I wish I was the one who had this stroke of genius. And I really dislike stuffed animals. They don't bring me comfort--they're just fluff and extra stuff--clutter, in my opinion. I even try to chuck the kids' stuffed bears, dogs, cats, etc. into the Goodwill bin every so oft without getting caught! But I sure would have liked to be the brainchild behind Webkinz--who would have thunk it?! A dumb stuffed animal for 15-ish bucks that gives you a special code to get online and gain access to Webkinz World to care for this virtual pet??? Genius!
My kids are addicted like probably the rest of yours. And the thing is...My two-year-old Izzie loves them as well as my 10-year-old Brayden! They appeal to the masses. My kids even got their 4-year-old cousin, Luke, into the craze. The Easter Bunny delivered one for each of them and we use them as bribery for getting good grades, babysitting, etc. Whatever works!
Now we use computer time in Webkinz World as incentive to finishing jobs, having clean rooms, doing good deeds...whatever it takes! This kid-addiction truly can get out of control! Sometimes it becomes a power struggle when they insist on getting online to tuck in their virtual pet or feed it one last time. Like if they don't it's gonna die when they wake up? I mean, virtually will it? I don't know---but it can be pretty crazy. 
McKenzie even posted the webkinz of the week/month on her door. I think I need to look into Webkinz stock. Actually, I think I need a stroke of genius myself--I mean how hard could it be to think of a billion-dollar idea for kids?! Don't I live, breathe, sleep, and eat with six of them day in and day out? C'mon brain....can't be that tough! (And yes, that is a chocolate ice cream mustache and beard that Izzie is sporting).
14 years ago
8 comments:
Yes. We know all too well about Webkinz here too. They used to be so popular they'd sell out at all of the stores around here. Our kids have had them for over a year, and unfortunately the novelty/bribery power has weakened dramatically. Enjoy that while it lasts!
Is that red hair on Viviana? Christina had red hair at a year. Brower gene?
Hey - would it work to "virtually" pay your mortgage on line? Or virtually clean the house, feed the kids, and do the laundry etc????
Now the new "the dog ate my homework" excuse has to include "I virtually did my homework and my virtual pet ate it"....
Maybe you could offer virtual meals online.
I've never heard of these stuffed creatures.
Do you remember the pet rock craze? Those rocks now have to be senior citizens - why not offer convalescent care for pet rocks - have people send you their pet rocks and you can provide care and social activities for these aging rocks. (Dances, outings, games, cruises, visits to spas, hair salon visits, special meals and medical attention) You can start a blog with photos of your outings - wearing their special outfits - hair dos and make up. Even offer a burial service and rock cemetery for their final resting place - among long lost relatives...
Call your service "Rock of Ages".
I was so excited when the thing Jakey REALLY WANTED from Santa was a Webkinz. Can't beat the price tag!
It's all about thinking outside the box ;)...I've actually never heard of them maybe I should look into them.
I've thought your same thoughts many times! I've been known to toss a few stuffed animals into the Goodwill bag. Jacklyn has Webkinz and loves them.
I didn't know what they were & through away the code/box promptly. Now I get questioned when other children see that we own one but to me it's just another stuffed animal. We have plenty of those hanging out at our house.
Somehow we have managed to miss the Webkinz phase. But I love the idea of using playing web time as rewards for good behavior. I am all over the reward thing.
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