| My kids love Webkinz and this spurred me on to | | | | There is also an Arcade section where they can |
| writing this articles and others on the subject because | | | | compete against other kids in tournaments and play |
| as a parent it is not always easy to find information on | | | | games by themselves, as well as answering questions |
| the internet and also we do not always have the time. | | | | in Quizzy's Question Corner and entering contests. |
| Basically Webkinz and Lil'Kinz are soft toys that each | | | | All these educational parts of the site earn them |
| come with a unique 'Secret Code' that enables the | | | | KinzCash, which is virtual money if you like, but I look at |
| owner (your child) to enter Webkinz World, which is a | | | | it as a reward system. They can use their KinzCash in |
| virtual world for the toys on the internet, where they | | | | the shop on the site to purchase clothes, toys and |
| can play with a virtual version of their own toy. | | | | even furniture for their 'pet'. |
| The secret code is found on the tags, which is when | | | | This site has helped one of my kids with his reading as |
| you are purchasing webkinz or lil'Kinz, especially from | | | | his teacher thought he was behind fro his age, but it |
| ebay, you should check that the 'secret code tag' is | | | | seems he has no problem reading about Webkinz |
| included in your purchase. If you are unsure, ask before | | | | online. I figured that I just needed to give him things to |
| you buy. | | | | read that he is interested in and now he is the top og |
| Webkinz World calls these toys pets, which I think is | | | | his class. |
| nice as it gives kids a feeling of responsibility as they | | | | Webkinz World is not a 'stagnant' website, like many |
| can feed and cloth their 'pets' and are encouraged to | | | | others we see for toys. They are always adding new |
| take care of them. | | | | things and the activities change on a daily basis. My |
| As a parent I had worries about them playing on the | | | | kids, so far in the 6 months since they got their first |
| computer and the internet by themselves. We all know | | | | ones have never run out of things to do. |
| that the internet is not a safe place for kids, but the | | | | I limit their time on the computer as I don't feel it is |
| Webkinz site is safe. Their chat system is constructed | | | | necessary or good for them to be on there every day |
| in a way that certain words and phrases cannot be | | | | and all weekend, but they know how I am and look |
| typed in and contact details cannot be exchanged. | | | | forward to their 'Webkinz Time'. |
| The kids can tell their friends their usernames so that | | | | If you child is hassling you for a Webkinz or a Lil'Kinz |
| they can interact with people they know. | | | | get them one for their birthday or for Christmas if you |
| I actually logged in myself and took a look around and I | | | | don't want to get them one just because they ask. If |
| was pleasantly surprised. It seems that Webkinz world | | | | your kids are like mine you will probably see a |
| is not only a fun place for kids to 'play', but it is also | | | | difference in them, I know I have and I also have the |
| educational. They can adopt and name their 'pet' toy | | | | peace of mindthat they can play happily, together or |
| and design rooms for them to live in. | | | | separately, safely online. |