Webkinz.... An adorable, fun, imaginative website where children can play, as well as learn a little about responsibility ?..... or a sadistic ploy to addict parents everywhere ?!?!?!? You be the judge !!
Webkinz are the newest rage, sweeping through Grade-schoolers across this country (or maybe even the world !!) What is a Webkinz, you ask? You mean to tell me that your kids haven't been driving you up the wall to get them a new Webkinz??? WOW !
Well, its a two part thing.
First of all, you will need to purchase, or be given a Webkinz stuffed animal. There are so many "species" to choose from, like dogs, cats, frogs, unicorns, and more. These can be found in Hallmark stores, Itza-party, specialty gift shops, as well as various other small boutiques and shops.
If you're going to purchase one for yourself (uhhh... I mean, for your child), I would suggest getting one of the larger ones. They measure only about 7 inches long, and 4 inches tall... the smaller ones (or Lil' Kinz) are about an inch or two smaller.
The reason I say this is because you can not do as many "things" with the smaller one (like visit other Webkinz houses... but more on that later).
So, got your little stuffed animal? Good !
You will find a little tag tied to his (or her) left front paw. This tag supplies you with a code number.
Off to www.Webkinz.com you go, your child close on your heals. First step, create a screen name. Next, create a password. Make sure you write these down!!! This is very important, because if you forget them, you can NOT retrieve them from Webkinz.com. They have this policy for security purposes.
Also, just so you know, they will ask for your child's first name only, and birthday. No last names. Don't use your child's full name for a screen name or pet name, either. Webkinz is trying to assure that this is a safe site (i.e., no pedophile’s allowed !!), and they strongly suggest (as do I) that you make sure to stay as ambiguous as possible.
Why?
Well... there is this "feature" on the site, where you can "visit" your friend's Webkinz houses. All you need to know is your friend’s Webkin's names (like fluffy224, or 007Max). Down on the lower right hand corner of your screen, you'll find a little "phone". Click it, turn the "power on" (click the power on button), and you can add their names and send them a message (in the form of pre-typed "blurbs" supplied by Webkinz, no "free style" typing, so there's no way anyone can send something lewd or uncalled for).
You can also make "new friends" in a "Tournament" area or in the "Clubhouse". Here, you can "meet" others, and play games against them, and then sign them up to be a "friend" (that's why you need to keep your screen name and pet's name vague).
See where I'm going with this???.... (this has nothing to do with Webkinz, but rather, the Internet in general)
Remember (ok, this is the law-enforcement in my blood speaking here), tell your child to NEVER give out his or her full name, address, or phone number when on line !!
Ok, Ok.... sorry.... back to the review.
Well, you've logged on, now what? For starters, you'll find yourself in the "adoption office", speaking to Mrs. Birdy. She'll ask you some questions about your new little friend (is it a girl or a boy, what it's name is, etc.)
Once you get through the "adoption" process, it's time to have some fun.
Congratulations! You are now the proud grandparent of a Webkinz.
"What should I do first?"
Ummmm.... the question should be, "How do I decide what to do first, there's so many things to do.... UGGGHHHHHH !!!!"
Let's start with your new little friend's room. I'll call him Kinzy, for short (for purposes of this review). When you adopted Kinzy, you received some Kinzcash, a room, and a few surprises. You'll find the surprises in your "dock" (on a "tool" type bar at the bottom of your screen), as well as a little spot that shows how much Kinzcash you have. You'll also see three meters that will show you how happy he is, how healthy he is, and if he's hungry. In the beginning, Kinzy's room will be empty (and most likely, his stomach will be to). It's your job to fill his room and his belly.
That's right folks... you now have another little mouth to feed !!!!
Now, don't panic. This little stuffed animal is not going eat you out of house and home. I know what you're saying... "Man, I have to buy this thing, and then pump more money into it on line?"
NO, you don't.
See, here's where the "learning" part comes in for your child. Your little cherub will have to learn how to balance his or her Kinzcash, with the supply and demand of Kinzy. Yup, Kinzy needs to eat, needs a place to sleep, and things to keep him happy.
This leads us back to the question, "What to do?". On the top part of your "tool" bar, you'll see something that says "things to do". Click this, and a scroll up menu will appear.
In that scroll up menu you'll find an Arcade (where you play games to earn Kinzcash), an employment office where you can get a job to earn Kinzcash (a small job like painting a fence, or building hamburgers.... but you can only work once every 8 hours), Quizzys (which earn you the most Kinzcash, and are educational questions based on age, with subjects like math, science, etc.), and "daily activities" that offer once a day chances to gain extra Kinzcash or prizes.
Oh, man.... You will find loads of "things to do" (far to many to list, or this review would be way to long).
Off your little one goes to earn some money for his or her beloved new cyber pet.
