Letting kids use a smart phone as a distraction is not for everyone, but if are you one who loves a good app to keep your little one busy while you get the job done, here are some great iPhone apps they can play that involve them in the shopping experience – and they are all less than 0.99c!

Kids Scanner App 0.99c - with this app the kids can scan anything (it’s just pretend), press the scan button and a price will come up (this is just done randomly).  The image of what they are pointing the phone at appears on the screen (just like taking a photo), and the amounts add up until you press checkout.  When you check out there is a line to swipe a credit card (they can just run their finger along this), they’ll have to put in a pin (any random number will work) and their credit card is “charged”.  This one gets a 4 out of 5 from me – only because it may lose it’s appeal after a short while.

iSpy Game 0.99c - basically there lots of pictures that your child can scroll through ranging from cereal to fruit to BBQ sauce.  As they find the items the tick it off and they are given a score that shows the number found and the percentage of the total found.  I give this 5 out of 5, because my son loves anything spy related, so this app is right up his ally.  There are lots of items to find too so it keeps them occupied for the whole shopping trip.  Not sure it was necessary to throw the bottle of Vodka in amongst the grocery pictures though.

Grocery Bingo 0.99c - much the same as traditional bingo find 5 grocery tems all in the same row and you win!  3 out of 5, the game is all over pretty quick, but for younger ones they will most likely be happy to play over and over again.

There are several shopping list manager apps where you can create your shopping list before you go and then tick it off as you go – older kids may like doing this one to help out.  You’ll have to play around with them all some are more complex than others, but if the kids can work it out the may like to also help create the shopping list by entering the items while you check the pantry and shout out what you need.  Here are some links to a few -

• Woolies App (free) - obviously specifically designed for shopping at Woolworths, does lots of things like shows catalogues and specials but you can also build your shopping list and it will tell you where you can find it in the store too.
• Shop Shop – Shopping List (free) – very simple to use, no images, good for those that aren’t too app saavy
• Scan2List – Shopping List (free) - this one is awesome.  Most of the items in my cupboard didn’t scan however you can scan the code then enter a description and save it so next time you scan it will go onto your list.  Why not get the kids to go through your pantry and fridge and add all your groceries.  That should keep them busy on a rainy day!!!
• Nice List Lite (free) – this one is for your Christmas Shopping list

There are far too many Shopping List apps to list them all, but if you search for “shopping list” in the iTunes app store you can have a look through them and decide for yourself.

Remember the key to a happy shopping experience with kids takes more than just the right app, make sure you take along healthy drinks and snacks, try to time your shopping for when they are least tired, and don’t try and get a huge list of shopping and things to do done at once, know your child’s limits and break your to do list into several manageable lists.

Trollipop can help you store everything you need for a happy shopping experience.  With room for your child’s snacks and drinks, and somewhere for your shopping list and to store your necessary items.  With Trollipop you’ll be able to keep them in the trolley and you’ll have your hands free to get the shopping done!

Using Trollipop in combination with the right app, will ensure you and your child have everything on hand to turn your next shopping experience into fun quality family time !

Any other great shopping apps you have used – let us know!

Posted by Lauren, 3rd April 2012 in the Crok Blog.

So you’ve made it through the whole shopping experience fairly unscathed, and you arrive at the checkout to find a long queue at each register and your kids are one step from swinging from the rafters.

Well here are some great games that are perfect to play while shopping or while you are waiting at the checkout – you can even use them as a reward when the shopping is finished to recognise good behaviour (these games are also useful in some of those other “high risk parenting” situations like waiting at the doctors surgery or driving in the car).

The key to these games is to keep their minds and their hands busy – to distract them from those tempting little toys and lollies strategically placed in the checkout area.

You’ll need to do a bit of planning and preparation and you’ll need to use the storage compartment of your Trollipop to store a few items – but this will be well worth the effort. You may also want to adapt some of these games to suit your child’s age and interests.

#1 – Pipe Cleaner Charades – have your child make something and you have to guess what it is. They can make anything they want and if they are having trouble thinking of something then get them to look around the supermarket, or look at some of the fruit and vegies you have in the trolley to find some ideas

#2 – Fruit and Veg Mix Up – when you are in the fruit and vegie section, put a couple of different fruits in the one bag and grab some extra bags. When you get to the checkout make a big deal of how silly you are and ask your little one to help you put all the same fruits and vegetables into the right bags.

#3 – Cut Out Your Favourites – grab the store catalogue on the way in (or bring one from home) and let your little one cut out their favourite things from the catalogue. You can remove the snack cup or drink bottle and use either of these little storage areas in your Trollipop for your little one to put their cut out pictures – you can even use the toy bar to attach the scissors so they don’t get thrown from the trolley.

