Kids - Korean American Kids

SQUINKIES :: Kids Trend Alert

 By: Kathy Choi-Lee

One day I was shopping at Target and stumbled into the Hello Kitty section. With two boys, I rarely get to do so, but this day I was shopping for my nieces. So, I noticed an empty section on the wall of toys. I looked to see what it could be and there was one package of Squinkies left for me to grab up. My nieces fell in love with it instantly. They wanted to collect them all - of course! 

Each figurine comes in a candy dispenser plastic sphere and they are stored in a candy dispenser like the toy image above. Cute idea! They advertise them as pencil toppers for some added school fun. It looks like these might be on your schools new list of no-no's. But, if you have a kid who loves playing with cute miniatures, this is the toy to get this year. Zhu Zhu pets and Silly Bandz are on their way out and these tiny rubber mini figures are the new KID TREND!

Where can you buy them? If you're looking, ask the sales clerk at your local Target, Walmart or Toys R'Us if they can find you some in the backroom. These are already OUT of STOCK all over the internet. If you're willing to pay a little more, go to Amazon.com. Visit the official site here for a full list of collectibles.

{Click HERE to buy Squinkies!}

 

Watch the commercial here:

Disney's Cinderella :: Korean Version

Photo Via www.disneywallpaper.net

 

I didnt grow up in Korea, but I grew up in a very Korean populated  part of New York, so for me, I learned most of my Korean from hearing others use it. Then when it came time to learn how to read and write in Korean, it came quicker then imaginable. Here is a starter video for Disney's Cinderella in Korean. Follow the links for the rest of the movie. Share with us if these Korean Videos help you and your little one to learn Korean.

• Part I - Disney's Cindrella Korean Movie Version
  
• Part II - Disney's Cindrella Korean Movie Version
  
• Part III - Disney's Cindrella Korean Movie Version

 

 

Disclaimer:

KOKO Living did not create these files on youtube. We are only showcasing them.

'My Name is Yoon' - a Korean American Children's Book

'My Name is Yoon' is a Korean American Children's Book written by Helen Recorvits about a little girl named Yoon, who is starting school in the United States after having grown up in South Korea. The story is how Yoon adjusts to her first few days at school and how she decides to change her name to what she thinks would be a better choice for her. A great story to share with your little ones. To hear the book and to see a few of the illustrations, please enjoy the video reading of "My Name Is Yoon" below.

Buy Now | KOKO Living Store | Save up to 30% off


 
Video via Youtube.com

Korean for Kids Flash Cards Kit - SAVE 32% Off!

   

Tuttle Korean for Kids Flash Cards Kit 1 & 2

Flash Cards by Laura Armitage whom has taught at various K-12 levels and was an instructor for the Seoul Ministry of Education. She currently teaches fifth grade in Franklin, New Hampshire.

Includes Audio CD. This boxed set contains 64 more Korean flash cards that get children talking about Nature, Opposites, Going Places, Things I Like to Do and more. These everyday words and sentences help children build their vocabulary in a natural, age-appropriate way.

List Price:	$19.95
Price:	$13.57 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

{Click her to shop KOKO Living's Korean American Store}

Elmo + Katy Perry Playdate Controversy??

 

By: Kathy Choi-Lee

This week we heard all over the news that Elmo's playdate pop singer Katy Perry was not going to be aired on our favorite kids tv show Sesame Street. Why? I say blame it on the stylist! She was wearing a bit of a cleavage revealing "dress-up" outfit to be playing with a toddler monster like Elmo. One person in the news chimed in saying her outfit was no more revealing then superhero Wonder Woman's sexy outfit back int he 70's. I agree! And as a lover of style and fashion, I thought her outfit was super cute, but not good for my little boy's eyes. Not at 8 in the morning. What are your thoughts?

 

Madame Alexander's Korea Doll :: Korean Hanbok Girl Doll + Drum

Words by: Kathy Choi-Lee

When I was 6 or 7 years old, both my parents worked all day and close into the night on most days - like most parents trying their hardest to start a new career while supporting a family. So, my sisters and I would happily wait up for them. Then one night, I remember they brought home small dolls dressed in bright dresses with the cutest faces. Each was sitting in a perfect collectors box. Little did we know - that night my parents had just given us each our first Madame Alexander Mini Doll. I wish I still had mine today, but in search of a gift for my niece, I found something better - the Madame Alexander Korea Doll. Definitely a perfect gift for your Korean darling. The memories of receiving such a doll will last a lifetime!

