GoodyBlog

Nick Tunes

Last week, I blogged about the new line of CDs from a series that turns hit songs into lullabies. Now Nickelodeon is getting in on the act. The popular kids' network just released Sleepytime Lullabies, which uses a full string ensemble to sooth your little Dora fan off to dreamland. The CD features instrumental versions of some songs made famous by the likes of The Beatles, The Mamas & the Papas, and James Taylor. Bonus: It also includes “One Magic Kiss,” an exclusive track recorded by Brandi Carlile.

Your Kid on the Cover of Parents!

We're looking for the cutest kid in America to put on the cover of Parents! This is huge: Tell your friends! Tell your family! Tell everyone! We want to find the most adorable kids out there and we know you've got 'em.

Just click here to upload a photo of your child before June 24 and your kid could be chosen as one of five finalists to be flown to New York City with a guardian and professionally photographed. The most gorgeous kid of all will be on our November 2008 cover!

Spankin' New Headlines

When should you have babies? The widening gap between culture and biology. NPR

Some schools are implementing single-sex classes to help boys catch up. Boston Globe
 
Is your child addicted to video games? U.S. News & World Report

An Arkansas woman, Michelle Duggar, is pregnant with her 18th child! (She wrote an article for us back when she had only 14…) Yahoo! News

Facebook is making changes to protect its younger users. New York Times

Original photo via

A Little Bit Country

Last year, the Rockabye Baby CDs were making the rounds here at the GoodyBlog office. Some of us loved them, and some of us didn't know what to make of them. To refresh your memory, the series features rock songs from classic and popular bands (Metallica, No Doubt, the Stones) turned into soothing lullabies. I thought it was a good idea, especially for all the rock-loving parents who are easily offended by bad kids' music (and trust me–there's plenty of it out there). Well, now the producers have released another series that won't assault your ears. Hushabye Baby includes lullaby versions of country's biggest hits, ranging from Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line" to the Dixie Chicks' "Cowboy Take Me Away" to Carrie Underwood's "So Small." And the cool thing is you don't have to be a die-hard country music fan to enjoy the familiar melodies. Yee-haw! Shhh!

Pigging Out

It's time to retire that antiquated slot-in-the-back piggy bank—there's a new hog in town. And this one moves. And oinks too.

Check this out—when you place a coin in the Hungry Bank's mouth, it's detected by a built-in motion sensor. The precious piglet begins to chew and swallow your cash into it's savings belly. And of course, it oinks and snorts while munching away. Wanna see the pig in action? Click here. This would no doubt encourage your kids to save their coins away for a rainy day.

The Hungry Bank is available for sale here. Thanks to This Next for the link!

Spankin' New Headlines

Some parents who've had it with all the baby gear decided to make a profit. Los Angeles Times

A new study finds that (in most ways) things are better for American children than they were a decade ago. Washington Post

Peanut allergies and bullying can be a dangerous combination. ABC News

Should an NYC 4th grader be allowed to take the subway alone? A debate over parenting styles. Newsweek

Biking sends kids to the hospital more than any other sport, according to a new study. Chicago Tribune

Original photo via

National Turn Off the TV Week

It's National Turn Off the TV Week (April 21-27)—which, I must say, nicely coincides with Earth Day to help save a little bit of energy. The goal is to turn off the tube for the week and spend a little more Q.T. together as a family. Maybe you can go for a hike like John suggested, or check out some other suggestions for turn-off activities. And then, when the week's over, remember that TV is okay for kids over 2 as long as it's in moderation. I like the concept of TV Time (pictured)—it's a little kit that has 15-minute TV tickets, 2 movie passes, and an old-school sand hourglass for measuring time. It's an easy way to keep track of how much screen time your little one is getting during the week. For $19.95, you could probably just get some construction paper and DIY, but if you're down for the quick-fix, check it out.

Smart Kids' Shoes

While doing my usual evening reading of Jezebel yesterday, I spotted a link to these bizarre (yet kind of brilliant?) Inchworm shoes that grow with your kids' feet. All you have to do is push a button on the side of the shoe, pull on the toe, and presto: You've got a larger shoe for your child's growing-bigger-every-second feet. They're not a bargain—the "Stretch" model, the most stylish one (in my opinion anyway), is $79. But I might cough up that much for sneakers my kid wouldn't outgrow 10 minutes after I bought them. What do you think—would you be willing to take a chance on adjustable shoes?

Great Green Sale!

Just in time for Earth Day, drugstore.com has slashed up to 40% off the price of tons of their earth-friendly goods—and you'll even get a 10% credit back on every green or natural product you buy. Our pick from the baby & kids section: Seventh Generation's unscented baby wipes with aloe vera and vitamin E. This refill pack of 80 wipes is just $3.84. (I'm also loving the typo in the product description: "Unlike many traditional baby wipes, ours are not bleached with chlorine and do not contain alcohol or synthetic ingredients that can irate baby's skin." Well, I guess you would have an irate baby if his skin was irritated.) The sale ends on April 25th.

Good Deed Friday: Kids' Books for Earth Day

Earth Day is on Tuesday, April 22, and a great way to get your kids involved is to pick up an eco-friendly book to read together. Here's a look at my new favorite picture book:
Michael Recycle - Set in a grimy town that has been taken over by trash, Michael Recycle comes to the rescue yelling: "You've got to recycle! You've got to act soon! Before all your trash, reaches up to the moon!" Inspired by the "super-green hero," the town members react by creating a Be Greener Campaign that includes: recycling, growing their own veggies, and collecting rain for reuse. It's a beautifully drawn book with lots of bright, vibrant colors to get you and your kids excited. Plus, there's 2 pages of Michael Recycle's Go Green Tips at the back of the book with practical ways your family can help the environment.

For the younger set, check out the adorable board book Eco Babies Wear Green (found via Dr Vino).