Thursday, 03 July 2008 00:00
This year, Nick News, an 18 year old news show dedicated to bringing kids honest information about today’s most pressing issues, is celebrating the Fourth of July weekend in a truly unique way. Coming Home: When Parents Return From War, which premieres Sunday, July 6 at 9 pm Eastern time on Nickelodeon, is a tribute not just to the men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan (20,000 of whom will be home by the end of July), but to their children, who also exhibit strength and courage every day. The special highlights the stories of a number of kids who have parents at war. Many, like Michael, whose stepfather fought in Iraq, take on additional responsibility while their parents are away, helping to care for younger siblings or take care of the house. Other kids talk about their concerns when their parents come home, often worrying that they will be different, angrier or more distant. Coming Home, true to the reputation of Nick News, is straightforward and informative, but compassionate as well. It covers stories of parents who came home and found themselves unable to connect with their families, parents who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, parents who were wounded in war, and even one pair of siblings, Brenna and Michael, whose father died in Iraq. Interviews with the kids themselves and, in some cases, the parents, make each family’s story real to the viewer. Ultimately, this is not just a tribute or a show of gratitude; the message it sends is one of perseverance and strength. As the father of Kelli and Ethan, who lost his leg at war, said, “a hard day doesn’t mean it’s the last day.” These stories then, will certainly provide a sense of solidarity for those who have been through what these families have been through, but they will also provide inspiration to us all. 
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Too often, it seems like kids' clothing is all the same no matter where you shop. Not to mention that as much fun as picking out the perfect outfit for your little one can be, when you’re running after a screaming toddler, juggling breakfast plates, and trying to get the juice stain out of your own shirt, sometimes it seems easier just to keep the kids in their pajamas for the third day in a row. But Gimos Kidswear makes getting dressed well worth it.
Here is a product that is truly as innovative as it is ingenious. The Masterpiece Cards are a fun and interesting way to get your kids interested in art, to learn about truly important artists and paintings, and even to plan your next trip to a museum. The two sets, 250 Masterpieces in Western Painting and 125 Masterpieces in the Eastern U.S., include numerous 4x6 cards, each featuring a beautiful reproduction of a painting, information about the artist, when the piece was created, and where it is located, and commentary on the art.
As mothers, we know that how much stuffed animals can mean to a baby. Whether they’re tired and cranky or feeling playful, kids turn first to their favorite animal friends. Knowing this all too well, Russ took a great toy and made it even better. With buckles to unbuckle, buttons to snap, and laces to tie, kids everywhere will surely enjoy this adorable addition to Russ Kids, the Bright Buddies Activity Dolls. Featuring bright colors and eye-catching designs, your child will not be able to keep his hands off of these adorable plush animals.
As moms, we have mastered the art of multi-tasking. We can help with homework, cook dinner, vacuum the living room, and plan for tomorrow’s board meeting practically all at the same time. Which might be why we are so often exhausted and feel as though we’re running on empty from taking care of our kids and the home while juggling work or volunteering. By the time we reach the afternoon (and have already dedicated countless hours to getting everything done), it can feel impossible to finish the day without a nap. To keep up with our hectic schedules, many moms reach for cups of coffee or energy drinks packed with extra calories. 
Olive Kids, one of our favorite online destinations for kid-friendly designs, is gearing up to celebrate summer. This company was started by parents who understand the difficulty of finding cute patterns and decorations for a child’s room without resorting to the movie and TV characters that adorn every other product little kids love.
It’s no surprise that text messaging is growing in popularity practically every day – anyone who has teenagers at home like I do can vouch for that. But it’s not just teens who text anymore; parents use text messages to connect with colleagues at work, young kids with cell phones stay in touch with their friends, and whole families communicate with each other. Which means, maybe not so surprisingly, that actual phone calls – and voicemails – are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Enter SpinVox, a new service in the U.S. (although already taking off overseas) that is in keeping with the times.
Too often today, baby products look like items our parents might have bought several decades ago. Well no longer. Boon is the up to date answer for today’s parents. With fun designs, cool colors, and truly innovative products, the company brings modern style to modern parenting. Boon provides bath, storage, and feeding solutions to problems that all parents have – messy eaters, countless misplaced stuffed animals, and even potty training. Flo, one of the company’s bath items, is more than a multi-tasker, it’s ingenious. Besides their practical products, though, Boon also offers a line of adorable clothing items. 
The all-natural product movement has reached skincare for kids in an adorable way. With Stuff for Sprouts, you can keep your kid’s skin smooth without worrying about chemicals or other artificial ingredients. The company’s products, created by a mom looking to sooth her own child’s dry, itchy skin, include creams, lotions, lip balms, and, soon, sunscreens. They are all non-greasy and made with ingredients like olive butter, aloe, and avocado oil, things you’d normally be more likely to find in a health food item than a body cream. Even better, your children will love them, as the kid-friendly scents range from the front lawn to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Even my teenagers were impressed! With a cute logo and truly effective products, Stuff for Sprouts is perfect for your little ones and the rest of the family as well. To learn more, visit the 
It's no secret that parents long for the day when their new baby has a head full of hair, when they no longer have to dress their child in strictly pink or blue to differentiate between the genders, and when they can finally put those adorable hair clips to use on their little girls. Well BabyToupee has taken the idea to a whole new level. With their line of “small wigs for small people,” your baby will not only have hair, but they can look like Lil' Kim, Donald Trump, Bob Marley, or Samuel L. Jackson. You can even submit photos of your babies assuming their new personas to be posted on the website. With a lot of creativity and a touch of inanity, this is one company that strives to bring some humor to the sometimes all-too-serious world of parenting. See it for yourself 