The following as posted on Shop.TuesdayMorning.com

The Alexander Doll Company was founded 80 years ago by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman, the daughter of Russian immigrants. She was raised over her father's doll hospital—the first in America—and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her love of dolls led this dynamic woman to creating her own line of dolls, the renowned Madame Alexander. The Alexander Doll Company's highly prized International Collection continues Madame Alexander's pledge to educate children by celebrating the wonderful diversity of the world's cultures and traditions. Korea comes dressed in an elaborate green, red and blue native gown. Her accessory includes a decorative drum. Also Available in Stores Tuesday October 5, 2010 at 8 AM.

Madame Alexander Korea |  Style No. 47830
Buy Now for $39.99 EA (Compare at Retail Cost of $90.00)

Features:

- Beautiful Korea doll
- 8" tall
- Dressed in a traditional costume of green, red andblue
- She has black hair braided on the top of her head
- Includes a traditional drum
- International Collection
- Madame Alexander gift box

UGG's Gold & Pink "Erin" Booties

UGG's Gold & Pink "Erin" Booties!

It has been a while since I was wanting a pair of these for my first born son, but every time I look at them, I can only think of comfort and warmth for any child that wears a pair of these mini UGG booties. I had the sad experience of buying them on eBay at $29 a pair. I ended up with a fake copy and just stuck with it. I was very sad, but I'm better now. And guess what.. the gold Erin Booties are on sale at Bloomingdales.com for all 3 sizes (Small, Medium & Large). So, if you like going for Gold, its your day to save a few dollars. As a Bootie Review, these are the warmest lightest booties you'll find for your child hands down! If you find something better, let me know. I'm always looking! Stay warm!

The Little Prince Cafe | Buena Park, CA

The Little Prince Kids Cafe in Buena Park, CA has been making moms and kids shout of joy. There are playhouses popping up everywhere, but to find one that serves Korean food - friendly for kids and a playhouse full of great kid sitting service and activities! Wow! I wish I had a magic wand to make the Little Prince Kids Cafe as popular as Starbucks worldwide, but I guess for now, lets enjoy photos of their CA location. Planning a kids birthday party? A 100th day celebration, a toddler's party or a playdate amongst friends, take a look.

Korean American Mommy Billie Kim reviews the kid cafe ...

"Little Prince Kids Cafe in Buena Park was really cute and clean. They had plenty of workers on hand to care for the children. They have a mini jungle gym, ball bit, dress up area, infant area, and library inside. They also provide craft time and private lockers for your shoes. Its $8 for 2 hours, which includes one juice box for the kids. For the adults, admission is free as long as you order from the menu. It is a bit pricey since you have a time limit and a glass of iced coffee runs about $5 (and each additional 30 minutes you stay is $2). But because there are no other kids cafes near us, its a small price we have to pay. Overall, I'd give this place a 4 out of 5."

  

What do you think? "Cafe fairies.. More Little Prince Cafes please!"

Little Prince Kids Cafe on Yelp Click Here for more information.

:: Please leave your review here for our readers ::

Having "the talk" With Your Daughter Thanks to American Girl!

Written By: Jeanie Chang

My daughter just turned 10 years old and is in fifth grade.  All of a sudden, I’m dealing with pre-teen/teen issues!  Toward the latter half of fourth grade, I realized I needed to have “the talk” with her very soon. 

Years ago, a pastor’s wife who I looked up to, told me a good time to have “the birds and the bees” talk with your child was age 8 regardless if you’re a boy or a girl.  The mother should speak with the daughter and the father should speak with his son.   Well, my daughter turned 8 and I avoided the issue because I thought she was too immature to handle it.  I realize now that I should’ve had that talk because by 4^th grade, your child will hear about it or something along the lines from their friends especially those friends with older siblings! 

This past spring, I was getting questions like “What’s a period?” and “When do you start wearing a bra?”  I couldn’t handle those questions and ran away from them!  To help me out, I got the American Girl book, The Care & Keeping of You:The Body Book for Girls.  I had heard it was a very useful resource for many moms.  Plus, my daughter loves American Girl.  (If your daughter isn’t of age yet, beware of those American Girl dolls!)  The book has turned out to be an excellent resource for both of us!

