It seems hardly a month goes by without a study being released showing how society is putting too much pressure on kids to achieve. Whether it’s sports, music, dancing or just good old-fashioned grades – you name the competition, there are bunches of families spending their yearly vacation travelling across the country so their son or daughter can win it.

I know, this is an extreme example, but there’s a vocal group of objectors crying, “Just let kids be kids!” They talk about the dire consequences of putting too much pressure on children at such and young age, and use phrases like “unstructured play time”, which I think is the scientific way of saying, tip the sofa over and pretend to be a pirate or a cowboy or something.

But wait a minute. There’s another group of experts saying parents and teachers have adopted a win-win attitude that frowns on any child facing the trauma of coming in second, third… Heaven forbid, even fourth! Again, there’s a growing concern that we’re leading kids down a path that leaves them unequipped to the reality that for every winner, there’s a loser too.

Hold on, I’m not done yet. Forget whether children are being pushed too hard or not enough, it doesn’t matter, because there’s another faction claiming children are too busy getting overweight in front of their television or computer for it to matter. According to this group, kids are just junk food chompin’ zombies, too unmotivated to do anything anyway.

So which is it? Are children pushed too hard, not hard enough or does it not even matter because they’re all to obese to care?

The only connection I can gather from these contradictory views is that no matter what, today’s children are doomed. This is a tragic assumption. Did people have a similar view twenty or thirty years ago? Is it just natural to be pessimistic about the potential of near-future generations and what kind of message does this negative outlook give to a child?

As I’ve said before, I’m not a parent yet, so I’m going to reserve any judgment until I have my own experience to draw on. However it’s a question that concerns me and I would love to know what any parents out there might think.

• Knee Bouncers
• PBS Kids
• Dreambox
• Disney Digital Books
• Ziggity Zoom

But wait there’s more! About.com are also giving another award for the best virtual world. The list of contenders are as follows:

• The Travels of Wiglington and Wenks
• Webkinz World
• Chobots
• Club Penguin
• Webosaurs

Here’s what’s super-interesting. Take a look at the amount of votes cast for each category, or just keep reading this if you’re lazy. At present time of writing, there’s been nearly three hundred votes for favorite kids website, but there are nearly three thousand votes cast for favorite virtual world.

That’s a serious difference, and one I’d love to know the reason behind.

Could it be that the level of competition between virtual worlds is stronger? Are virtual world fans more passionate about their favorite? Or are virtual worlds simply becoming much more popular across a rapidly growing audience? What do you think? Share your thoughts!

Like everyone else on the planet, judging by the amount of people at LAX, I traveled back to the folks for Christmas for some rest and relaxation. It’s the last place I usually expect to put on my curiosity cap. Until, that is, one of my parents’ friends paid a visit, nine-year-old daughter in tow, along with a brand new Webkinz – a platypus to be exact.

“Do you guys have a computer?” Bella, the little girl asked, “I need to register Gabriel here”, waving the fuzzy creature, and confirming my belief that the box of my old toys which gets dragged out when kids come around, just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

So we went to the Webkinz site, and registered Gabriel, and this is where the magic started to happen for me. See, I know a lot about toys, and I thought I knew everything I needed to about Webkinz – you buy one, register it online and there are a bunch of rather basic games you can play with it.

No. There’s way more to it than that.

We started off playing the Webkinz Chef Challenge, a cooking game where you and an opponent must guess the right ingredients to include in such fantastical recipes as Knotty Numnums and Sorcusorbet. I figured it was a random scissors-paper-stone game mechanic, but again, I was to be mistaken.

Narrowly impressing the chef judges more than the other player, we were awarded a bunch of KinzCash to spend on virtual clothes and accessories. Not just any old bits and pieces though, Gabriel has specific needs. According to his bio, he likes skateboarding and painting, so that’s what Bella bought to keep the virtual version of Gabriel happy, along with food, drinks and a range of décor for his new room.

