Tech December 1, 2017

TOP 3 Interactive Ways to Watch Netflix with Your Toddler

To be honest, I’m enjoying the freedom to watch cartoons again. I mean, of course, with him. I read an article a few months back about interacting with your children while they get screen time helps them actually focus and learn from what they’re watching. Otherwise, they can easily fall into just watching shows aimlessly. So here are my TOP 3 interactive ways to watch Netflix with your toddler:

TOP 3 Interactive Ways to Watch Netflix with Your Toddler

1. ASK QUESTIONS:

Asking your toddler what/why/how pertaining to the episode they’re watching helps them to stay in focus on what’s going on. It always opens communication with the parent. Usually, when I ask questions, soon after I’m holding some toys and we’re reenacting what happened on the scene he just watched on Paw Patrol.Or I’m googling for answers to his questions about specific animals. If you ask questions, they will too.

2. SING ALONG OR REPEAT:

If Baby D is watching, for an example, Mother Goose Club or the opening credits to any of the shows I sing along or even say the words I remember in the song and encourage him to join in. Even repeating important parts of the show helps with being interactive. Dora the Explorer is an easy one for this. This show actually interacts with the viewer, by asking questions, asking for help in making decisions and lots of repeating of words in English and Spanish!

3. USE TOYS:

I use toys that relate to the show. If we’re sitting down to watch shows with animals, then I line up all his animals. This one is a really good one if you have a hard time shortening your toddlers’ screen time. It’s a great transition into playing with toys.

Here are some great shows to watch with your toddler (for more, click the image):

Watching shows with Baby D that he loves, shows him my interest in his life. Shows him how much I care and love his obsession with animals. The beginner steps to being a supportive parent start here.

If you like these tips, please take a moment to save the below image to Pinterest! You never know when it’ll come in handy.

Series October 25, 2017

Top 8 Halloween Movies/Shows to watch on Netflix

Halloween movies or shows are a must to watch in the days leading up to October 31st. The best way to set the mood for all the events to come. Halloween parties, going to Haunted Houses and of course trick or treating; to name a few. Last year we took our son trick or treating and the year before that and it was so much fun to see his reaction to different costumes. The first year he wasn’t scared of anything until he saw a woman dressed up as Winnie the Pooh! That was a big surprise. This year my husband and I are so excited to get back into watching Stranger Things. It’s back on Netflix on October 27th. Just in time for Halloween. Which leads me to the big question. Binge watch Stranger Things 2 or take the kids trick or treating? We’re going to do both!

Top 8 Halloween Movies/Shows to watch on Netflix

1. Stranger Things 2 (Show)

Stranger Things is like a time machine back to the 80’s. ‘When Joyce’s 12-year-old son, Will, goes missing, she launches a terrifying investigation into his disappearance with local authorities. As they search for answers, they unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries involving secret government experiments, unnerving supernatural forces, and a very unusual little girl.’
*P.S – Head over to my Instagram page for a Stranger Things Giveaway!

2. The Walking Dead (Show)

Zombies and more zombies. ‘Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman, this gritty drama portrays life in the weeks and months following a zombie apocalypse. Led by police officer Rick Grimes, his family and a group of other survivors find themselves constantly on the move in search of a safe and secure home.’

3. Train to Busan (Movie)

Another zombie movie but because there are subtitles and it’s in another language I guarantee you’ll be on the edge of your seat and maybe even cry like I did. ‘A man (Gong Yoo), his estranged daughter and other passengers become trapped on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea.’

4. Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2 (Family Halloween)

If you’re looking for a cute, funny animation movie that’ll be great for the whole family to watch then this is it! ‘Now that Dracula (Adam Sandler) has opened the Hotel Transylvania’s doors to humans, things are changing for the better; however, Drac is secretly worried that his half-human grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing his vampire side.’

5. Spooky Stories 1 & 2 (Family Halloween)

Many Halloween-ie stories starring characters from your favourite children’s movies like Shrek for an example.

6. Bates Motel (Show)

This show had me always guessing at what would happen next. Lots of curve balls and suspenseful episodes. I was just as sad when this was over as I was for Breaking Bad. ‘After the death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel in the picturesque coastal town of White Pine Bay, giving herself and teenage son Norman a chance to begin anew.’

7. The Sixth Sense (Movie)

One of my all time favourite scary movies. ‘Young Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment) is haunted by a dark secret: he is visited by ghosts. Cole is frightened by visitations from those with unresolved problems who appear from the shadows. ‘