I wish I had spoken to my daughter when she was 8 years old so she’d hear everything from me first, but alas I was too chicken.  So, she heard various things this past spring from friends and on the bus and I just turned a deaf ear cringing each time and avoiding the issue!  Yes, I couldn’t believe I was acting just like my own 1^st generation Korean mom!  Shame on me.  I wanted to have a much better communication system with my daughter than I did with my mom.  Anyways, that’s another topic.  My daughter’s birthday was August 13 and for her 10^th birthday, I made lunch reservations at the American Girl Café at the American Girl store on 5^th Avenue in New York City to celebrate the occasion.  I planned on having “the talk.”  I think it went well.  We talked about the changes in her body that she’d be experiencing, about having her period and what it is.  I just didn’t touch on the subject of sex because she’s still too immature for that subject and I didn’t want to start her thinking anything!   Okay, I was too chicken!     

I could tell she was listening to me, but not really that interested.  I think she was having such a good time being at the American Girl store she was a bit distracted.   My daughter had her 10 year physical this past week and the doctor noticed her breast buds and talked about the changes her body was going through and how she was expected to have her period in about two years. My jaw dropped to the floor because I couldn’t believe it was just two years.  Anyways, my daughter seemed to be listening very intently to her pediatrician.  I love my pediatrician!  I wish she had spoken to my daughter first!  Apparently after her physical she went to school and told her friends that her breast buds popped out.  She also discussed what a period is to her friends.  This was on the school bus and during recess.  A friend of mine (the mother of one of my daughter’s close friends) told me this because her daughter came home with a wealth of information from my daughter!  Thank goodness she had already had this talk with her daughter this summer.  I was mortified.  One important note: my daughter told her friend that I never discussed what a period is with her!!!  Hello?  What was that whole conversation at American Girl Café on her birthday?  I guess she wasn’t listening to me. 

Well, I’m sure I’ll be having more talks with my daughter as she enters the teens and I hope to be as communicative and open as I can be. 

For those of you who would like more resources on how to speak to your daughter about this.  Please check these out:

• The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library)
  
• The Feelings Book:  The Care & Keeping of Your Emotions (American Girl)
• Is This Normal?: Girls Questions, Answered by the Editors of the Care & Keeping of You (American Girl)
• Period. A Girl’s Guide by Joann Loulan
• Bringing Up Girls:  Practical Advice and Encouragement for those Shaping the Next Generation of Women by James C. Dobson

Let's Move With Our Kids!

Written by: Jeanie Chang

Photo via stpetephotos.com

My two older kids just participated in their first triathlon this past weekend and it was an awesome experience!  Have any of your kids ever done a triathlon or have you?  I made my kids do a triathlon before I did.   (I’m participating in a women’s only triathlon later in October and I’m shaking with fear.)  The triathlon my kids did was for ages five and up and my kids had a good time.  It’s a great accomplishment and they’re proud of what they did.  We’re definitely planning on doing one at least once a year.  The cost is minimal (around $30 - $40) and in order to participate, you have to pay only $5 for an annual membership to USA Triathlon.   We did some minimal “training” where the kids went on bike rides with us in the evening and we had them run a little bit after the bike ride.  Because they had been swimming all summer on our local swim team, we didn’t have them practice that since they were comfortable with it.   It was great seeing so many kids there so physically fit and active!  I was very impressed.  That seems to be the trend these days – getting fit and eating healthier.

With First Lady Michele Obama’s Let’s Move campaign launched earlier this year, physical activity has never received more attention.  The Let’s Move campaign’s goal is to tackle the challenge (and solve) childhood obesity.  You’re probably aware that childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years.  Let’s Move is striving to involve ever y sector that impacts the health of children to achieve the goal of solving childhood obesity within a generation.  It is providing schools, families and communities simple tools to help kids be more active, eat better and get healthy.

Being at the kids’ triathlon last weekend, I felt like I was personally involved with the First Lady’s mission.  She would’ve been proud with what she saw there – kids swimming two to six 25-yard laps, biking  one to four miles and running half a mile to over a mile.  These kids were definitely MOVING!  J

We participated in this triathlon through Kids In Training (kidsintraining.org) which is a local organization.  A national organization targeting kids’ participation in triathlons is IronKids at www.ironkids.com.   You can also check out the USA Triathlon website at www.usatriathlon.org.  This might be something you’d like your kids to try or you may already have.    You can make the training aspect of the triathlon a wonderful family bonding experience by going to the pool together, biking together and running with them.  J  The family being active together makes for a fun time and you’re encouraging physical activity which enhances their overall well-being!