As if this buying frenzy was entertaining enough, it dawned on me that the shopping experience we were enjoying was almost exactly the same as a if you were buying something for real on Amazon or eBay. This kid was confidently clicking away at the same kind of thing I remember nervously doing for the first time myself, only I was twice her age at the time!

We played some more games, earned some more points and went back to the store for more accessories, including some furniture for the fluffy little creatures’ virtual room.

One of the items Bella picked was a television, and this is what blew me away – you can watch the TV and learn the ingredients needed to win in the Chef Challenge game we’d played earlier! The recipes weren’t random, there’s just more of the Webkinz world to explore and discover in one interlocking package.

This sums up my experience in two ways. Firstly I got a real kick out of the seamless experience involved in finding my way around the Webkinz site, it really is a deeply layered world offering a complete content package.

Secondly, and more importantly was a more introspective lesson. As a children’s media professional, there is so much content constantly being released, that in an effort to stay on top of it all, you’re often forced to get by with the basic concept of something really special, without fully appreciating it. I’m very happy to say this is one instance where I got to slow down and enjoy a great concept, and I encourage everyone to do the same thing.

This was too quirky for me to resist sharing! In celebration of Asterix’s 50th birthday, the French Air Patrol sky acrobatics team jetted off to paint a very special picture in the clouds…

Actually, I helped a bit, so blame any mistakes on me.

Beginning with the earliest kids brand we could think of, we feverishly made a list of other important ones and then set about researching the year they were released. It was a lot of fun, but also incredibly interesting to put some perspective on a lot of household names. Did you know Mickey Mouse is a year older than Popeye… who’s the same age as Tintin? Cool!

From a commercial point of view, it’s useful to note how many classic brands were created in the 50’s and how the market virtually exploded in the late 70’s, with brands that are stronger today than ever before.

However, the timeline isn’t finished yet. Eric and I need your help.

We still have lots of space to add other significant children’s brand names, so we’d love you to send your ideas to us to be featured on the timeline. Anything from television or radio shows, to toys and breakfast cereals are welcome, so get sending.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy scrolling through memory lane. Who knows what we’ll be adding in the years to come!

Similarly, Paris has become the center of much celebration for the 50th birthday of one of France’s greatest cultural heroes; a plucky big-nosed Gaul who likes nothing more than bashing a few Romans with his rotund superhuman friend.

But while the masses are clamoring for more Sesame Street, fans of Asterix around the world are generally agreed – enough, sadly, is enough.

While Sesame Street continues to evolve and entertain, Asterix seems to have run out of magic potion, however both brands continue to release new content. The difference lies in the fact that to countless Asterix fans, every new adventure book is a disappointment, gradually chipping away at the value the brand has built over the years.

So when, if ever, is it time to draw the curtains and put a brand to bed?

Some brands are in a constant state of expansion, keeping their core concept, but adapting to the times; Mickey Mouse might be digitally animated, but he’s still the same character. Similarly, Star Wars continues to explore a galaxy far, far away with a constant stream of video games, cartoons, toys and even an upcoming television series. Other properties may drift in and out of public conscience, but there are a rare few that are always at the fore, and seemingly untouchable when it comes to sustained popularity.

Then there’s the most unique of all brands; the one with a defined ending. The kind of book or show that finished with the audience wanting more, instead of eventually jumping the shark. Further products may still be released, but the core remains the same.

J.K. Rowling adamantly proclaims there will never be more Harry Potter books written, or movies made. Many people, myself included may find her integrity in telling a specific story admirable, but I’m left wondering if authors like A.A. Milne or J.M. Barrie thought the same thing about their creations decades ago. Both Peter Pan and now Winnie-the-Pooh have been given the sequel treatment, years after their original creators have passed away. Should their creations be left alone, with or without their estate’s approval?

