*Update*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Elizabeth M.  

Nothing Is More Important to Children Than the Time That We Spend With Them and The Words That We Share With Them

I went to a parenting seminar a couple of months ago and one of the take home messages was the importance of “GEM moments.”  A Genuine Encounter Moment is a time of focused attention between a parent and his/her child.  It involves complete physical and emotional presence and is displayed through affection and eye contact.  The sole focus is on the child and it could be for a period of time or just a few minutes.  GEM moments have been found to be powerful for helping parents show love for their children and helping children feel loved by their parents.

My son and I have many GEM moments throughout the day since I stay home with him five days a week.  It could be a simple story or a hug or a tickle.  I’ve found another creative way to fit in those GEM moments. Kiddo Kards are the creation of a WAHM whose aim was to design product that would help parents spend quality time with their children, encourage a child’s self-expression and remind children of how special they are.

They come in the cutest little tins that fit right into little hands for easy toting.  Each one contains thirty cards and you can choose from five different variations (Bad Day Busters, Especially For You, Snuggle Stories, Once Upon My Time, and My Little Box of Sunshine).  They’re fun to read with your child or toss into a backpack or lunchbox for a boost of encouragement during the day when they’re away from you.  We received Snuggle Stories and Bad Day Busters courtesy of Kiddo Kards.  Snuggle Stories encourages sharing of memories and personal stories that will help you and your child form an even closer relationship.  I envision these becoming keepsakes that my son will keep and cherish.  Bad Day Busters is for those days that just don’t turn out the way we hoped.  These cards are for the days when your child needs that extra reminder of his/her worth and importance and comfort that things are going to be okay.  My son and I enjoy reading before bedtime and I’ve been reading him a card every night which he just loves.

Kiddo Kards has already received recognition for it’s benefits including improving a child’s self esteem, teaching kindness, and giving children the most important gift…you!

The holidays are rapidly approaching and Kiddo Kards would make the perfect stocking stuffer!  Purchase them online for $12.95.

Win It!  One reader will win their choice of a Kiddo Kards product.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment indicating your favorite Kiddo Kards product and who you’d give it to.  Comments will close on November 21, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on November 22, 2008.  One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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Blog about this giveaway.  It doesn’t have to be a separate post.  Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

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Profuse thanks to Kiddo Kards and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.