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!
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!
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!
Kimochis come well packaged, perfect for gifting!
Here is Cloud's Happy Face.
Cloud's sad face.
Here are some feelings!
And if those aren't cute enough, check out the Kimochis Feel Guide!
This is a wonderful teaching tool!
Includes tips for connecting, communicating, and practicing identifying specific feelings!
Here are some photos of my toddlers, Sophie and Xander, getting to know their new friend, Cloud!
Sophie is quite enchanted!
Xander shaking his hand!
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?!
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.***
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.***
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