Interactive Toys Are Extremely Popular Today, But Keep Kids Glued to their Computers!
The Webkinz Love Puppy and all the other Webkinz are more than just toys. Do you recall the Tamagotchi and Beanie Babies craze? Well put them together and you’ve got Webkinz World. The latest phenomenon that’s sweeping the nation by storm, and worrying many parents whose preschoolers are spending many hours online. Good or bad, preschoolers will end up being light years ahead by the time they reach grade school.
Question is… Should Preschoolers Learn the Internet so Quickly?
Each new Webkinz animal toy, which includes the Love Puppy comes with its own unique secret code. You will find the code on each toy animal’s tag, which allows the child to log-on to the Webkinz website at http://www.webkinz.com. The child is welcomed to a virtual online Webkinz World, where they can adopt and name their pet, custom design a room for it, play games in the “Arcade”, compete against other players in tournaments, etc.
They can also earn “Kinzcash”, an online currency used to shop and buy for their pet, including buying toys, furniture and clothes. Also their are stories to read and other fun activities for kids. The Webkinz World frequently adds other components to their site–the latest is the “Clubhouse” which caused some concern among parents.
So what is a “Cluehouse”? Kids and preschoolers go there to chat with other kids online–its actually a chatline. A child can play with their new friends on the computer, or play with them as stuffed animals. And to address the concerns of parents, the Webkinz company has made it very clear that it has put in many safeguards on the language used and security to protect their young users.
Where Demand is High… Supply is Low
When Webkinz World began on April 28, 2005, their multitasking toys gain popularity in epic proportions with children as young as preschoolers. Retailers everywhere had trouble keeping the toys on their shelves. For instance, many local stores would receive long overdue shipments only to be sold out within a couple of hours. Which explains why you may have had trouble finding a particular Webkinz plush toy locally.
On the other hand, some Webkinz pets are retired such as the Love Puppy (no longer in production) which caused a tremendous price hike during 2007. This particular Webkinz is the most searched out of all the other Webkinz pets. While demand is high, the Love Puppy is now priced over $100 on the Internet. Sometimes as high as $200 which seems ridiculous, but, nevertheless, some people are buying.
We are living in a crazy Webkinz craze right now that’s geared for the youth market. Kids today are becoming more prone to play on their computers interactively, rather than play in the real world (off-line). And this have raised some concern. Parents now need to monitor their kids while online and manage their time to come off the computer–starting as young as preschoolers.
If you look closely at your child’s computer time, Webkinz is just one more thing that distracts the child from going out to play. And if a child goes straight to their computer when coming home from school, then the parent simply needs to manage their time. Otherwise, a child becomes obsessed–a computer ‘Geek’, neglecting to do any homework or other activities, including neglecting to spend time with off-line friends.
Monitoring the Screens and Setting the Rules
As a general rule, parents need to play an important part when their child goes online, not just Webkinz World. One thing a parent could consider–buying software to monitor a child’s activities while online. Meaning, you could check every website where your child goes online.
This also means setting tighter rules for your child. For one, you may not want your pre-schooler to be involved with any type of chatline where they communicate with others. If you think that chatlines are better suited for adults and perhaps teenagers, many would probably agree with you. However, you be the judge for what’s best for your child, but definitely monitor your child’s activities online regardless.
Don’t allow your child to become a computer zombie, as if he/she can’t live without Webkinz World. Don’t be afraid to set computer time, perhaps one hour on Webkinz world should be enough.
Get your child involved in other activities in and out of the house, playgrounds, with other kids, kids parties, etc. You want to keep your child healthy emotionally and be able to interact with other kids. So as a parent, your concern is for your child to grow healthy. The Webkinz Love Puppy is indeed an adorable attractive pet but is the price really worth it? One would have to say that only buyers with children and money to spare could answer that question.