Nowadays there is another element to consider – the fan created piece. Gone are the days when content was developed purely between dedicated creatives and the studios who funded them. The Web is absolutely heaving with videos and fan fiction, creating a dearth of new content. While it’s almost never recognized as an official component of the brand, the amount of content falling into this category is growing, and some brands even encourage it.

Of course the elephant in the room is the question, where are all the new brands being created? There are only so many re-makes that can be made, surely?

There are still many new ideas being explored, even more so as the technology involved in creating and delivering media continues to develop and become more accessible, however studios will continue taking the safest financial course by investing in a brand that already has a proven track record, be it securing younger new audiences with an already successful format, or luring back older audience with an existing emotional connection to the brand.

At the end of the day, profitability is going to define whether a brand continues to generate new material, but if we continue to creatively pursue new ideas, and tell new stories, it’s okay to accept a time when a character or series has finally ran it’s inevitable course. Or bashed it’s last Roman.

What’s most intriguing about this years conference is the new perspective many experts are beginning to have when it comes to keeping kids safe online. The danger of online predators are being dialed down, but while this obviously still remains a pressing concern, research by the Internet Safety Technical Task Force indicates that a more immediate problem lies with children encountering peer-to-peer bullying and self-destructive online behaviors.

Instead of increasing the fear factor for children staying safe online, conference speakers, including CNET safety blogger, Larry Magid will be placing an emphasis on media literacy and digital citizenship, encouraging kids to be positive internet users.

The two-day conference will also feature a range of workshops and sessions on subjects such as playing online games responsibly and how to use mobile devices safely. Find out more about how to register for the event, here.

The Chicago International Children's Film Festival

For ten chilly fall days each year, the Windy City becomes the center of my children’s media world. Starting today, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival will celebrate, not just 26 years of world-class children’s entertainment, but 26 years of empowering kids to become media literate and aware of the influence television, magazines and the internet can have on their everyday lives.

I interned for the CICFF in 2004. It was my big break into the world of children’s media, and I’ve never looked back. When I started working there I was full of energy and totally on board with all the hopes and expectations of a typical fresh-faced little media darling; the glitz and the glamour and the chance to be creative for a living – cool!

But there was more to it than that. I started to hear all kinds of things about the impact on-screen violence has on children; about consumerism and pester-power and the general dumbing-down of a generation or two of kids.

I didn’t believe a word of it. In fact, I resented such a crazy notion. If you’re reading this and you grew up in the 80’s like I did, you’re probably thinking the same thing as me – I grew up with He-Man/G.I. Joe/Ninja Turtles, and I turned out just fine.

For most of us that’s true, but we didn’t spend our childhoods in an instant information world where every kind of media format, both good and bad, bombards us almost every minute of the day. Let’s be honest here, nobody’s quite sure what effect this state of being “always-on” has on growing children.

Before you say this is alarmist, I’m not asking for a blanket ban on any kind of media nastiness. I don’t believe our youth are doomed to become sociopathic vegetables, numbed to scenes of violence, or slaves to consumerism. As broadcasters, it’s our responsibility to share information, tell a story and entertain. I’m just asking you to think about what effect that ad your writing, the show your animating, or the online community your developing might have on impressionable minds.

Ok, enough with the serious eyebrows. This year the CICFF will be showing over 200 films from 40 countries and will also host 25,000 kids as well as a wide range of activities and interactive workshops to get involved with. There’s something for kids of all ages, and plenty of filmmakers and celebrities show up too. There I go with the glitz, again!

If you’re anywhere near the Windy City over the next few days, I can totally recommend taking the kids for a visit. Even if you’re not in town, take a look and see if there’s a film fest for children in your area. You’ll see the magic of the big screen in a whole new way.

Happy film watching!

I know, it’s been a long time for me too. It didn’t end there though did it? The poke gave way to the super-poke, which begot the pillow fight before mellowing into a hatching egg. By this point most of us got wise to the semi-sneaky ways of the Facebook ap; namely, if you send the virtual item de jour to every living person you know you’ll be rewarded with even more virtual items, presumably for you to hand down to future generations.

