Interview - Parents' Choice Awards

Mindy was joined by Claire Greene from the Parents' Choice Awards today. She talked about lots of great toys, games, CDs and more. The people at the Parents' Choice Foundation test, play, read and listen to all of the new products for kids that come out each year. Based on their experiences and the judging families' experiences, they award Gold, Silver, Recommended, Approved and Classic Awards. They look for toys that can be used in numerous ways and at numerous levels too, so that kids are in charge of play and can imagine, run around and learn. The foundation started in 1978 (the same year that Mindy was born), and they put a lot of thought into their criteria for judging and the awards.

Their Holiday Guide has a great breakdown of gifts by price, age, and type. Be vareful and do some thinking. Consider the person you are giving a gift to. The gift doesn't have to be big and expensive, but try to make, find or buy things that are meaningful and will last.

On the air, Mindy, Claire and various callers talked about what kids like to play (play is learning!), and they gave away lots and lots of toys, CDs and games!

We tried hard to get through, and this was the first time that we were greeted with lots of busy signals. I think lots and lots of people were trying to get through!!!