Being the mother to 2 toddlers, 12 months apart in age, can be incredibly challenging. They are still so very dependent on me, but they're fiercely trying to establish their own identities as well. This is shown through the desire for more independence, communicating needs, approval and disapproval, throwing all-out temper tantrums, and of course doing all of the cute little things that make them uniquely THEM. One thing I think is so important to teach while children are still very young is recognizing and being able to communicate emotions. This is a crucial skill because it allows a child to be comfortable with their own changing emotions, and it also promotes being better behaved overall. Sound like a huge claim? Well, here's some food for thought: A small child is at a playdate with a wide variety of other children. Some of them are strangers. The child feels shy, a little afraid, and perhaps a little bit left out. A child who is not able to identify feelings may begin crying or acting out. This is a natural reaction, since so many feelings at one time can be quite overwhelming, and young children may not know how else to communicate them. On the other hand, a child who is aware of their emotions may handle such a situation in a different manner. With a little pep talk from Mom, they may feel confident and optimistic after working through their initial feelings of discomfort. Understanding is key. That's why I was thrilled when I heard about Kimochis. What are Kimochis? They are adorable, huggable, unique plush pals that come with feelings and a story all their own. As a matter of fact kimochi means feeling in Japanese! Each Kimochis figure comes with 3 small, plush "feelings" and a short book that tells about the character and the challenges they face. You can even tuck a feeling or two (or more) inside of a Kimochis pal to demonstrate exactly how it's feeling at the time. Kimochis come in full sized characters as well as Kimochi Minis. You can even buy feelings packs, which contain several plush "feelings". These are great for teaching a wide range of emotions! The awesome folks at Kimochis sent me a full-sized Cloud and a feelings pack for my review. I was immediately impressed with how well-made these toys are. The Cloud figure is soft, velvety, and features embroidered facial features. I love this, since it eliminates the choking hazard found with little plastic or glass eyes. Cloud is also special because his face turns around 360 degrees to show two different emotions: Left Out and Happy. He also has a roomy pocket in his belly where additional, colorful feelings can be stowed away. Here is a bit more about Cloud's unique personality: Cloud is a bit unpredictable. One day he is happy, the next he is angry, and the next day... who knows.... maybe sad or even happy again. He can turn his head around to reflect a white happy face or a grey sad face. Because Cloud can be moody, sometimes its hard for him to get along with others. When happy, Cloud spreads the most beautiful sunshine and makes everyone around him feel fantastic! But when Cloud feels bad he has a tendency to snap and thunder and rain on everyone's parade. Cloud does not do this intentionally. He just has a hard time controlling his emotions, but works very hard at not being hurtful with the love and support of his friends. Take a look! And if those aren't cute enough, check out the Kimochis Feel Guide! Here are some photos of my toddlers, Sophie and Xander, getting to know their new friend, Cloud! Overall, we love our Kimochis! I hope to get the whole entire set for my kids. I love how interactive and comforting Kimochis are, and I also love their snuggly bodies and cheerful faces. My kids adore hugging and "talking" to them, and they also love when we read the Feel Guide together. As a parent, this is a toy I believe in. I love the message Kimochis send and the confidence and self-awareness small children can gain from Kimochis. These would also be wonderful for special needs kids with developmental issues or delays. The possibilities are endless with Kimochis! BUY IT: You can check out the awesomeness that is Kimochis on their website. You can also connect with Kimochis on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions. You can also follow them on Pinterest and on YouTube for more fun! WIN IT! I am thrilled to announce that one very lucky reader will be receiving the adorable Kimochi Mini, Huggtopus for that special someone in their life! How cool is that?! Please use this easy Rafflecopter form to enter.
This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ until 11:59PM on May 5, 2012. No PO Boxes. Winner will be drawn using Rafflecopter's Random Number Generator. All entries will be verified, so play fair! I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. Thanks for entering, and Good Luck! ***Disclosure: I received complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
44 Comments
Kathlyne B
4/12/2012 07:47:24 am
I learned the 3 keys to kimochis communication.
Reply
lisa
4/12/2012 08:25:30 am
The baby is so adorable! Love the faces that he makes!
Reply
Gladys Parker
4/12/2012 09:45:27 am
Awe, I luv the cat and the huggtopus!
Reply
Jaclyn
4/12/2012 09:49:14 pm
I think that Kimochis are one of the best ideas out there and love how they can be used not just by children to communicate feelings but teenagers and adults as well. The possibilities are endless. I also love the campaign to use Kimochis to help stop bullying...this is a very real problem close to my heart. I have twin toddlers as well as a teenager who could definitely benefit from one of these adorable little Kimochis! Thanks for such a lovely contest!!!! I am also a big fan of your blog as well, thanks for your inspiration!
