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