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Webkinz: Boon Or Bane For Kids?

Webkinz are the latest craze among kids — with the Webkinz Tiger being one of the favorites. Launched in 2005, the phenomenon has thrown up some questions that parents seek answers to. In this article I take a look at the issues involved:

Let me give you a quick tour of the world of Webkinz, if you are not already familiar with it. These are plush stuffed animals, for kids. Buy one for your kid, and for a year, that will entitle your child, by use of a special code, to log onto the Webkinz website and own a virtual Webkinz, and do everything with it that one can do with a live pet, such as naming it, designing a room for it, and buying furniture, clothes and toys for it. Your kid will also be able to network with other kids, play online games with them, and so on. In other words, your kid gets introduced to social networking, via the Internet.

For those who cannot afford the toy, the manufacturers, Ganz, have devised Lil’ Kinz, a version of the toys that is not as expensive. They have also introduced a premium version of the toy, in the form of the Signature Collection. Last year, the Webkinz eStore opened, allowing users to indulge their pets with virtual luxuries that include clothing, charms and furniture, apart from online-only pets. Users can use eStore items only if they have an active Webkinz, Jr., or Webkinz. account.

This is a toy custom-made for kids born in a post-internet world. It is devised to make your child familiar with the internet, with several web concepts, such as “Arcade” games, online currency in the form of “Kinzcash”, and a chatline called “Clubhouse”, whereby your child can interact with other children, online.

As a parent, you might be concerned about exposing very young kids to a medium you might perceive as being “unsafe”. The manufacturers of Webkinz claim to have devised safeguards to protect kids from risks relating to language and safety.

Also, while the activities are clearly fun, the commercial element is manifest. Some popular versions of the toy have been “retired” by the company and are sold on the internet by previous owners who demand — and get — as much as $200. Also, the secret code needs to be renewed every year if your kid wants to continue to log onto Webkinz World.

On the positive side, Webkinz toys help initiate children to using a computer and interacting online. On the flip side, they could distract children from schoolwork and outdoor games.

So, is it a boon, or a bane? The answer to this question lies in the role you play as a parent. You can keep things healthy by monitoring your child’s internet activity. Stick to a strict timetable, rationing the time spent online, while insuring that your kid gets sufficient time to spend on homework and any other activity, such as playing with friends offline. That will insure your child’s emotional health, while not denying him or her any exposure that might prove beneficial, in the long run.

About the Author

Manufacturers, again this Christmas season, are advertising products and then not supplying stores with enough items to meet the demand. The Webkinz Tiger may be one of those items. — To find out how you can get hard-to-find or out-of-stock items at retail at Amazon, click on this link:
Webkinz Tiger
(Disclosure: Compensated Affiliate)

Webkinz Jr.

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Starbar Fly Stik Jr $3.49 Starbar(R) Fly Stik™ Junior The half-size Fly Stik™ Junior is 12 inches long Convenient smaller size great for indoor or outdoor use, in barns, stables, corrals and homes Contains no insecticides, no poisons and no hazardous chemicals Can be used around animals and pets Directions for Use FLY STIK JUNIOR™ Sticky Fly Trap DIRECTIONS FOR USE 1. Fly Stik Jr. should be hung wherever flies are a problem. Choose an area near a window or electric light source. The more light the area receives, the more effective the visual attraction. 2. Carefully remove Fly Stik Jr. from package – remember it is VERY sticky. Pull out hook and hang from ceiling or exposed rafters high enough to be out of reach of children or pets, in an area where people will not accidentally come into contact with the sticky surface. 3. Replace Fly Stik Jr. when 80% or more of the exposed surface is covered with trapped insects. Dispose of unit by placing in garbage bag. INSTRUCTIONS FOR REMOVAL OF GLUE If trap is accidentally contacted and the glue gets on skin or clothing, remove with waterless hand cleaner, then wash area with mild soap and water. If in hair or animal fur, use baby oil or mineral oil. Massage area with GENEROUS amount of oil, then wash with warm water and bland soap or shampoo. Rinse well. This treatment may have to be repeated several times to assure complete removal.

Mountain Horse Paddington Cozy Jr Large Black $60.95 Mountain Horse(R) Paddington Cozy Fleece Jr. Incredibly soft and silky fleece that is lightweight and resists pilling. Half-zip mock neck collar makes it easy to slip on and off. Inner wind flap in woven fabric. Mountain Horse embroidery around collar. Felt badge on chest. Fabric: 100% polyester. Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14) Colors: Earthy Olive, Snow White, Carbon Black

Mountain Horse Paddington Cozy Jr Large Olive $60.95 Mountain Horse(R) Paddington Cozy Fleece Jr. Incredibly soft and silky fleece that is lightweight and resists pilling. Half-zip mock neck collar makes it easy to slip on and off. Inner wind flap in woven fabric. Mountain Horse embroidery around collar. Felt badge on chest. Fabric: 100% polyester. Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14) Colors: Earthy Olive, Snow White, Carbon Black