#4 – Surprise – Pre-wrap a few different coloured cars or small figurines in paper or a serviette. Store them in the Trollipop storage compartment then while you are waiting at the checkout tell your little one what colours the cars are and see if they can guess before they open them. Or wrap three different items and get them to tell you what it is by feeling & shaking the item before they open it.

#5 - Hide and Seek – fill a small snap lock bag with rice.  Put a few coins in the rice and ask your little one to find all the coins and tell you how much money is in the bag.  You could also use small figurines and see if they can find them all. (Just make sure you put some tape over the bag to prevent it from being opened and rice spilling everywhere!)

As you can see with a little bit of planning and preparation (and some help from Trollipop) you can create a fun, educational shopping experience for you and your little one/s.  I hope you find these ideas useful and they inspire you to think of other ways you can turn those potential “high risk parenting” situations quality family time. We’d love you to share your ideas too – so if you have a great game or play idea feel free to leave a comment below!

There are a limited number of Trollipop’s  available from www.trollipop.com.au. And if you love Trollipop and want more info and advice on making parenting that little bit easier, join us on facebook!

Posted by Lauren Angove , 17th January 2012, in the Crok Blog

Back To School Road Safety Advice for Drivers, Parents and Children

The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to re-enforce road safety rules and habits with drivers, parents and children.

Parents should take the time to discuss road safety with their kids before they head back to school.

“Over the long Christmas and New Year break children can forget the basic safety rules.”

“Many children are starting school for the first time and they may not be used to interacting with traffic on the roads,”

“Additionally drivers have not had to observe 40km/h zones or deal with school time traffic for many weeks, which may lead to driver complacency over first few days.”

“Potential for driver complacency combined with young excited inexperienced children means that children are at a higher risk of being involved in a pedestrian incident during this time.”

The following is some advice for drivers, parents and children to ensure that children get to school safely -

•  Drivers are reminded to observe 40km/h zones and should check behind their vehicle and reverse out slowly and check footpaths are clear when backing out from driveways.
• Children under 10 should be closely supervised by an adult when walking or riding to school.
• Continually remind children to Stop, Look, Listen & Think – to make sure it is clear or traffic has stopped before crossing the road.
• Encourage discussion with children about what to do if they see an unsafe situation, like finding a safer place to cross if vision is obstructed.
• For children who walk unsupervised, travel the route to school with them beforehand to ensure they know the safest route (safest route will have the least crossings, make use of controlled crossings, use quieter streets and have footpaths)
• Consider personal protective equipment that may be appropriate to maximise child’s safety like high visibility vests and safety helmets if riding a bike, scooter or other small wheeled device.

To support Back to School Road Safety, Vizzy Vests - high visibility safety vests available in several fun designs for children are available at the special price of $19.95 (reduced from 24.95) until Saturday 4th February, 2012

Vizzy Skins - high visibility helmet covers and sun protectors have also been reduced to $17.50 (usually $19.95)

Posted by Lauren Angove on December 28th, 2011 in the Crok Blog

Taking a long drive with the kids is probably not on most people’s top 10 things they love to do.  However, a road trip can be a wonderful opportunity to relax and have some quality family time.

“It’s a lot to expect from kids to sit still for hours on end.  A well planned and prepared trip can be a happy and safe trip.”

“Keeping the kids entertained not only makes the trip more pleasurable, but ensures that children do not become a dangerous distraction for the driver.”

Here are some tips for helping you and your family arrive at your holiday destination happy and safe –

• Plan your trip.  Try to see if there are some nice rest spots along the way where kids can have a quick run around and stretch their legs while the driver has a break too.
• Pack plenty of healthy snacks and water – avoid sugar and caffeine!  Make sure these are also accessible to your child so the passenger or driver are not tempted to reach back.
• Save DVD’s until the last leg of the trip when the kids are starting to get restless and bored.
• Put some songs on the iPod or on disc that you all love and enjoy a family sing along
• Always bring along colouring in books and pencils
• Plan some games to play. www.momsminivan.com has some great printables for car games like bingo and the license plate game as well as some great cheap car craft ideas for kids and babies – check out the pipe cleaner craft!
• Travel Trays make a great surface for snacking, colouring, playing and doing craft while in the car

Happy holidays and safe travels!

Feel free to add your comments or family travel tips here

Posted by Lauren Angove on December 19th, 2011 in the Crok Blog

Most people would be aware of the legal requirement in Australia to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, but my observations of late have shown that many parents do not extend this same requirement (maybe because it is not a legal requirement) to riding a scooter (or other small wheeled device).

“As parents we need to have a higher standard for our kids safety and not just rely on what the law tells us we must do.”

“We need to be role models for our children and set the highest standards for safety at all times.”

“The lessons we teach them today will be the lessons they remember when they first ride to school by themselves and when they first enter the workplace.”

