![]() As the mother of three children, I am always on the lookout for kids books and movies that send a positive message. This can be more challenging than it seems! With so many so-called children's entertainment outlets sending the WRONG message to growing kids, finding products that reinforce positive values in a realistic manner is getting increasingly difficult. For example, I recently had to ban an entire television channel that is supposedly geared towards kids because its programming was beginning to affect the way my preteen thinks. He was starting to believe that a person's worth is in their material possessions and in being famous, and that nothing else would ever be good enough. The characters in these shows are also snarky, disrespectful, and sometimes downright mean. This is SO not the message I want my children being taught! Yes, my son is a preteen. But this just goes to show that children of all ages are very impressionable, and the TV, books, and movies they are exposed to can definitely influence their thought processes...and not always in ways that a parent would like. I am a firm believer that you can never start pointing kids in the right direction too young. Whether it be please and thank you's, sharing, kindness, honesty or tolerance, these are values that are absolutely essential for a child to grow into a successful and productive adult. As a mom, my main goal is to raise children that are good people, who make the right decisions. Sure, there will be hiccups along the way. Sure, mistakes will be made. After all, kids will be kids. Childhood is one long learning process. But if kids are taught positive values from an early age, it's a process that can go much more smoothly. That's why I was so excited when Britt Menzies, the creator and author of StinkyKids, reached out to me about reviewing her new series of books and dolls. The name “StinkyKids” comes from the phrase “little stinKers”, which Britt used to describe the innocent behavior of her two kids when they were little. The StinkyKids characters are little stinKers who learn to make right choices through their childhood mistakes and who live by the motto “Always be a leader of good”. StinkyKids is an innovative brand that appeals to parents for the values it represents and appeals to kids because the characters are real kids getting into real mischief. What makes StinkyKids so special? Other than the fact that they're stinkin' adorable, these colorful characters help teach valuable life lessons. These characters are diverse, and are based off of real children. Ms. Menzies understands that kids will always get into mischief. They will always have bigger-than-life imaginations, and this can sometimes get them in trouble. But in the end, what really matters is that kids learn the skills to make the right decisions, ultimately being a Leader of Good. The StinkyKids series has been creating quite the buzz, too! This wonderful series has been recognized on several respected media outlets such as The Today Show, FOX News, CBS and ABC as a Parent's Top Pick! StinkyKids has also recently been adapted into a wonderful musical! So definitely keep your eyes out for the StinkyKids. I am sure you'll be seeing quite a lot of them in the future! ![]() I received the debut book in the Stinky Kids series, "StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors" and an adorable companion doll for my review. I absolutely loved the positive story in the book, as well as the bright, attention grabbing illustrations. I won't give the story away, since I am sure you'll want to read it for yourself, but I will say it is wonderfully written, and it's very clear that the author has a real understanding and love for children. She expects mischief and mistakes, and turns these inevitable events into positive lessons that help kids to follow their hearts and make the right choices in life. As a mom, I can feel good about that! My family loved StinkyKids and what they stand for. In today's world, parents need all the reinforcement we can get when trying to teach our kids to always do the right thing. Outside influences can be so alluring to kids, especially when they are perceived as "cool." Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try as parents, we can't always completely shield our kids from these negative messages that are seen everywhere, every single day. Why not counter-balance these not so positive influences with something that mirrors the good values we want our kids to be learning? StinkyKids are there to help you do just that! With the loveable, cute characters and colorful and very true to childhood stories, these wonderful books can be a valuable teaching tool that kids and parents alike are sure to enjoy! These stories are sure to elicit giggles and help build confidence as kids learn how they, too, can be a Leader of Good. As a mom, I am proud to be able to share StinkyKids with MY "little stinkers." I am confident that if you read these amazing books, you will be, too! BUY IT: To learn more about StinkyKids, please visit their website. StinkyKids donates a percentage of its profits to Books, Bears, Bonnets, Inc. (www.booksbearsbonnets.org), a charity founded in honor of Britt’s aunt who died from uterine cancer. Books, Bears, and Bonnets, Inc. delivers gift boxes to children and adults fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. You can also follow StinkyKids on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions! WIN IT: One very lucky follower will receive a copy of StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors, autographed by Britt Menzies herself! How cool is that?! Please use this handy Rafflecopter form to enter! This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents 18+ until 12:01AM EST on 9/06/2011. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced here, tweeted, shared on Facebook, and contacted via e-mail. The winners will have 48 hours to reply and claim their prize. If I receive no response, I will be forced to draw a new winner. ***Disclosure:I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
43 Comments
Julie G
8/19/2011 07:04:18 am
I try to teach by setting a good example. Always be kind to others even if they are not always kind to you. Treat others how you would want to be treated.
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~K~
8/19/2011 07:22:51 am
We use good examples each time we break up a fight between our 2 stinkers! ;-) We have to think about what we've done and how it made the other sibling feel and be sorry for how we've behaved. Some of these lessons take a while to sink in so winning this would be great!
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Erlinda Palines
8/19/2011 05:41:18 pm
We lead by example and never assume that kids understand in the same way we understand. We try to talk plain language and teach empathy!
