ace and friends 2012 Holiday Gift Guide beginning November 16th... stay tuned!

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Online and Offline Fun With Webkinz Plus Toys

My kids have been fans of Webkinz for years.... so when they discover new Webkinz friends, I immediately hear all about them. They truly enjoy finding the *special code* and then having the ability to explore even further online with a new Webkinz friend.

Webkinz Butterscotch Retriever puppy dog from Ganz has soft tan fabric. This full size Webkinz measures 8.5 inches tall. As with all other Webkinz, this adorable dog comes with it's own special code to access it's virtual world.

Webkinz Rockerz (including this Poodle) are sassy rock & roll pets that unlock the magic of Webkinz World! Each pet includes a unique Secret Code. Enter the code at webkinz.com and bring your pet to life. With a Webkinz Rockerz pet, you'll receive a unique rock & roll outfit and access to an exclusive Rockerz challenge with awsome Stadium Rock prizes for your pets room.

Each and every Webkinz friend has a special eight digit code that can be used online to *adopt* them in the virtual Webkinz World. Upon being adopted online, kids have the ability to care for their Webkinz friend by feeding it, providing playtime and more. 

For even more fun and exciting adventures, Webkinz also offers the ability to play a game through Webkinz Facebook page. This Facebook App is similar to various other and popular city building games.  Webkinz codes are not a requirement or necessary to use on the Webkinz Facebook game page. You can build houses and businesses to improve the community's *happiness* level. When it came to playing the two different style games, my kids actually preferred Webkinz World... they felt there was more to do that was more appealing to them.

Also... Webkinz will be introducing a new iPad App and I know that will certainly be a BIG hit in our home. Webkinz + iPad = Giddy Kids.

As excited as my kids were to get these new Webkinz, I know that they will be adding other Webkinz friends to their holiday lists. There is such a wide variety to choose, ranging from the everyday *normal* pet to the more exotic, wild animals to various sea creatures and more. Definitely something for everyone and I have a feeling a Webkinz friend would delight a child this holiday season. Make sure to check out Webkinz Holiday Guide for gift ideas. 

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Buy It

Find Webkinz at a store near you – prices may vary

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Stay Connected

Follow Webkinz on Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Webkinz. I received a product sample and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

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*AT&T Mobile Safety School Tips* For Parents

Most days, I absolutely LOVE and appreciate technology. But with the advancements of technology also comes some concerns where my children become more and more involved with these electronics. Sadly, the kids today face several issues especially when it comes to mobile phone usage such as bullying, privacy, over-usage, texting while driving and more.

AT&T has created a program called AT&T Mobile Safety School to provide education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety and are committed to being a leader in this cause. 

Recently, AT&T conducted a study of 1,000 parents and 500 kids – ages 8-17 – on a variety of topics that relate to mobile phones, devices and other issues. The results of this study provided some powerful information.

Have you ever wondered what the appropriate age is to give a child a mobile phone (I know I have)? While there isn't an age that is set in stone... or what people may deem as the *right* age, based on this study, the average age of children getting their first mobile phone is 12.1.

Wondered what the average age is by age group?

• Age 8-11 – average age 9.5 yrs
• Age 12-14 – average age 11.3 yrs
• Age 15-17 – average age 13.3 yrs

Parent Concerns

• 89% are worried about texting and driving
• 67% are concerned about bullying text messages
• 69% are concerned about sexually suggestive messages
• 77% are worried about their kids receiving calls from unknown numbers.

So, what are kids actually experiencing and are the above mentioned Parent Concerns warranted. Sadly, yes.

• 53% of kids have been in a motor vehicle with someone who was texting and driving
• Over 1 in 5 have received a mean or bullying text message from another kid on their mobile phone
• Almost half (46%) have a friend who has received a message or picture that their parents would not have liked because it was too sexual
• 69% have answered a call from an unknown number

Do Parents Set Cell Phone Usage Rules For Their Kids?

AT&T found that just over half (66%) of kids said that they actually have rules in place for their phone usage, however 90% would be comfortable with rules IF they were set by parents. 

Interestingly, 93% of kids have rules on their phones at school. No rules at home, this might be the perfect opportunity to transition to implement some of these rules right into your home. 

What kind of rules do you have or thinking of implementing in your home?

While each child is unique, there are safety topics and themes that resonate within specific age groups:

Are families discussing mobile safety?

• 2 out of 5 kids with a mobile phone say their parents have not talked to them about staying safe and secure when using the mobile phone
• Kids are more likely to have discussed every other safety issue with their parents – protecting yourself from strangers, alcohol and drugs, sex education

Get The Conversation Started!

• AT&T found that these real families helped uncover some interesting issues. This study helped us understand that we can’t just sit back and see what happens. Families need to be provided tools and tips to address the growing list of wireless safety issues.
• AT&T is a partner, not just a provider.
• AT&T's goal is to empower parents to start the conversation about mobile safety, and move away from focusing on restricting their children’s connectivity. 

Interested in learning more? AT&T has put together a variety of resources to help parents. From learning what other families are doing through videos, or downloadable tip sheets, the website at http://www.att.com/familysafety to access this valuable information.

Join the TWITTER party!

AT&T will be hosting a Twitter party on Friday, Nov. 9, at 2pm ET.

Join HERE: http://twtvite.com/attmobilesafety

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: This post was part of a compensated AT&T Mobile Safety program through The Motherhood. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

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