Children, particularly those who suffer from a chronic condition, can become fearful and anxious around doctors.  After witnessing her own son’s anxiety around doctors, Chris Nee came up with the idea of a show that aims to make visits to the doctor and medical procedures less fearful.

Photo Credit: Disney Junior

Today, Disney Junior will premiere Doc McStuffins, an adorable new animated series about a little girl named Doc who runs a clinic for stuffed animals and broken toys outside of her backyard playhouse.  My children love Disney Junior for the characters they have come to love, the stories they can relate to, and the music.  As a parent, I appreciate the important lessons and values that are exhibited.

Photo Credit: Disney Junior

Over the past week, we’ve been watching a screener with one of the show’s episodes and overall, we love it.  It’s fun, relatable, and imaginative.  What little boy or girl hasn’t talked to their stuffed animals and toys?  Or played “doctor”?  It’s brilliant.  Along with easing childrens’ fears about going to the doctor, the show models positive behaviors like caring for self and others and shares important messages about health and hygiene.

Doc McStuffins airs weekday mornings at 10/9C on Disney Junior.

No compensation was received for this post.  Thank you Disney Junior for the screener and adorable Disney-themed products!

As a mom to two small children, I am very discerning about the media they are exposed to.  Any television shows/series or films they watch have been pre-screened by either my husband or myself.  As parents, we prefer to offer our children a variety of diverse experiences that help them learn about the world around them.  Sometimes we judiciously utilize media on rainy days, sick days, or “we’re feeling lazy” days. With so many options to choose from, how does a parent go about selecting appropriate media for their children to view, if they indeed decide to go this route? Here are a few guidelines we follow?

1.  Is it educational? I strive to incorporate learning into as many experiences as possible. Since viewing media is mostly passive, it’s important that television shows or movies have a strong educational component.

2. Does it offer important life lessons?  Learning how to share and cooperate is as important to me as my children learning their numbers and letters.  Very often, my son and I will talk about a show after we’ve watched it to discuss how a character made a good choice or what could have been done differently.

3. Do the characters serve as positive role models?  Children say and do (or at least aspire to) the things they observe on television and in films, therefore it’s important that the characters they see are exemplifying behaviors parents are comfortable with.

4. Is it age-appropriate?  Simply put, children should be viewing media that they are capable of comprehending without being confused or scared.

5.  Is it free from violence, language, and other negative behaviors?  Obviously this type of media would not make the cut.

6.  Do my children enjoy it?  I’ve previewed a number of shows and films that I truly think had value, but when it came time to having my children view the programs, they simply were not into them.

7. Do I enjoy it?  There are some films and TV shows I’m certain have the best intentions as far as offering educational entertainment.  However, if I simply can’t get past the music, the characters, or the story line, I’m not likely going to allow my children to watch for too long.

8.  Do the morals and values highlighted align with ours?  While a show may be highly educational and entertaining, if the messages and themes presented don’t align with the morals we want to instill within our children, it won’t make the cut.

Last week, Fox invited my children and I to spend some time previewing Little Angels, a brand new educational series produced by Touched by an Angel star Roma Downey.  The new preschool series teaches children important life lessons such as sharing, kindness, cooperation and old fashioned family values, says Downey.  But unlike most series which combine learning with entertainment, Little Angels inspires and educates “through the lens of timeless and age appropriate Bible stories.”  For many years Downey played an angel on television and longed to bring the message of God’s love to children.  “Little Angels is a series that will add value to your child’s life,” says Downey. Downey is passionate, bold, and creative and I admire her strong convictions.

The series, which actually launches today with 3 DVDs and 2 books, is geared towards preschool children and combines practical learning (ie. ABCs, numbers, animals) with strong examples of good behavior.  After previewing the series, I could see myself utilizing Little Angels to teach my children concepts like the purpose and value of work as well as basic, fundamental Bible stories. And after taking into consideration my criteria for wholesome media that I want my children viewing, Little Angels made the cut.