The risks to children associated with riding scooters are the same (if not higher) than the risks children are exposed to riding their bikes.  This is because -

• Some Scooters do not have brakes
• If they do have brakes children may not be able to activate them quickly
• The design of scooter brakes means that they are not as effective in stopping quickly as are bike brakes
• Scooter brakes have a tendancy to wear early and therefore can be less effective
• Bikes often have reflectors making them more visible in the evening

“Our child’s safety can be maximised by combination of close supervsion, actively teaching children to stop & think and providing them with personal protective equipment.”

“Personal protective equipment such as helmets are the last line of defense that can either prevent or reduce an injury in the event that all else fails and an incident occurs.”

To maximise your child’s safety when riding a bike or scooter the following is recommended -

• Check the bike or scooter’s brakes are working properly and that children know where they are and how to use the (it’s a legal requirement that a bicycle at minimum one hand or foot brake on the rear wheel)
• Avoid riding in evening or dark hours
• Continually ask your child to stop & think, prompt them to check driveways, look both ways and identify where their vision may be obstructed and show them how to proceed with caution
• Make your child more visible by getting them to wear a high visibility child safety vest 
• Ensure your child is wearing a well fitting, Australian Standard approved helmet and they understand that it is a requirement that they wear it anytime they ride their bike or scooter. Specially designed skate helmets are recommended by KidSafe when riding scooters as they are lower in the back and provide better protection from falls – however a bike helmet can be used if you do not have a skate helmet. (Did you know also that it is a legal requirement that children in bike carriers including the the rear towed bike trailer type carrier wear helmets also?)

If you are giving the gift of a bike or scooter the Christmas please ensure that your child has a helmet and ensure you talk to them about what is expected of them after they receive their bike or scooter to ensure their own safety.

References:

www.kidsafewa.com.au

Road Traffic Code 2000 (WA)

Posted by Lauren Angove on December 9th, 2011 in the Crok Blog

We’ve all experienced, whether it be our own children or someone else’s, yep it’s the shopping meltdown!

Screaming, throwing self on floor, people staring, abandoning the trolley and fleeing – throw in some Christmas stress and shopping with the kids can turn into a complete nightmare.

“I think the problem with shopping with kids is that we put too much pressure on ourselves, and therefore our kids also, by not properly planning, timing and organising this task.”

“We try to and run every errand and buy everything we need all in the one hit, we stretch the kids to the limit, and it only takes one “Mum can I have that!” (nagging tone), and that’s it, it’s over.”

“Shopping with the kids doesn’t have to be hard, we just have to make sure that we don’t put ourselves and our kids under pressure – planned correctly shopping with the kids can be an opportunity for quality time together”

Here are a few tips to follow if you are heading to the shops this Christmas with your kids in tow -

• Change your mindset from one of needing to get a chore done, to creating a fun experience for your children.
• Consider the timing –  Make sure you chose a time when your children are well rested.
• Know you child’s limits, and don’t expect to get all your shopping done in one hit: Split your Christmas shopping list into smaller lists and make several shorter visits.
• Avoid shopping at meal times and make sure you pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks for both you and your children.
• Depending on the age of your children it can be helpful to prepare games for them that involve them in the shopping experience: the supermarket is filled with numbers, colours, food, words and shapes which make a great basis for games for young children.
• If possible, go to a shopping centre that has a play area, and recognise good behaviour with an opportunity to play (or a visit to Santa) after the shopping is done.

Trollipop™ is  perfect for helping organise everything both parents and children need for the shopping outing.  It also includes a couple of toys to entertain your child and involve them in the shopping experience.  Hurry limited number available until we go into full production next year!  For more information go to www.trollipop.com.au

Merry Christmas!

Phew where have the last few months gone!  Anyway here are out Crok Club Winners for August, September and October!

Congratulations to Jean Ung, Jody Busk & Linty Ho, they can choose from a pair of Sock Ons or a Drop Buddy!  All you have to do to be in the draw is be a Crok Club Member and make a purchase, it’s easy!

I think it is safe to say there are not too many parents who haven’t experienced that sinking feeling when they have turned around and momentarily lost sight of their little one.  They were right by your side and then quicker than you can say “Harry Houdini” they disappeared.  Fortunately most the time children are returned safe and sound to parents.  It is important however to think about what you will do in the event your little one goes missing – what you do can greatly affect the outcome & most certainly reduce the time before your little one is safe and sound back in your arms – because lets face it every second you are separated from your child in this situation feels like forever.  On the other side it’s also important to think about what you will do if you find a lost child.