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Erlinda Palines
8/19/2011 05:44:55 pm
Shared and tagged on FB profile.
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Kate
8/20/2011 12:12:04 am
I teach by being a good example and teaching them right from wrong.
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8/20/2011 12:14:05 am
we're a 'golden rule' family - do unto others as you would have them do unto you'
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lisa
8/20/2011 09:59:03 am
lead by example!
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melissa williams
8/20/2011 11:06:28 am
I lead by example and try to correct her behavior when it's not so nice. We also praise her when she does well.
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Amber
8/21/2011 12:00:27 am
I teach my kids to try to include everyone at school, parties, when playing games etc. so nobody feels left out.
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allison
8/21/2011 08:01:38 am
I lead by example. I don't throw fits with my child around or drive like a crazy person. At christmas, I have my son pick the toys he doesn't want anymore and we bring them to the local children's hospital.
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Erlinda Palines
8/21/2011 10:03:58 am
Shared and tagged on FB profile.
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Christine
8/22/2011 12:52:52 am
sharing even when kids dont share with you. When Noelle says someone is mean, i say "I'm glad you are still nice to them - that's important." And when someone does something mean, we teach her to name the action and not own it, "that's mean." We encourage talking about choices in life.
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Erlinda Palines
8/22/2011 08:40:37 am
Shared & tagged on FB profile
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Erlinda Palines
8/23/2011 06:41:39 am
shared and tagged on FB profile
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Wendy Tresidder
8/23/2011 07:32:00 am
I try to teach by example.
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Erlinda Palines
8/23/2011 10:10:55 pm
shared and tagged on FB profile
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Erlinda Palines
8/24/2011 05:43:32 pm
shared and tagged on FB profile
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Lynda Clark
8/24/2011 08:41:11 pm
We try to teach the kids not to be followers and to try to do what is right in their hearts and not what others say to do.
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heather stevens
8/24/2011 11:38:43 pm
i try to teach by example.
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Erlinda Palines
8/26/2011 03:43:42 am
shared and tagged on FB profile
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8/27/2011 10:37:51 am
We teach our daughter not to do what everyone else is doing just because it's easier. We tell her to always make the decisions she knows are right and to be a leader and not a follower.
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Ashley
8/28/2011 12:52:02 am
I teach them to have respect for others and to be kind :)
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Tanaya Syx
8/30/2011 08:54:20 am
We teach our kids to follow Jesus' example just like we try to do.
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charlene elswick
8/31/2011 02:30:58 am
i teach my children to treat everyone how they want to be treated
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Bonnye Sensenig
8/31/2011 03:22:49 am
we lead by example!
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Melissa Wilson
9/3/2011 02:26:28 am
I try to be an example for my son, i hope that if he sees me and his daddy be good role models and do good things within the community, he will do the same
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Janet Russell
9/3/2011 03:59:47 am
I have 3 children and my husband and I always tried to live the life and teach by role modelling, discussing and providing the correct written and video materials that would give each child the best way to go forward in this ever changing world. What we see for our first Grand Child, a wee girl due in 2 weeks, is a world that has lost the Black and White and gone to the Grays on every level. These books about teaching Positive Values to children from the very beginning sound like an excellent resource for every child's library as well as for the Parents who might not have had the value upbringing that they really wanted! Best Regards to all new parents out there!
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Charlene
9/4/2011 12:48:06 am
I teach them that they need to have good manners.
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Pauline M
9/4/2011 04:00:31 pm
My kids use their manners. That's always a great first step.
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Angela Q
9/4/2011 08:57:12 pm
My kids have been raised to respect adults and use there manners. Treat kids as you would want to be treated. Im proud of my 3 boys and 1 daughter they are very caring kids.
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Ann Marie Walker
9/4/2011 11:54:39 pm
I have always tried to teach my kids by the adage lead by example. I also make sure to teach them respect, and if they aren't doing the right thing I remind them of what the right thing is, and why they should be doing it.
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Tracy
9/5/2011 12:53:51 am
We try to teach by example, and with the people we are around. Also our church teachs a strong sence of personal responsibility - we try, what more can we do?
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Rebecca Peters
9/5/2011 02:18:53 am
Lead and teach by example!
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Carla Pullum
9/5/2011 03:02:07 am
I teach them by my example! Kids watch their parents!
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Laura Emerson
9/5/2011 03:29:38 am
We always try and set a good example for them so that they can never say "but you didn't!"
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alberta byers
9/5/2011 04:24:37 am
I teach by leading a good example on how we treat other people.
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Jen Harriman
9/5/2011 05:49:23 am
I try to make sure my kids are always respectful of others & other peoples belongings.
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Kate Charles
9/5/2011 10:04:53 am
I work very hard with my kids on using their manners!!
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ALLEN SISSON
9/5/2011 10:41:29 am
We lead by example and teach never lie, never cheat, never steal!
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John
9/5/2011 11:50:02 am
Lead by example and show my kids little things they can do each day that can make a big difference in other peoples' lives
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Debbie Kennedy
9/5/2011 12:56:40 pm
I try to teach my children to #1 be respectful of others. I think my husband and I fair pretty good in trying to be good, so I'm hoping that we are the examples for them.
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I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com Links We Love :Archives
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