Still, even though we’ve been there and done that before, the new wave of older users all the social media trend setters have been talking about; the grandma’s and great uncles of the world, caught onto Facebook and the cycle started over again. The trouble is, it’s one thing to click the ignore button on the stuff that intern who used to work for you sends (be honest, you didn’t really want to add her on FB anyway) but, damn it, if Great Auntie Ethel challenges you to a state capitals quiz or needs you to know what Beatle you’re most like, you kind of feel obliged. What I’m saying is, there’s always a handful of announcements to let you know some irritating distant acquaintance has unlocked, powered-up, or generally felt the need to notify you of their interactive activities.

Thanks to FarmVille, I have become that irritating person.

FarmVille, in a word, rocks. And it’s addictive, but not in a “playing it 24 hours a day” kind of way, no, it’s more of a “waking up at 2am, because I forgot to milk the cow” addictive.

You’re given an isometric plot of land and some cash to buy stuff like crops, trees, and buildings, and that’s about it. There’s no defined goal, but the initial hook of the game lies is in the sheer amount of pixelated goodies you can choose to fill your little farmstead with. I’m still a relative newbie, but I already have a choice of fifteen or so veggies to grow, ten fruit trees to pick from and countless hay bales, fences and the like to decorate my little plot with. Customization is a driving factor in a lot of popular games these days, and FarmVille offers it plentifully.

Money doesn’t grow on trees, at least not while I’m still at level ten. Some of the more extravagant varieties of flora and fauna cost money, and what better way than to sell your crops? Different crops take different amounts of time to harvest; raspberries will be ready in a couple of hours, but wheat, for example, will take three days. The subtle beauty of this mechanic is really what makes FarmVille so ideally suited to the millions of casual gamers out there, because unlike other games with a virtual nurturing element that essentially demands your attention every day, you can happily set up your farm to take care of itself for a few days and not have to worry about it. This means if you’ve got time on your hands you can plant a bunch of seeds with a rapid turnaround, but if you’re not going to be near a computer for a few days (eek!) you can plant some artichokes and not lose any sleep over your precious produce withering away.

For users who just have to have that little extra something in their farm, the game also has an extensive selection of virtual goodies that can be paid for with micro-transactions. It’s a shame that the only way to pay for the seriously cool stuff is with real money – I think it’s enough that I’ve invited goodness knows how many people to play FarmVille, but the fact that virtual goods spending is set to reach one billion dollars this year, significantly shows this is a winning model.

Uniquely, FarmVille is also a rare example of a social media game that appeals to nearly everyone. So many games are released these days with strongly defined target demographics, be it ninjas for boys or fashion designers for girls, that it’s refreshing to find a game with almost universal appeal. I got my FarmVille invite from a distant cousin twice my age and you know, I kind of felt obliged…

As well as being able to choose books featuring a ton of Disney characters, the subscription based service also gives young readers a bunch of extra bells and whistles to play with. You can store a personal library of favorites, and share them with your friends, using the simple selection of pre-written messages to send along with your suggestion.

What I really like about the website and the reading experience, is that even though the core of the site is built around Flash animation, it really doesn’t go down the road of being overly animated and distracting. It could have been so easy to add countless little instances of characters winking, waving, and generally making a hubbub, but instead the focus is totally on the reading experience. That being said, the page turning animation of the book itself is very clever, and a large dictionary of words can be clicked on and listened to.

Of course we’re talking about books on a computer here. It’s hard to envision reading bedtime stories with it, even with a laptop. I’m sure many parents will be concerned about the physical and emotional experience of reading together with their child, but from a young users perspective, the content medium doesn’t matter.

You can already preview a bunch of books for free on the Disney Digital Books website, so take a look. The service just launched today, but I’m already certain it’s going to be something special.