While writing this it got me thinking about what I would do, and made me realise how unprepared I was in the event that my child was lost.  There are so many different situations and scenarios it’s difficult to come up with one plan that will work in all situations.   Also note, there are three people that can impact the outcome of this situation -

• The parent of the lost child
• The lost child
• The person who finds the lost child

But before I discuss some things to consider in you plan, I think it’s important to first touch on prevention. I have found it effective to talk to my child before going into busy places and explain to him that there are lots of people and it is easy to get separated. By going over our plan beforehand it makes the risk of being seperated feel more real to him and he is more willing to stay close to me and hold my hand.  For younger children (and now I know these are controversial), but where there are significant risks you should consider if some sort of harness or even wrist lanyard should be used to stop them from running off.

Parent of the lost child

• Make sure you talk to your child about what to do if they find themselves lost.  Tell them to stop walking, look all around and call out for you.
• Have a plan that you and your child have discussed.  Depending on the situation and the age of the child you could agree that your child stay where they are and wait for you, go to the last place you saw each other or have an agreed meeting place (you may need to use a combination of these and use agreed time frames).
• Talk to your child about good strangers – there’s a lot of debate about this, but I tell my child to seek out a mum (preferably) or dad in the event we are separated.
• Write your mobile number on the inside of your child’s wrist, or purchase a wrist band or child tattoo with your contact details on it (remember to have a backup plan though, mobiles have a habit of going flat or dropping out when we most need them)
• Always make a mental note of what your child is wearing – it’s amazing how you can forget these details when under the stress of this situation.  If going to an event where there will be a lot of children, dress them in something distinct, rather Ben 10 or Dora, as you can bet half the kids there will be wearing them, this will make them easier to identify.
• Use the You Got Kids app to store all your child’s details including a recent photo of them in a password locked file on your smart phone (once again, always good to have a back up photo in your bag in the event your phone is not working.
• In high risk situations such as traveling through a busy train station, consider putting a Child Safety Vissy Vest on them (these are available in lots of fun designs for boys and girls and are great for other situations like riding bikes, scooters, motorbike riding and more!)

The lost child

• Ensure you check your child’s understanding of your plan by having them tell it back to you
• Practice the plan with your child regularly.  Pick certain situations and stop and ask them what they would do if they were lost right now?  Get them to look around and point out good strangers and ask them to explain why they chose that person?
• Ensure your child knows to let any person helping them know about your agreed plan

The person who finds a lost child

• Firstly talk to and reassure the child rather than quickly whisk them away to a help desk or security (children are usually noticed as missing within minutes so it is more likely the parent is close by)
• Try to get as much information from them as possible like where they last saw their parent and whether they have an agreed plan, the more time goes on they may get more distressed and be less likely to provided helpful information.
• Wherever possible send someone to get help (to notify centre management or security) rather than taking the child somewhere – this should be a last resort.

We hope that no parent has to go through this, but unfortunately due the nature of children it does happen, so it’s best to be prepared.  We hope you never need to use this information but hope in the event that it does this has given you the information you need to exercise a plan that sees your little one quickly, safe and sound back in your arms.  Remember, the best made plans only work if you practice them, so make sure you stop and discuss your plan regularly in different scenarios and test (not for real of course!) their understanding often.

How do I know if there’s a recall on a product I have purchased? When should I report a product? How do I report a product?

Most products are made subject to strict quality control, however it is never possible for all products that are produced to be checked individually, checks are usually only done on a sample number of the products, and how many will depend on the number of products produced.  This can result in defect products going un-noticed.  Sometimes it’s an unidentified design fault or poor assembly instructions that can be the cause of injury.

How do you know if there is a product recall on an item you have purchased?

The supplier may make an attempt to contact you if they have your contact information, but the only real way to know is the check the product recall website http://www.recalls.gov.au regularly.  There are recall categories down the side or check the entries from the last 30 days on a montly basis.

When should I report a product?

You should report a product any time it has caused, or nearly caused an injury.  You may think that the incident was a one off, but it is possible that other people have (or will) be exposed to the same hazard – and have a worse outcome.  Always err on the side of safety and report items you suspect to be unsafe.

How do I report a product?

Go to http://www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/ReportAnUnsafeProduct and follow the prompts to submit a report.

It’s important to ensure that babysitters and carers of our children have all the information they may need in an emergency or urgent situation.  These days most people are prepared for an emergency and leave information like, emergency contact numbers, address and nearest cross road information etc – however here are some things that you may not have thought of to discuss with your babysitter

• Do they know where all the doors are and are they able to lock and unlock every door?  Do they need a key? Do they need to be shown where the key is hidden?  Do they need to be shown how to operate the lock? In the unfortunate event of a fire or home invasion they may need to operate these doors in a hurry.
• Do they know how to use the speaker phone on the home phone – in the event of an emergency this is a useful tool where they may need to follow instruction from the paramedic over the phone
• Do they know where to find the first aid kit?
• Do they have the contact name of a close neighbour or relative they can call on to assist in an emergency?
• Do they know where to find torches in the event of a blackout?

The Trollipop Babysitter Checklist is a 10x15cm magnet that has space to detail all this information and is only $4.95 (free post)