
As their children grow so too does the weight of world for parents and kids alike. I for one dreaded the notion that my children would be exposed to bullying. The emotional pain of being victimized often lasts longer than any physical impact. In response to this pervasive problem, studies and guides on how to root out all forms of bullying from our schools have been produced. Yet you see daily examples of bullying with certain adults in numerous venues such as public office holders, supervisors at work, law enforcement officers, houses of worship and more. The allure of power compels even the most humble human being to act in one’s self interest. So what’s missing? It comes down to respect.
Dadbloggers
Video Fun from the Web – #1

When it comes to video, the internet provides a breeding ground for limitless creativity. In addition, one can discover genuine moments of awkward hilarity too. This week we were treated to a couple of random fun web videos about the power of imagination and a missed opportunity.
Kids School Winter Break: 5 Reasons It Needs to End

Little known fact: Time moves at the pace it wants to move whether one is having fun or not. Consider Winter break for example. Here in the United States, we are collectively in the midst of a long school mandated kids centric “vacation”. Days and night have become a blur. Ask any parent of young elementary school aged children what day it is I suspect you’ll receive a long blank stare followed by a pained groan with muttered expletives. Don’t get me wrong. I love my children and countless millions of parents love theirs as well. But our collective cup hath runneth over. The kids need to go back to school now.
2014 Holiday Gift Guide for Young Kids

You can almost hear the internal primal scream emitted from millions of parents across the United States. That’s right, the holiday season has commenced ushering in Toy buying stress for Moms and Dads. But fear not you wonderful readers of CuteMonster.com, help has arrived just in the nick of time. Especially if you’re buying for kids ages 18 months to 5 years old.
Big Hero 6 Could Spark a Whole New Generation of Scientists

Movies featuring high tech gadgets have always dazzled audiences. Case in point, the gee whiz contraptions found in countless James Bond films. The fictional scientists responsible for these inventions were often depicted as technology obsessed drones devoid of humanity. Enter “Big Hero 6”, an animated Disney movie based on a Marvel property which catapults whiz kids to new heroic heights.
Win a 4 Pack of Tickets to the 2014 Holiday Train Show at the NYBG

The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden can best be described as one of New York City’s Holiday Treasures. Now in its 23rd year, the New York Botanical Garden captivates model train fans of all ages. In the holiday spirit, CuteMonster.com has partnered with the New York Botanical Garden to offer you a chance to win a 4 Pack of Tickets to the show!
Kid Conversations #5

Overheard conversation on the way to the store:
8yo: Yeah. What kind of animal would you be?
6yo: Um…a monkey because they’re fun.
8yo: I’d be a giraffe so I could hula hoop with my neck.
Win the Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack for the Wii

We here at CuteMonster HQ get sent a variety of items to review. Sometimes we get sent the wrong item due to human error. In this case we were sent the Nintendo Wii version of Activision’s Skylanders Trap Team. We needed the Wii U version which we hopefully plan to review in the near future. But don’t fret friends. Our short term loss is your gain! We’re giving the Nintendo Wii version of Activision’s Skylanders Trap Team away! Read on for details.
#HealthyDad, Scary Truths, and a Giveaway Contest

I’ve been enlisted aka hired to promote the idea of Healthy Dads. As I type this post nursing an injured ankle, I get the premise. Accidents happen, dare I say, life happens and if you’re not careful, especially with your own health, you may well stumble and fall. Nothing makes one realize their own mortality than becoming a father. Granted, recent announcements such as the movie “The Karate Kid” celebrating its 30th Anniversary can be existentially jarring in its own right but I digress. Your circle of concern expands on an infinite scale as a Dad. All of sudden, the future looms large, priorities shift and your laundry list of lofty goals gets whittled away to all but one…being there for your family.