Everyone knows how difficult & frustrating it can be to communicate with a toddler. They can't always communicate their mood; we can't always interpret what they are trying to communicate which leads to a mental breakdown on both sides. If there only was some way to help foster this communication....well there is Kimochis!
Kimochis means "feeling" in Japanese. Kimochis are these wonderfully designed stuffed animal characters that come with feelings inside them. The Kimochis feelings are illustrated on these colorful little pillows that have feeling written on one side and the facial expression on the other. The feelings are then placed in the Kimochis pocket. Your child can help explain their feeling using their Kimochis friend by selecting the "feeling pillow" that suits them and either showing you the emotion or by putting it in their Kimochis friend.
Each Kimochis character comes with its own unique personality, three feelings, and a feelings guide. You are able to pick the Kimochi whose character is close to your own child's character. I got the Kimochi "Cat" for Mahayla. "Cat" is very persuasive, likes to be in charge, and can be bossy. You can use your Kimochi friend to help teach your child not only how to communicate their feeling but also how to get along with others, overcome fears, and foster self-esteem and confidence.
Kimochis were developed with the help of child communication specialists and psychologists. They have been used successfully in the school setting where lessons have been created that both teachers and parents can use at home. Kimochis have received the Dr. Toy Award for 2009 and the Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award. Kimochis have been featured in several national parenting industry magazines. Kimochis are available for purchase for around $25 and extra feelings are $12 for a pack of 12.
Many of you know that I work with adults and children undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Working with children with cancer is one of my passions in life. After reviewing Kimochis and visiting their website, I decided that Kimochis would also be of great benefit for my tiny warriors. Children battling life threatening illnesses are overwhelming brave but also have difficulty expressing their fears and worries to their caregivers, nurses, and doctors. I have met many children who were scared to tell their parents how scared and lonely they were because they didn't want to upset their parents. These child often feel as if they need to be "stronger" so mommy and daddy will stop crying. I approached our hospitals director of Child Life and the StreetLight program regarding the Kimochis. They are currently working on a pilot program for the Kimochis to help children and teens express their emotions and feeling while being hospitalized for treatment for their life threatening condition.
Win It: Nina from Kimochis is offering one of my followers a Kimochis friend of their own! All you have to do is visit the Kimochis website and let me know which Kimochis character best fits your child.
Enter To Win:
- blog about this giveaway with a link back here
- subscribe to my blog
- follow this blog
- fave this blog on Technorati
- Stumble this blog
- Follow Mahayla's Mommy on Facebook
- email three (3) friends about this blog and cc to randsmountney@yahoo.com
- add my button to your sidebar
- Follow Kimochis on Facebook
- Make a purchase from Kimochis for 5 additional entries.
Please leave a separate comment for all you do to ensure you get all possible entries! Remember to include in your email address on your comment! Contest ends 10/19 at 10pm.
Sorry, US residents only Contest Closed. Congratulations to Susan (Comment # 148) for winning the Kimochis giveaway!
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