates to hang on their door.
- look for some empty plastic bottles - diff shapes & sizes. you can also keep the moulds that come in biscuit packets, etc. make little boats, ships, rafts out of these by sticking a wooden skewer mast with paper/fabric sails. sail them in water tubs.
- fill nicely shaped bottles & jars with different stuff such as marbles, shells, trinkets, buttons, beads, pebbles, etc. in layers. You can also add some stationery articles if you like. Tie a satin ribbon or glue the ribbon in attractive design around the bottle or adorn with anything you like.
- convert pingpong or Styrofoam balls into animals, or other tree decorations by adorning with sequins, etc.
- cut paper strips [tapering towards one end] & roll into beads. you can use glossy magazine paper, crepe paper, kite paper, origami paper, etc. Roll over a skewer stick to get the hollow bead. Use these to make fake jewelry or to string along for hanging tree ornaments, etc.
- make paper buntings - fold paper & cut into triangles on one side, or cut rectangular strips & link each strip like a chain. again, you can use light-weight paper..
- spray painting - use brush or comb
- sponge painting
- string painting - dip yarn/strings in different water color solutions. place haphazardly on card paper, with one end sticking out. place another card over it. hold them tightly. then, just pull the strings out. when you lift the card, you'll have Two greeting cards with random patterns!
- make tree ornaments or little bugs, beetles, etc. with walnut shells.
- make door signs, photo/picture frames, etc.

www.artattack.co.uk
www.dltk-kids.com
http://www.squidoo.com/recycled-crafts-f... -- You can find kids craft instructions to make recycled crafts out of cardboard boxes, eggcartons, jars, cans, containers, corks, socks and more here
www.enchantedlearning.com
www.familyfun.com
www.familyfun.go.com


Hope these help
Have fun :-)

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What are some good toy ideas for a 10 month old?

best interactive kids toys image

talk nerdy

I have a 10 month old daughter and I want to get rid of her baby toys and get her some more age appropriate ones. Im looking for things that are more interactive and will help her learn new skills.
Does anyone have any suggestions. What toys did your kids love at this age.

Answer
i thought this might be helpful:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_toys-for-9-to-12-month-olds_820.bc

How to babysit? how to babysitt little kids and what to do when babysitting?

Jessica

my parents want me to learn how to be responsible and how to make my own money,so they want me to babysit, when the told me i was like, "okay fine". but then i realized i have never babysat in my life! Usually when i go to the mall, my mom comes with me and she just pays for whatever i get.
i don't know how to babysit, like, what do you do? and when do you feed the kids that you babysit?

Answer
I was the same way when I first started babysitting, it's normal:)

To really earn the trust of the parents, the Red Cross Association offers babysitting and CPR classes. I would suggest taking one of those, they are only about a week long. You get CPR certified, and you can show your little card to the parents and they'll definitely know they chose the right person to leave their kids with.

On the subject of things to do when you're babysitting a kid(s), it depends on the age.
If they're young, (infant), you wont do much. Just make sure the baby is okay, fed, changed, and healthy by the time the parents are back. If you have any other age kid on your hands, it's quite simple. They'll have toys, things to do outside, they'll want to do interactive stuff too. Pick them up and do piggy back rides. Hold a picnic outside after making sandwiches. Pop in a tape or CD and throw a dance party. It's really easy. Just keep them entertained.

You'll know when you need to make food. They'll ask you or tell you when they're hungry, or just bring it up. If they tell you they're hungry, make them a snack. If they aren't just wait, they'll get there. If you're taking on one kid it's really simple. If you have siblings or friends over, it might be a little tougher, but you can do it. If a kid is grumpy or throws a fit, just set them in time out, and if they don't respond to that, threaten to call their parents. If it gets even worse, you can actually call the parents. They'll leave their numbers for you. Never, ever, resort to anything physical with a child. Never hit, shake, trip or hurt them if they're throwing a tantrum. You can get in SERIOUS trouble. The kids will warm up to you, and vice versa.