Reply
jennifer laur
4/13/2012 01:48:09 am
i absolutely love that they are not just cute toys...they serve a purpose and can be a great tool to help with learning effective communication of emotion.
Reply
Shannon F
4/15/2012 09:23:47 am
I love Bella Rose!
Reply
Amy P.
4/15/2012 10:15:53 pm
Love that they help express feelings for so many ages!
Reply
4/16/2012 02:34:09 am
I love their program to help stop bullying. These are great toys to help children learn about feelings, how to express them and how to deal with them.
Reply
Sharon
4/16/2012 03:27:35 am
I like Kimochis Clover
Reply
susan varney
4/17/2012 02:16:01 am
i love huggtopus simply adorable
Reply
Adrienne Hayes
4/17/2012 07:28:58 am
I learned that Kimochi (KEY.MO.CHEE) means "feeling" in Japanese.
Reply
Amy Stewart
4/17/2012 07:34:35 am
I learned Kimochis offers parents easy tips and engaging activities to help strengthen the parent-child connection and teach children to identify and express feelings in positive ways.
Reply
Christine Paine
4/17/2012 07:39:04 am
I love that you can purchase additional "feelings."
Reply
Nicole C.
4/18/2012 07:48:46 am
I love the cat!
Reply
jade
4/18/2012 09:19:36 am
<3 the bug kimochi
Reply
Christina l
4/23/2012 02:55:42 am
I like all the different animals....mostly the cat
Reply
Irene
4/23/2012 09:35:54 pm
I think these are wonderful "friends" for little ones to share their feelings with
Reply
Giveaway Hound
4/25/2012 12:19:05 pm
i learned that they have a program to help stop bullying.
Reply
Kristen
4/26/2012 02:38:10 pm
I like the Lovey Dove.
Reply
Angela Winesburg
4/27/2012 03:00:37 pm
I love the cat the best!
Reply
Christina C
4/30/2012 06:07:56 am
I learned that Kimochis are often use as teaching tools in classrooms
Reply
Allison Lesley
4/30/2012 08:25:59 am
I love the Lovey Dove..that would def be my daughters fave
Reply
Jeanna
5/1/2012 04:51:10 am
I like that they help with emotional intelligence & help with self esteem!
Reply
Gianna
5/1/2012 12:16:48 pm
It means feeling in Japanese.
Reply
Jl Johnson
5/2/2012 03:44:20 pm
Love how kids have the opportunity to share their feelings regardless of their language skills!\
Reply
Christine L
5/3/2012 05:08:45 am
It is a great way for children to learn how to communicate their emotions
Reply
Paula Tavernie
5/3/2012 06:06:20 am
I love the Bug!
Reply
Miz Vickik
5/3/2012 10:22:57 am
I LOVE their mixed bag of feelings! Thanks!
Reply
Allison
5/3/2012 11:23:37 am
I learned that you can use these in the classroom- which is awesome because I am a special educator.
Reply
Candice Hull
5/4/2012 06:49:08 am
I love that these are cute and a great tool for teaching your child to communicate emotion and know that different emotions are ok
Reply
hannah millican
5/4/2012 12:19:25 pm
I have been struggling with my daughters anger issues since we left her abusive father, she has been acting out and I have been unsure how to help her. I think that these adorable little guys will have a positive impact on how she views her anger.
Reply
Reejen
5/4/2012 02:29:55 pm
I love there attempt to help children deal with emotional topics. I love the Lovey Dove.
Reply
christine
5/5/2012 01:20:01 am
these are just great, love cloud!
Reply
Lacy Tanner
5/5/2012 02:14:31 am
Teaching children how to express their feelings is so important. This is a great product!
Reply
amy deeter
5/5/2012 02:51:07 am
the Lovey Dove.
Reply
tml
5/5/2012 04:29:57 am
love that cat!!!!!
Reply
Shirley Pebbles
5/5/2012 06:45:12 am
I love the Kimochis Lady Bug
Reply
Corey Olomon
5/5/2012 09:04:31 am
I like Kimochis Clover
Reply
Gina Ferrell
5/5/2012 10:27:38 am
I love Kimochis® Bella Rose.
Reply
Mikki Cross
5/5/2012 11:10:57 am
What a wonderful idea, especially for children who have trouble communicating. They can relate to the doll and share feelings.
Reply
Sand
5/5/2012 12:35:23 pm
I adore Huggtopus!
Reply
Leah Shumack
5/5/2012 12:37:25 pm
I have never seen these before!! I learned that they are to help kids with self esteem!
Reply
Jessica
5/5/2012 01:35:37 pm
I learned they help kids communicate their feelings. My favorite is the lady bug.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
PR Friendly Mama!
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
June 2023
|