Monthly Archives: March 2010
Helping Those Who Serve Our Country
These past few months Kolcraft, KIDS and Operation Homefront have joined forces to help struggling military families who daily put their lives on the line for our country. We see heart-wrenching photos of parents leaving their children and spouses because they are being deployed overseas. What happens to the families who are left behind? Like many other Americans they often are struggling to make ends meet, but they have the added stress of knowing their loved one can be in harm’s way.
In an effort to lighten this burden Kolcraft has donated thousands of high chairs to military parents in need. Kolcraft and KIDS believe it’s imperative to give back to the community by helping those who are most in need. Both companies feel that a partnership with Operation Homefront is in alliance with their missions.
“On behalf of Kolcraft and Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) we are delighted to be able to provide high chairs to the children of military families. We believe that families struggling while their loved ones are fighting to protect our country should have available to them all the resources they need to raise healthy and well adjusted children. We thank Operation Homefront for all it does to provide a secure and comfortable environment for our most precious citizens.” Tom Koltun, President, Kolcraft Enterprises, Janice Weinman, President, K.I.D.S.
High chairs were distributed at Fort Bragg during the holidays and at Camp Pendleton in February. This May Kolcraft will again be joining forces with the military through Operation Shower to help expectant military moms in distressed situations.
Teaching your children to help other children in difficult situations is a life lesson that they are never to young to learn. You can bring your children with you to a store to help pick out items to donate. You can talk to them about saving a portion of their allowance or doing more choirs, etc. to earn extra allowance to give to children in need. These “small lessons” learned can help teach valuable lessons about sharing and reaching out to help others. How do you teach your children about sharing with the less fortunate? Please share your stories with us by leaving a comment.
Parenting As Seen on TV
Parenting is taking the TV limelight this week. Parenthood debuted yesterday on NBC and tomorrow night is the long awaited “baby episode” when Pam and Jim have their baby on The Office.
For some, watching a show on parenting is anything but relaxing. For others it’s a welcome break to laugh at scenarios that are vaguely similar to their own life. Here at Kolcraft we know that as a parent, grandparent or caregiver, you have real-life advice as well as tried and true tips to share. Here is you chance to debut your parenting skills!
Kolcraft is hosting Parenthood – the Real Story Facebook contest. You are in the “director’s seat” and get to craft your version of what the world needs to know about parenting. To enter the contest:
- Fan Kolcraft on Facebook (if you already are a Kolcraft fan, pat yourself on the back because you are one step ahead!)
- Post a two minute or less video of your “killer real-world” parenting tip
- If you are not very video savvy, that’s okay because you can post a photo collage with a 300 character (or less) “killer real-world” parenting tip
- Entries will be judged by creativity, originality and “real-world” application
- Contest ends March 13th at midnight CST. Winner will be announced on March 15th.
Winner will receive a Contours Options 3 wheeler stroller and a Contours 2 stage crib mattress valued at $480.00! 
We look forward to seeing new parenting stars rising on our Kolcraft fan page!
It’s Tip Tuesday!
One of my favorite memories from childhood is my mom reading to my sister and I before bed. We would pile into my sister’s bed with mom in the middle so we could see the pictures in the book. We loved how mom would take on different voices for the various characters in the book. It was a cherished time when we had mom “all to ourselves.” As an adult I realize we pretty much always had mom “all to ourselves,” but there was something special about story time. It was that “sacred time” set aside for snuggling and entering into new worlds of imagination through stories. And it was just for us and mom – no telephone or TV could interrupt us.
It’s never too early (or too late) to start reading with your child. Hold your baby and cuddle as you read. Your baby will then start to associate reading with positive feelings of being warm and safe.
What bedtime rituals do you remember from childhood? Have you continued something similar with your children?
Mom Monday with Jackie from Monkey Mayhem
It’s our first Mom Monday here at Baby Matters! Mom Mondays are Kolcraft’s chance to “brag” about moms (and dads too!) who have inspired us. Through these interviews we hope to create a place where parents and caregivers can network, be inspired and exchange parenting ideas.
We had the chance to “sit down” with Jackie who is the author of Monkey Mayhem blog. Jackie gave us insight into her life as wife to her wonderful husband Jeff and a mom to 3 active and beautiful children all while raising a new pug puppy and cat! We were grateful to have a few minutes of her busy day.
Jackie, you are the creator of Monkey Mayhem blog. Interesting name – how did you come up with Monkey Mayhem and why did you first start to blog?
I came up with Monkey Mayhem because I’ve always loved monkeys…and my house is seriously like mayhem! Plus my kids act like monkeys – they climb on anything and everything.
I started blogging when I first heard Kristin from Our Ordinary Life talk about her blog on a mommy forum we were both members of. It sounded cool to work with awesome companies and try out different products for them.
Have you been able to connect with other moms through your blog? How has this helped (or not helped) you?
Oh yes! I’ve met a lot of moms. I chat on Skype a lot and it’s all mommy bloggers I talk to. They are all awesome and we help each other with our blogs and sometimes parenting advice too. I also have some moms who comment on my blog when I talk about my family, giving me advice when dealing with my son who has behavior issues and a speech delay. I also get a lot of comments with support from other moms when I’m having issues or just need to let it all out or when I need other “mommy” advice.
We have been able to meet Jeffery, Jaylin & Jaxon on your blog. What has been your greatest joy of motherhood?
Watching them learn new things, knowing that I taught them everything they know (well mostly lol). With Jeffery and Jaylin they both have a significant speech delay, so every day I hear a new word out of their mouth I am overjoyed! Even though Jaxon is my 3rd baby, when he learns something new like smiling or rolling over it’s just as exciting as watching my 1st born do it.
How about your biggest challenge?
That would be Jeffery…simple. LOL! He has the speech delay, and now behavior issues we are trying to get under control. He is a lot like his mama! Stubborn, but a little more….what’s the word….evil? LOL! Seriously I love all my kids, but he’s proving to be a challenge. Jaylin is a laid-back kid…loves to please…and Jaxon I haven’t figured out his personality yet.
You have some great reviews of various products on your blog. What would you say is the “must have” baby product?
There are a ton! The one I didn’t get for review was our baby swing…that is a lifesaver! Next would be our playard (which happens to be Kolcraft made Jeep brand!) I wish I would have had that when Jaxon was first born, but we got it just the other month and it gets plenty of use! Oh, I can’t forget the baby carrier I use all the time, Sleepy Wrap! I reviewed that and LOVE it when we’re on the go!
Any advice for first-time parents?
Be patient. The sleepless nights don’t last forever. Trust your instinct and don’t be afraid to call the pediatrician or nurse line at midnight if you are really worried!
Now for a quick glance into Jackie’s life.
What is the book currently by your bedside? My notebook for my blog actually. I also usually keep a Beverly Barton book by my bed. She writes murder mystery/romance books and I can usually go through one of her 400 page books in about 2-3days. I’m just waiting on her newest book to come out…
What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas…always has been! I love giving gifts and now that I have kids, I love watching them open their gifts and seeing the joy on their faces!
If you could take 3 movies to a desert island, what would they be? The Simpsons Movie, and all the Fast & Furious movies with Vin Diesel and Paul Walker in them (the 1st and then the most recent one).
You favorite saying? Awesome!
What’s always in your fridge? Cherry Dr Pepper, milk, juice and lunchables!
We enjoyed getting to know Jackie. Head over to her Monkey Mayhem blog for her Monday Mingle and other informative product reviews and parenting lessons.