Make sure you play by the parent's rules though. If they tell you to make macaroni for lunch, you better know how to make macaroni. If they tell you to not go outside at 6:00, god forbid you go do not go outside at 6:00. If they tell you to bathe a child, or that they can't watch Nickelodeon and only watch Disney Channel, you play by the rules.

Also, don't "charge." That seems snotty. Let the parents pay you what they think you deserve. Most likely they'll pay you by the hour. You won't be making serious bank, but you'll be doing okay if you babysit for a whole day.

I hope I helped:)

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What are some "must have" interactive educational toys for toddlers ?

best interactive kids toys image

Trinidad

i know leapfrog has some pretty good toys to choose from . does anyone know of any of their toys that are perfect for children between the ages of two - four ? or any other brands ?

Answer
Blocks, building forts, roll playing games, puzzles, etc. It is proven that at that age, its far more educational for kids to play with simple non electronic toys that encourage the imagination and active play, rather then staring at a screen and hitting buttons when it tells them to or watching some blinky flashy thing spin in circles. It encourages a higher level of brain stimulation and teaches independent thought, which can be used for more educational aspects when they are at school age, it also teaches them alternate methods of entertainment so they dont get addicted to tv and video games.

Is the daycare i work at ethical and how do you discipline a 2 year-old that have a hard time listening?

Kaycee

I am 17 years old and i work at a daycare. I have worked there since may 2012 to current day and i am ready to quit!!!! I work in pre-preschool room also known as the 2-3 year old room. My first problem is that the age range is actually a year and eight months to over 3 years old. Its hard to teach the kids something because when i ask the kids what color something is one of the kids will say "blue" and another kid will say "wall" they don't all understand the same material. My second problem is that I a hard time watching 8 kids by myself ( the teach-kid ratio is 1:8). I feel like a lot of the kids at my daycare need individual attention because they all act out or they mimic their friends when they are doing something naughty, sitting in time-out, or crying. The other teachers (the daytime staff) lets the kids go "potty" by themselves. One teacher even left a child in the bathroom for 10 to 20 mins to make him not scared of pooping in the toilet. I do not agree with letting kids go by themselves because they mess around playing in the sinks or toilets or they get scared and i mean when you think about it, you dont know if a kid slips and falls in the bathroom and needs help and they make it seem like taking 5-7 kids in the bathroom that is made for 2 people is okay. When i tried that i had kids playing in the sink and in the toilet and running around with their friends and screaming and spitting in the toilet and i dint feel like i was giving the kids the time and attention to make sure they went potty all the way. So i started taking 2-3 kids potty each time. It was less stressful for me but other workers started complaining that i wasn't doing my share of the work. because i was constantly out of the room and i had the other teacher if there was on in my room change the kids that dont go potty get while i would take them potty. My boss then complained to me about how i need to be more interactive with the kids and i try really hard to be but its hard to talk to a group of 2-4 kids while other kids are i guess in my "blind spots" Idk if they are throwing toys or getting into shelves they arent suppose to or hitting other kids. So to be safe i stand in a corner during play time so i can watch all the kids and make sure nothing is going wrong. My problem is it seems like the kids no matter what i try dont listen to me. I put them in timeout and they get right back up and i keep putting them in it and they dont understand they are in timeout no matter how many times i put his but on the ground then i have other kids that flex their legs and say no and scream and kick and hit and gets right back up out of time out. its hard to keep them in time out and watch the kids the other teachers even went as far as putting him in a high chair for a few mins. Idk how to get them to listen to me. Ive tried everything i talk to them nicely and tell them what they did was wrong, i tell them in a stern voice that wasnt okay and thas why are in timeout and they dont listen and they still do the thing i told them not to do. And once one kids is doing something naughty when i do get them all setttled down then they all start doing it like when im reading a book one of them gets up and runs around so i try to be more interactive and yet they all start running around so i change what im doing to try to grab their attention, It seems like the kids listen to the other teachers but in my opinion i think how they act is VERY wrong. they discipline the kids by yelling their name and telling them to knock it off and ive seen teachers do stuff like slam a kid down on the the bench and say you do not eat off the ground and smack his hands and ive seen a teacher take a kid by his hair on the back of his head and yank his head back and say you do not get into the shelf. Today one of the teachers body checked a kid and laughed and said that is why you dont walk where im walking and then for lunch they fed them fish and one of the kids is allergic to fish so he had his own food well he ended up taking someone elses fish and he has a allergic reaction to it and his lips got red and puffy and he threw up and they called his mom and his mom wanted them to use someone elses medicine because he didnt have any there. Also they discipline he children by saying stuff like if not good im going to take you to go see mr spiderman ( all of the kids r scared of this spiderman figure that my boss had in his office around Halloween time). Idk what to do anymore i couldn't tell you how many times i have come home from work crying and upset. Im constantly feeling overwhelmed and people at my work think im slacking and so if i tell my boss i feel overwhelmed then he will really think im slacking, PLEASE help me as soon as you can im so close to saying im quitting and finding another job because i don't think its ethical and its to stressful.

