If you haven’t yet stumbled over “Timez Attack” then you are in for a treat. This is an computer adventure game that you will be happy your children are playing. Instead of the normal obstacles that most adventure games offer, “Timez Attack” requires players to answer questions to multiplication problems.

The game itself is a great tool for helping children with math. The fact that there is a free version to download helps out the parents. Although the free version is limited in how far it goes, it will still offer a strong foundation for learning multiplication tables.

The free version follows the green hero through levels of a dungeon where he takes on ogres. There are also snails to capture along the way that will help the child discover the answer to the multiplication table that he or she faces.

In the paid version of the game, there are multiple levels with robots, ogres and other creatures. The basic idea behind the game is carried through out both versions.

Not only is “Timez Attack” fun for the kids and easy on the pocket book, but the creators feel so strongly about the educational tool that they back it up with a full money back guarantee.

There is no excuse for trying out this great mathematical tool. Whether you are a homeschooling parent, a parent who wants to offer educational alternatives for the computer or even a grandparent who wants to give something with more meaning next Christmas, the “Timez Attack” game could be the perfect choice for you.

Christmas is creeping up on us, and now the big toys companies are having recalls by the dozens (or at least that is how it seems).  How are parents suppose to buy something that they can feel safe with their children using?  I think science toys and practical (wood working, crafts, etc) is the route that our family will take this year.

Since we live in a small home anyway, I usually try to find things that are going to be used up.  Experiments are a great source of entertainment, education, and excitement.  At certain ages, even sea monkeys are exciting for kids.  You remember those don’t you - the dried shrimp that you could put in water and watch “come to life.”  Children are fascinated by things like that.

Even my smallest child loves butterflies.  At only twenty months old, he will squeal with delight when he sees one flutter by the window.  I can only imagine his excitement when he watches them hatch from the cocoon. 

As for the older children, I will probably stick with home grown products this year.  It’s going to take more shopping and more creativity on my part, but I will sleep better if I know that the products they are using are safe.

Being a new mother can be unnerving enough. Finding out you have given your child poison can leave you completely distraught. It’s not like there aren’t enough threats on your child already, but now the Chinese are attacking through the toys. What is a mom to do?

Recently, Mattel has recalled a large number of its toys for young children - the same children who are notorious for putting things in their mouths. The recall is on toys with the label “made in China” because of an excessive amount of lead in the paint on the products. Lead paint has been forbidden in the United States for decades.

Not too long ago, another Chinese product (this time pet food) was also recalled. The poison in this case resulted in pet deaths and serious illness. There was also a recent incident in the recall of fish imported from China. It this a trend that should be a concern, or is it just a coincidence?

It’s almost impossible to protect your child from everything, but moms still try. It’s disheartening when I company that you have known and trusted has a mistake this large and this potentially hazardous. In truth, there is very little a mom can do to ensure that products are always completely safe. Unfortunately, there has to be some leap of faith in the companies. It’s just too bad the company in this case has fallen short.