In the series, pre-school twins Alex and Zoe have eight Little Angels watching over them…angels that live on their ceiling bedroom and come to life when the twins need them.  At present there are three DVDs, two books, three CDs, an app, and a line of apparel. For more information, just visit their website.

Win It! One of you will win a Little Angels Gift Bag which includes the 3 DVDS and 2 books.  Simply leave me a comment with one thing you like about the new series. Comments will close on February 29th (leap day!) at 11:59 PM PST.

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. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win a #littleangels gift bag @rockinmama http://tinyurl.com/77mcylm ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

Rockin’ Mama Facebook fans automatically receive an extra entry

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No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to a media event. Products for review and giveaway supplied by Fox.

Photo Credit: Fox, Peter Zakhary.

*This giveaway is now closed.  The winners are Jayme Isaacs, Jenn S., Ken Robinson, and christin.  Congratulations!*

A few months ago I attended an exclusive screening of Tortoise VS Harer at the Jim Henson studios in Los Angeles courtesy of Role Mommy and Momlogic.  On December 13, the Weinstein Company and Genius Products will release the third DVD movie in the Unstable Fables series, entitled Goldilocks & the 3 Bears.  We actually saw a preview of this and it looks hilarious!  The entire series is a modern-day twist on the classic  Aesop’s Fables.

Here is a little more about the upcoming movie:

Spoiled T star Golidlocks moves in with the three bears to be filmed 24/7 for a “Big Brother”-type reality show in an effort to boost her career.  As they attempt to capture audiences, Goldilocks and the bear family must learn to get along if their show is going to be a ratings success.  Featuring the voice talents of Golden Globe nominee Brooke Shields, Tom Arnold, and Jamie Lynn Spears, Goldilocks & the 3 Bears is sure to be a hit among the entire family.

Goldilocks & the 3 Bears debuts on December 16 and will retail for $19.97.

Win It!  I have 5 copies of Goldilocks & the 3 Bears to give away!  Head on over to the site and watch the preview.  Come back here and leave me a comment about what you like most about the series or the movie. Comments will close on December 23, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on December 24, 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.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the giveaway.  Be sure to list your Twitter ID in the comments.

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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This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are: Richard T., Susan Varney, Michele P., Anna T., and John Donahue.  Congratulations!

Do you remember Keke Palmer, the adorable and talented little girl from the hit movie Akeelah and the Bee? On December 2, she will star alongside Ice Cube in a new, heartwarming comedy by The Weinstein Company and Genius Products entitled The Longshots.  Here is a little blurb about this soon-to-be released film:

The Longshots is based on the awe-inspiring real-life accomplishments of 11-year-old Jasmine Plummer who became the first female quarterback in Pop Warner’s 56 year history.  Starring Ice Cube as the “coach” and Keke Palmer as the Jasmine, follow the superstar quarterback’s journey as she leads her local football team to the league’s Super Bowl under the coaching of her uncle, a former high school football star.

Directed by former Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, The Longshots also features performances from Tasha Smith (Why Did I Get Married), Jill Marie Jones (The Perfect Holiday), Dash Mihok Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Matt Craven (Crimson Tide) and Garrett Morris (“Saturday Night Live”).  The DVD will include commentary from Director Fred Durst, 20 deleted scenes and much more.

The Longshots will be available for purchase on December 2 and will retail for $28.95 (standard DVD) and $34.99 (Blu-ray).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87CHuqZ930Q&hl=en&fs=1]

Win It!  I have 5 copies of The Longshots to giveaway!  Simply leave me a comment about what inspires you!  I highly encourage you to watch the preview too!  Comments will close on December 23, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on December 24, 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.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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

Video games are all the rage with children and with Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld game console, DS, toting them has never been more convenient.  Some may argue that video games may not be as beneficial for development as other types of play.  I beg to differ.  I think video games, when carefully selected for age and gender, can teach children skills such as problem solving, trial and error, perseverance, and collaboration. Pretend play, in particular, can facilitate the early development of skills such as language and communication, social, and motor skills.