Answer
I do not know where you live but where I live a 1 to 8 ratio I'd not correct for 2 year olds (I think it is 1 to 4).
I would look up regulations in your area to see what the regulations are in your area.
Also to me it sounds like none of the staff have any formal child care training. I suspect there are other violations at your place of work (I cannot over-emphasise how dangerous it is to let a 2 year old go into the bathroom by themselves, a toilet has more than enough water to drown in).
Also the space does not seem to be very well thought out. When you have a room full of 2 year olds (especially with a ratio of 1 to 8) there should not be lots of places that the children can get themselves into trouble (ie there should not be shelves that they are not allowed to get into at child level).

Personally what I would do is at the moment work as hard as you can. Ask your employer for a reference (I usually write one for myself and email it to my employer, it is easier for them as they don't need to bother writing it themselves, but they can still change/ add things if they want). After you get a reference I would put in my notice and leave (not necessarily immediately, but it is good to get the reference ASAP so you can leave whenever you want).

If you feel that things are dangerous you may need to report your workplace (anonymously).

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What is the new kids toy that are little cubes with a screen that are interactive?

best interactive kids toys image

mommadawn

Saw these new little cubes on the Disney Channel or Nick that are red, yellow, etc. They have a little screen that looks like a little miniature tv. The more cubes you connect, the more the little figures or people inside them do. I thought they were called "Cubicles", but I am unable to find them anywhere on the internet. Need the name, correct spelling and where to purchase. Also, if you know the cost, that would be helpful.

Answer
The name for this is...Cube World Digital Stick People... you can see a picture or buy from here or any other website probably...http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/7b24/ they also have videos there and pictures...Good luck

What are some good toy ideas for a 10 month old?

talk nerdy

I have a 10 month old daughter and I want to get rid of her baby toys and get her some more age appropriate ones. Im looking for things that are more interactive and will help her learn new skills.
Does anyone have any suggestions. What toys did your kids love at this age.

Answer
i thought this might be helpful:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_toys-for-9-to-12-month-olds_820.bc

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What is the new kids toy that are little cubes with a screen that are interactive?

best interactive kids toys image

mommadawn

Saw these new little cubes on the Disney Channel or Nick that are red, yellow, etc. They have a little screen that looks like a little miniature tv. The more cubes you connect, the more the little figures or people inside them do. I thought they were called "Cubicles", but I am unable to find them anywhere on the internet. Need the name, correct spelling and where to purchase. Also, if you know the cost, that would be helpful.

Answer
The name for this is...Cube World Digital Stick People... you can see a picture or buy from here or any other website probably...http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/games/7b24/ they also have videos there and pictures...Good luck

What are some good toy ideas for a 10 month old?

talk nerdy

I have a 10 month old daughter and I want to get rid of her baby toys and get her some more age appropriate ones. Im looking for things that are more interactive and will help her learn new skills.
Does anyone have any suggestions. What toys did your kids love at this age.

Answer
i thought this might be helpful:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_toys-for-9-to-12-month-olds_820.bc

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