Mountain Horse Paddington Cozy Jr Medium Black $60.95 Mountain Horse(R) Paddington Cozy Fleece Jr. Incredibly soft and silky fleece that is lightweight and resists pilling. Half-zip mock neck collar makes it easy to slip on and off. Inner wind flap in woven fabric. Mountain Horse embroidery around collar. Felt badge on chest. Fabric: 100% polyester. Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14) Colors: Earthy Olive, Snow White, Carbon Black

Mountain Horse Paddington Cozy Jr Small Black $60.95 Mountain Horse(R) Paddington Cozy Fleece Jr. Incredibly soft and silky fleece that is lightweight and resists pilling. Half-zip mock neck collar makes it easy to slip on and off. Inner wind flap in woven fabric. Mountain Horse embroidery around collar. Felt badge on chest. Fabric: 100% polyester. Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14) Colors: Earthy Olive, Snow White, Carbon Black

Mountain Horse Tridurance Gloves Jr Large Black $32.95 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Tridurance Glove Jr. The practical three-finger design makes this glove perfect for long winter rides. Breathable and waterproof. Extra reinforcements to prevent wear from reins. Reflective piping and Mountain Horse test on top of hand. Warm knitted cuff at wrist. Adjustable strap with hook & loop closure Outer Shell: 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Lining: 100% polyester fleece. Insulation: 100% fiberfill Thinsulate™. Children’s Sizes. See Adult Tridurance Gloves E004218

Mountain Horse Tridurance Gloves Jr Medium Black $32.95 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Tridurance Glove Jr. The practical three-finger design makes this glove perfect for long winter rides. Breathable and waterproof. Extra reinforcements to prevent wear from reins. Reflective piping and Mountain Horse test on top of hand. Warm knitted cuff at wrist. Adjustable strap with hook & loop closure Outer Shell: 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Lining: 100% polyester fleece. Insulation: 100% fiberfill Thinsulate™. Children’s Sizes. See Adult Tridurance Gloves E004218

Mountain Horse Tridurance Gloves Jr Small Black $32.95 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Tridurance Glove Jr. The practical three-finger design makes this glove perfect for long winter rides. Breathable and waterproof. Extra reinforcements to prevent wear from reins. Reflective piping and Mountain Horse test on top of hand. Warm knitted cuff at wrist. Adjustable strap with hook & loop closure Outer Shell: 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Lining: 100% polyester fleece. Insulation: 100% fiberfill Thinsulate™. Children’s Sizes. See Adult Tridurance Gloves E004218

Mountain Horse Tridurance Gloves Jr XLarge Black $32.95 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Tridurance Glove Jr. The practical three-finger design makes this glove perfect for long winter rides. Breathable and waterproof. Extra reinforcements to prevent wear from reins. Reflective piping and Mountain Horse test on top of hand. Warm knitted cuff at wrist. Adjustable strap with hook & loop closure Outer Shell: 96% polyester, 4% elastane. Lining: 100% polyester fleece. Insulation: 100% fiberfill Thinsulate™. Children’s Sizes. See Adult Tridurance Gloves E004218

Mountain Horse Liberty Jacket Jr Large Orange $71.95 Mountain Horse(R) Liberty Jacket Jr. A great insulating piece and outer jacket all-in-one. Locks in heat when worn as a mid-layer but also looks great when worn alone when you’re off to town for a bite to eat. Water repellent. Quilted fabric with rib trim pockets, sleeves and collar. Two-way front zipper. Mountain Horse embroidery on collar and sleeve. Two zip front pockets; one inside phone pocket. Outer Shell: 100% nylon. Lining: 100% polyester. Insulation: 100% fiberfill, 110g body and sleeve. Color: Sassy Orange Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14)

Mountain Horse Liberty Jacket Jr Medium Orange $71.95 Mountain Horse(R) Liberty Jacket Jr. A great insulating piece and outer jacket all-in-one. Locks in heat when worn as a mid-layer but also looks great when worn alone when you’re off to town for a bite to eat. Water repellent. Quilted fabric with rib trim pockets, sleeves and collar. Two-way front zipper. Mountain Horse embroidery on collar and sleeve. Two zip front pockets; one inside phone pocket. Outer Shell: 100% nylon. Lining: 100% polyester. Insulation: 100% fiberfill, 110g body and sleeve. Color: Sassy Orange Children’s Sizes: S (8), M (10), L (12), XL (14)

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 5-6 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 4-5 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 6-7 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 7-8 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 8-9 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247

Mountain Horse Venice Field Boot Jr. 9-10 $189.99 Mountain Horse(R) Children’s Venice Field Boot Jr. An elegant junior field boot made in supple full grain leather. The look, feel and comfort is top quality and the price is just as attractive. Spanish cut top Camtex™ lining Strong and durable full length YKK(R) Vislon zipper in back Covered, inside elastic gusset for a comfortable fit 8 sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing Spur rest Ergonomically-designed removable EVA insole Two insoles for “Room to Grow”. Built-in steel shank for increased stability Durable and slim-contour designed outsole has dirt repellent tread zones and an enhanced grip in the irons Heel part is fitted with IPS shock absorbing technology Material: Full grain leather Lining: Camtex™ Ladies’ Sizes #E002305 Men’s Sizes #E004247