SouthPeak Games just released My Baby Girl and My Baby Boy for Nintendo DS. This is the virtual doll of the 21st century!  The focus of these games is on pretend play and life simulation as opposed to competition.  Children start by choosing a name, ethnicity (so PC!), and eye-color for their baby.  Then watch as baby smiles for the first time, walks for the first time, and grows up right before your child’s eyes (do they have a teen version? : )  Your child will be able to help nurture this baby with simple tasks like changing a diaper and feeding a baby from a bottle (lactivists may protest). If your child gets “stuck” he/she can elicit help from a pediatrician.  As the baby achieves developmental milestones, new age-appropriate activities become unlocked.  I tried this out and absolutely love it for it’s educational value.  This would be a perfect gift for my BF’s three little girls who adore dolls!

My Baby retails for $30.00 and is available now!

Check out a preview on the site!

Win It!  One very lucky reader will receive a copy of My Baby courtesy of Role Mommy. Head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back her and leave me a comment telling me what you think about My Baby.  Do you think it has educational value?  What do/don’t you like about it. Comments will close on December 3, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on December 4, 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.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

Place my button on your site.  If you have difficulty, please let me know.

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Classy Mommy is hosting a fab giveaway for a Nintendo Wii!  I have wanted one sooo bad so I’m shamelessly plugging myself.  It’s a popularity contest so head on over and sign up!  Then, if you genuinely like me…if you like coming to my blog…vote for me and I’ll give you yet another entry.  Of course I have no way of knowing whether or not you did so I will take your word for it because I’m so cool that way!  : )  Please don’t just vote for an extra entry!  I’d rather you do it because you genuinely want to do so!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you for stopping by!  The winners are Adrienne Gordon, Charline S., Matthew Meisenhelder, Dan Smith, and Susan Ledet.  Congrats!

My husband and I love a good comedy.  This holiday season you and your kids will be able to sit down and enjoy the animated feature, The Nutty Professor, featuring the voice talents of Jerry Lewis and Drake Bell.  This modern animated sequel to the 1963 classic will be released on November 25, 2008 from Genius Products, Rainmaker Entertainment, and The Weinstein Company.  Here is a little synopsis:

When Harold gets his hands on the recipe for his grandfather’s secret elixir, he creates a potion that transforms his personality to be more confident, cool, and suave.  Unfortunately this alter ego is also obnoxious and destructive.  Harold must face his insecurities and fears while learning to believe in himself without the help of any special concoctions.  This heart-warming, animated film, much like the 1963 classic is sure to be enjoyed by the whole family.

Be sure to pick up The Nutty Professor this holiday season!

Win It!  I have 5 copies of The Nutty Professor to give away.  Just leave me a comment telling me a favorite Thanksgiving tradition in your family.  Comments will close on November 28, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on November 29, 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.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

Place my button on your site.  If you have difficulty, please let me know.

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This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  The winners are Kathy Pease, Kevin Elliott, Jeffrey W., Augrim, and Lisa L.  Congratulations!

One of the things Jason and I love to do is curl up on the couch with a good movie.  This holiday season grab a loved one and something warm to drink while you prepare for a snow-day adventure unlike any other. From Genius Products and Animal Planet comes Arctic Exposure With Nigel Marven, set to debut on DVD November 25, 2008.    The series originally aired on Animal Planet in 2007.  My dad and I used to love watching real-life documentaries of animals and this is a great way to expose to children to varying wildlife.

Here is a little preview of the newly released title:

Join famed zoologist Nigel Marven on a nine month adventure exploring the wildlife and surrounding area of the Canadian Arctic on an expedition that takes him from the icy wasteland of the far north, across near-endless tundra to the vast boreal forest in the south.  The series takes viewers along for the adventure as Nigel follows the fortunes of the indigenous animals – including polar bear cubs, walruses and an Arctic wolf – that call the extreme conditions of this unique territory home.

This five-part series includes a “Behind-the-Scenes” featurette, and will retail for $39.92.

