We were at my mother’s house tonight and Madelyn (18 months) knows that after dinner, Grandmother gives her a bath. She went upstairs to the bathroom, pulled at her pants in hopes that I would get them off of her quickly, then she did something different… she pointed at the toilet. When I asked her if she wanted to go potty, she said ‘uh huh’. I took off her diaper and sat her on the potty. She looked very confused.  She didn’t want to go to potty, she wanted to GET IN THE POTTY!  She made that clear by sticking one leg into the toilet. I grabbed her before she could put the other leg in, but I know she would have enjoyed a swim in the toilet if I let her. I put her in the bathtub so fast after her trip to toilet water land!  Think twice before you put your toddler on the potty thinking she actually wants to go to the bathroom!

Wonder Words: Beginning Sight Words & Picture Words is designed for children ages 5 & up and teaches word recognition, reading comprehension, categorizing, sequencing, and more. What makes it so cool is the Flash Action Software and Workbook combination. The colorful, easy to understand workbook features essential skill exercises while the Flash Action software makes learning even more fun as your child is encouraged to learn by a gang of superhero characters. How cool is that?

The installation of the software is simple and Sebastian thought it was cool that he was greeted by colorful, superhero characters asking him to type his name in a box. Unfortunately, we couldn’t fit his entire name in the box. It allows for only eight letters.. so we used ‘seb’.
Unlike some software games, this game starts immediately. Sebastian didn’t have to navigate to different places to start an activity. This game is very easy to use.
Each time Sebastian completed a game and got all the answers correct, a flashy picture would pop up saying "good job" and other encouraging phrases.
The individual games are short so your child shouldn’t lose her attention.  The encouraging pictures and on screen scoring are enough to keep Sebastian focused on the game.

WEBSITE: School Zone

Flash cards with 3D lenticular printing

These are so neat. These holograph cards are sure to get the attention of your 3-5 year old. They will make learning time extra fun. 

The ‘holograph’ printing allows multiple images to appear on each of the 26 letter flash cards. As your child moves a card back and forth, the image of the letter and the picture representing the letter will be seen.
These flash cards will provide your 3-5 year old with must needed reading readiness skills.  Madelyn loves the 3D cards, but because she is too young to appreciate the alphabet, her favorite part of the 3D Think & Blink Alphabet cards is the carrying case. She loves to put the cards in and take them out and carry them around the house. That is not what’s important here though.
These days our kids are surrounded by action and excitement and sometimes we need to approach education the same way to keep their attention. The holograph ‘action’ will keep your child’s attention while she is learning to identify beginning sounds, alphabet order, and letter recognition.

These fun, unique, and educational cards are only $6.99 and I don’t think you will find anything else like them.

WEBSITE: School Zone

Mark your calendar! Our testing panel made up of children ages 0 – 14, have been working hard (playing hard) preparing for the launch of our special Educational Toys segment due to go live around October 24th.  So far, our testers have approved products from both LeapFrog and VTech! I know you will love learning about the products featured in this segment.

Why are we featuring this segment?  We have children of our own and we know that around this time of the school year, kids are getting bored with school and the initial excitement of starting school and learning new things has simmered down to an all time low.  In this segment we will share with you some great educational toys for children ages 0 – 12 that both parents and kids will enjoy. What a concept!

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Friday Finds is a new segment I will publish every Friday. I will feature products that I think you will find interesting. Unlike the other products featured on The Mommy Insider, Friday Finds are products that I HAVE NOT tested or reviewed. I simply think they are cool and I want to share them with you. Enjoy!

Today’s finds are all from OldNavy.com. I love their fall/winter selection and the prices are pretty amazing too!  All of these products are available at the OldNavy.com website only.

	Printed Waffle-Knit One-Pieces          Sizes: 0 – 18 months Available in three colors Online only! $12.50
	Sweater-Trim Jacket                   Sizes: 6 months – 5T Availalbe in two colors Online only! $29.50
	Patch-Pocket Hoodies                   Sizes: 6 months – 5T Available in three colors Online only! $7.25
	Solid Bodysuit 3-Packs for Newborn                   Sizes: 0 – 12 months (sizes are selling out fast!) Available in four different color sets. Online only! $5.99
	Sweater-Rib Active Pants            Sizes: 6 months – 5T Available in three colors Online only! $11.00