Yeah, I know. A kid probably thinks there’s no such thing as “too many toys.” Parents, though, well that’s another matter. We often hear about moms who bemoan the fact that their kids have so much stuff that they can’t play with it all—and they end up tripping over the toys, or some version of that.
I grew up in a much less technology-powered time, as virtually any adult did today. We had no iPods or internet, and other than game shows and the occasional horror movie there was nothing on TV for kids in the afternoons—and even those weren’t primarily directed at kids. It simply wasn’t possible to live in
Broadening Horizons Read More »
Were you one of the 212 million shoppers that the National Retail Federation said hit the stores over the Black Friday weekend? Or have you waited for this week to get the Cyber Week deals that are being promised? I was in Los Angeles for the weekend, and visited toy stores all over the area
Holiday Shopping 2011: The Main Event Isn’t Always Buying Read More »
From a Line Around the Block to the Broadway Stage About this time last year, I had the inspiring and heartwarming opportunity to attend the open auditions for Ballet Girls in “Billy Elliot.” It happened again this year, with nearly 200 girls and their parents waiting for hours outside the Broadhurst theatre in New York
Dreams Coming True Read More »
School’s out, but there are always opportunities for learning. This summer, the tragic case of the murder of Caylee Anthony gives us a chance to talk with kids about our court system and how it works, reality—and the media. If you haven’t followed this, a young mother Casey Anthony was accused of murdering her preschool
Summer Civics Lesson Read More »
So much is written about how kids are consuming electronic media, lulled into a stupor by electronic games and generally disengaged. That may play well in the media, but is it reality? I’m starting to think not so much. I’ve been talking to a ton of parents lately about their plans for the summer and
Make It a Classic Summer Read More »
Children’s worlds—and the toy and products industries—always reflect the adult world. I’ve long said that if one really wants to understand adult perceptions and values, one need only look at what is being reflected in toys, entertainment and lifestyles targeted to children. It’s not that complex. Kids want to be grown up, and they want
Debunking “The War on Childhood” Read More »
The Harry Potter exhibition opened in Times Square this week with a gala event that included appearances by members of the cast, a red carpet and a preview of the exhibit. If you’re in New York, you’ll want to get to the Discovery Center in Times Square. The exhibit is amazing and for anyone who
They’re gorgeous; they’re funny and just a bit gruesome. They’ve developed a fan base that would impress any star—and they’re dolls. Mattel’s Monster High dolls to be exact. They’re the teenage children of the classic monsters of literature and movies, and they are going to high school. Moreover, since they’re from the House of Barbie,
A Monstrous Good Time: Why Monster High Matters Read More »
I laughed out loud when I read the piece in the New York Times about the movement to “restore play.”
Why Parents Should Heed The “Restore Play” Movement Read More »
Stores love gift cards, and according to a recent New York Times article, they’re pulling out all the stops to get you to buy them. With fees, restricted spending and the ability to get your money in advance, why not?
The Gift Card Conundrum Read More »
For years, girls have projected their fantasies on that beautifully designed lump of plastic called Barbie—just as neurotic adults have projected their unresolved issues and fears on her. Barbie is a cultural icon, and it’s easy to attack her, and media eats that up. But in the latest attack on the 51-year-old star, clarity of thought has been chucked, insanity rules, and the only response is a wide-eyed OMFG, as they say in text-speak.
Barbie Takes Another Hit—Insanity Rules Read More »
Thanksgiving is bearing down on us this week, with all the other holidays hot on its heels, and the drive to create perfection is weighing heavily on many minds. The search for perfection, and even the belief that it is possible is one of the great myths of our time. It was brought home even more fully this week by an article in the New York Times about altering kids’ school pictures so they could appear perfect.
The Perfection Trap—Staying Real Can Set You Free Read More »
As I’m writing this, the polls are opening, and I for one won’t miss the robo-calls, the reams of direct mail and most of all the contentious, virtually inescapable ads, arguments and incessant news coverage highlighting the most excessive outbursts from candidates. Whatever the outcome, however, the permanent campaigning will simply go on, but perhaps the tone will be ratcheted back a bit, and that’s going to be a relief.
With schools in many parts of the country in session for a couple of weeks and all kids back in school this week, learning is—or should be—on top of all parents’ minds. I spent the last month talking to parents and kids about going back to school, and one of the things they’re very concerned about is performance. In fact, almost too much. For some kids, especially those starting high school, the level of anxiety was particularly high. Why? Because they’re already concerned about their performance and how that’s going to affect their ability to get into college.
School’s In Session: Time to Fail Read More »
I’m afraid I’ve been spending way too much time over the past couple of evenings (and one afternoon) going through a very cool site for kids…from our own government.
Great Site for Kids Read More »
When it came to table manners, I grew up in a very strict home. I mean, really strict. My brothers and I were constantly corrected about which fork to pick up, how to hold the flatware, where to put the napkin, how to chew and so forth. It was a constant battle for my parents with four rowdy boys who thought the height of hilarity was flinging a roll across the table when one said, “Please pass…” Or that peas or lima beans (ick) could be effective weapons when catapulted with a spoon. Still, mom and dad were tireless, saying we’d thank them later.
Mind Your Table Manners—It May Matter Later Read More »
Lots of kids are reading, and that’s cause for celebration. At least that’s what I take away from conversations with teachers, parents and bookstore managers over the past two weeks. Reading-and getting kids to read-is one of my passions, so any time I’m hearing this news I’m happy. And I don’t care how they got there.
Cheap Trick or Brilliance? Read All About It. Read More »
With an estimated opening weekend box office of $109 Million, you don’t need me to tell you that Toy Story 3 is a major hit. Pixar’s biggest opening yet speaks to the power of the franchise-and the indelible mark that Woody, Buzz and the whole crew have left on our culture in just 15 years. In fact, it’s hard to imagine many kids growing up without these films-like Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz, they are now part of the kids’ movie pantheon. Yes, the reviews have all been glowing, and even our reviewer Cynthia Fuchs gave the movie 10 stars. Yet what has intrigued me are some of the subtle-and not so-messages that the movie delivers and the brilliant worldview of Pixar and Disney that offers all of us so much insight and food for thought over and above the sheer entertainment value.
What’s So Great About Toy Story 3? Read More »
In the new musical “The Addams Family,” Pugsley says to Grandma, “I don’t get your references.” Grandma replies, “Well, you might if you stop the darn texting and pick up a book.” It gets, as you might expect a huge laugh.
Summer Reading. Ready? Read More »
I was in the supermarket earlier this week when I had the opportunity to watch a totalitarian regime in action, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. From a mobile throne (aka a shopping cart), the little dictator somewhere around age five, was barking orders at the serf, who in a different form of government would be called “mom,” and her screams filled the store.
What’s With the ‘Tude? Read More »
Bans don’t work. Or at least they don’t achieve the desired end, which is generally to fix some problem in the culture. The Prohibition of alcohol in the U. S. from 1920-1933 was a disaster and gave rise to modern organized crime, helped fuel the “Roaring Twenties” and did nothing to prevent those who really wanted alcohol from getting their hands on it.
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time on the Dreamworks Animation online gaming site Kung Fun Panda World. Find it at www.kungfupandaworld.com.
A New Online World—Try it Free for a Month Read More »
The story of the week for parents and kids seems to be the fate of the kids bullying Phoebe Prince, the teenager who killed herself as the result of aggressive bullying.