Win It!  I have 5 copies of Arctic Exposure With Nigel Marven to give away! Head on over to Animal Planet and take a look around. Come back and leave me a comment indicating something you learned or found interesting on the site.  Comments will close on November 24, 2008 at 10 pm PST.  The winner will be chosen on November 25, 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.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

Place my button on your site.  If you have difficulty, please let me know.

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This giveaway is now closed.  The winners are Kathy Scott, Kayce C., Charlotte Winters, Janelle, and Tracey Byram.  Congratulations!

The holidays are just around the corner so I thought you’d like a pre-season giveaway.  On October 28, 2008, Genius Products and The Weinstein Company will release a new CGI animated film on DVD, called The Flight Before Christmas.  Here is a little blurb about the film:

“When Niko, a young reindeer with ambitions of becoming an expert flyer, sneaks out beyond the safety of Home Valley to practice his flying, he unwittingly endangers the herd as the notoriously mean Black Wolf follows him home.  Before it’s too late, Niko must join forces with his forest animal friends to save Santa and the reindeer from the Black Wolf and become a Christmas hero…just like his father!”

The Flight Before Christmas features the voices of Emma Roberts (Nancy Drew, Aquamarine) and Norm MacDonald (The Norm Show, Saturday Night Live).

You can purchase The Flight Before Christmas for $19.97.

Be sure to stop by for a review!

Win It!  5 readers will win a copy of The Flight Before Christmas.   Leave me a comment with your favorite holiday tradition and you’re entered.   Comments will close on October 30, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. 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.  That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you so much for stopping by.  The winners are Angie Brady, Christina, Angie P., Tricia Andrews, and Joan Olson.  Congratulations!

Halloween is just around the corner so it’s time for some spooky fun! Do you remember watching the animated series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids?  This Halloween join in the fun as Fat Albert and the gang as they embark on a new adventure in Fat Albert’s Halloween Special.  Be sure to stop by later this week for my review. Here is a little preview about the DVD:

“After a night filled with more tricking than treating, Rudy and his friend, Devery, plan one last prank for spooky Mrs. Bakewell.  But when two of the kids disappear into the old widow’s house, Fat Albert and the crew set out to find their missing friends. Will Halloween fun turn into a fright for the Cosby Kids?”

Combing live-action and animation, the series is fun, funny, and educational. Bill Cosby stars as the series’ live host and the voice of many of the characters.  The series features music by Oscar award winning composer Herbie Hancock and has received two Emmy Award nominations.  The Fat Albert’s Halloween Special DVD features two bonus episodes and retails for $12.93.

Win It!  5 readers will win a copy of Fat Albert’s Halloween Special.  Leave me a comment telling me what your child is planning on dressing up as this Halloween.   Comments will close on October 27, 2008 at 10 pm PST (just in time for Halloween) and I will announce the winner here the following day. 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.  That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.

If your children watch Noggin, they may have seen Pinky Dinky Doo, an animated series created by Jim Jinkins to support early literacy skills.  On October 21, 2008, Pink Dinky Doo is coming to DVD from Genius Products and Sesame Workshop. Be sure to stop by after the release date for my review. Here is a little teaser:

“Bigger is always better when it comes to the imagination and stories of Pinky Dinky Doo. Pinky dances her way to a cardboard Story Box to come up with hilarious and often-wacky solutions to any problems that arise.  In the company of her lovable little brother Tyler, and adorable pet guinea pig, Mr. Guinea Pig, Pinky invites children to participate in her interactive songs and games.   Pinky’s funny and fantastic stories, games and songs promote reading skills, while also encouraging children to strengthen vocabulary skills and learning comprehension in an entertaining way.  Polka Dot Pox includes four episodes, each with two twelve-minute stories plus interactive games.”

You can watch a preview here.

You can purchase Pinky Dinky Doo for $14.93 directly on the site.

Win It!  5 readers will win a copy of Pinky Dinky Doo!   Head on over to the Sesame Street Store and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with the name of another product your child might enjoy.  Comments will close on October 22, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. 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.  That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter.

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.