Help to Navigate iPad Apps for Kids Is Here!

In our age of having an app for just about everything, do all those choices seem rather...daunting? Well, it takes me a long time to narrow down and select apps for my own use, but trying to find one to educate and entertain my child? Well, that is a very tall order.

iPad apps are a great source of entertainment in those inconvenient times when we have to wait. My 5-year old and 3-year old have very little patience for sitting and waiting. When it comes to an unexpected Dr. office wait or restaurant wait my kids often turn to me and ask if they can play a game.

That is when the panic sets in. Why? Because just downloading the first "game" I find never works out. It either is a let down, the kids get bored or costs more than it's worth. I am happy to say that the For Dummies brand has some great advice for parents like me. They now have iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies.

The beauty of this book is they list more than 200 iPad Apps and breaks those down into groupings by age, interest or special needs. There are so many apps out there and this is a great resource to find the ones that are best suited for your child.

I love that this book is in color, so you can really get an idea of how cute some of these apps are. I first browsed the toddler section. I found many that would suit my 3-year old, including some of her favorite characters like Pat the Bunny and Sandra Boynton's Moo, Baa, La La La.

My son is older and is interested in music and science. Of course, there are apps to suit him listed in the book, too. From Sid the Science Kid to Star Walk for iPad (interactive astronomy guide) there are many things that would not only keep him happy, but educate him as well.

Most of the apps reviews go into great detail, even for a $1.99 app, and have all been author-tested, so you know what you are downloading for your kids. That makes this book seem well worth the price to me. I must not be the only mom who has had download regret, am I?

One of my favorite features in this book is probably the 10 Best Free Apps for Kids. With a wide variety of apps to choose from with a price you really can't beat.

So the next time your child asks to play with your iPad, the iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies will help steer you to an app that will fit the bill and maybe even introduce you to some new favorites.

I am curious, what is your favorite app for your kids? And how did you find it?


*Disclaimer -  I received a copy of this book to write my review. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Birth Plans for Dummies - Review & Insight from a 3rd Time Mom

No stranger to the Dummies books, I already own several on various topics from crochet to weight training, I am a fan of the way the books are put together and contain a thorough collection of instructions and tips. 

Now being on pregnancy #3, I jumped at the chance to review Birth Plans for Dummies.

I originally wanted to review this for first time Moms reading my blog, but I quickly realized there was still a wealth of information for Moms on a 2nd, 3rd or 4th pregnancy. After a failed VBAC for baby #2, I know I will be scheduling a C-section this time around, but that doesn't mean I can't be prepared, educated, and ready with a birth plan that fits my needs.

This book is great for either a cover to cover read, or used as a reference book for the chapters that pertain to your pregnancy. I first started at the back and read through chapter 14, Cesarean Section: Yes, You Have Options. It was a great summary of what to expect and what choices you still have. I know many Moms feel blind sighted by a C-section, and feel regret that their birth plan was thrown out the window. This chapter really highlights the fact you still have options and, I believe, is an important thing to think about even if you are hoping for a natural delivery.

With my first pregnancy I didn't even read or think about C-sections, so I was completely unprepared.

Of course, other Moms having natural births will find lot of tips and ideas to think about before their big day.

Many new or expectant Moms are gifted a wide variety of baby books... or perhaps you headed straight for the bookstore when you found out you were expecting? So, why add Birth Plans for Dummies to your personal library? This book is set-up in the beloved For Dummies format. Bullets, highlights and icons help the reader find information quickly and in small chunks.

If you are familiar with the books, you probably already know what to expect:

Being pregnant is overwhelming enough, this book will take you through all the steps and prepare you for that amazing day.

Bottom line, you have options. This book will help point out available options, methods and strategies to help you find the ones that are right for you. I think it empowers soon-to-be-parents to ask questions and advocate for their beliefs and wishes. This is the most comprehensive book on birth planning I have read to date and again, I even learned a thing or two that will help me next Summer.

Locate a retailer and grab or gift a copy of Birth Plans For Dummies

*Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book to write my review. All opinions and experiences are my own.