Now that Kinzy is rolling in the dough, let's go shopping.
"Where?"
The WShop, of course. Where else? It's located on that same scroll up menu. Here you can buy food, furniture, toys, clothes, or just about anything Kinzy will need.
Ahhhh... a relaxing shopping trip completed. Let's head back to Kinzy's room. (On the same scroll up menu, you'll see "My Room")
Ohhhh, look. Poor Kinzy's hungry, and his health is down to 90%. I think he needs something, fast. Click and drag a food item from your tool bar, and drop it over Kinzy. "MMMMM... that was tasty", he'll say (or something similar). Make sure you buy lots of fruits, veggies, and nuts, because these seem to keep him healthier. The occasional burger and fries are good, but the "healthier" foods are really what he needs.
All fed? Great !
Now, if you have a good stock o Kinzcash, you can buy Kinzy some extra rooms for his "house". We've built on three additions so far (a livingroom, a kitchen, and a back yard). These rooms are pretty "expensive" so you might have to take it slow, depending on how many games your little one plays to earn cash.
Once you've somewhat established Kinzy's house, You'll need some furniture. Off to the WShop again !!
What to buy, what to buy????
How about a bed? Maybe a couch? Or even a kitchen table and chairs. Ooooooo... some wallpaper, or a window? Yup, you'll need to get what you'd buy for a "regular" house. And the choices.... awesome. Everything from space themes to princess decor. But be careful, the "fancier" you go, the more expensive they are.
When we started out, before we "purchased" our additions, we (you notice I said "we".... ehhhhh, hemmm) decided that Kinzy's first room would be a bedroom. So, we bought him a simple bed, chair, and a toy box. My son wanted to splurge a little, so he got him some space wallpaper.
Later, after you establish more rooms (and earn more Kinzcash), you'll want to get things like a refrigerator, sink, and so on.
And on it goes. Working, playing, shopping, feeding, and more. Oh, did I mention that you can dress your pet too? Yup, you can have one fashionable friend. Save up your Kinzcash.... Kinzy wants some threads !!
Eventually, your little one will stumble across the much controversialClubhouse. A lot of parents have expressed concerns about this feature. Let me tell you "how it really is, and show you how to alleviate any concerns or issues that might arise.
There are two ways to go into the Clubhouse.
FIRST: there is the regular KINZCHAT clubhouse. This operates the same as everything else on Webkinz. You can explore ALL the rooms of the clubhouse, but you can ONLY USE the pre-texted phrases in the Webkinz scroll-up menu, and will only see pre-texted messages displayed (no free-style typing allowed/available).
The other option is the Kinzchat Plus clubhouse. In this clubhouse, you are allowed to type Free- style text.
BUT, don't panic yet.
For starters, before your precious dumpling can enter this arena, they are instructed to type in your (parents) email address to get YOUR approval to do so. They CAN NOT go into the Kinzchat Plus Clubhouse until YOU email permission to do so. (There's also another way to BLOCK the Plus Clubhouse, in the event that your Cherub figures a way around this... but more on that below).
Ok….. so now you've authorized your little sweetie access to the KinzChat Plus area. Here's what you'll find.
YES, they can type "free text"…. BUT Webkinz has a system in place that keeps them from typing stuff that they're not suppose to.
You know how most websites have a program or "dictionary" of words you CAN'T use? Well, Webkinz program has a "dictionary" of words you CAN use. In other words, there are only so many things you can type. NO, you can't find this "dictionary' anywhere. BUT, when you are typing "free text", if a word is not in the "pre-programmed" dictionary, then it will turn RED, and you CAN'T post your message.
Among words not "allowed" or in the dictionary are numbers (either in numeric form or written out form). This is to keep kids from giving out their phone numbers or addresses.
Also, there are lots of words you'd think would be allowed, which aren't. Through using it myself (YES I tried it myself…. ok, we've already established that I'm as addicted to Webkinz as my son… no need for comment here). I found that common adults words (G-Rated adult words, that is) aren't even allowed.
For example, I came across an Elephant that was "crying" (the Elephant kept saying "crying, crying"). I tried to ask it why it was depressed. The system wouldn't even let me use the word "depressed". I had to ask it why it was "sad".
On a warning note, I have stumbled across a few "Animals" begging to be put on your "friends" list. Then they try to get you to "send" them some of your "stuff" with KinzPost (Not "real life" things to "real life" addresses.... there's no way to relay addresses through Webkinz, I mean Webkinz stuff to Webkinz addresses). And, I've see a few "arguments" over whether So-&-So sent such-&-such. (My son has strict instructions not to "add" anyone he doesn't know in "real life" to his "friends" list.)
Because of these types of situations, my son has been told that he can not go into KinzChat Plus without me present (which he has abided to). He is allowed to go anywhere on the sight (including the "regular KinzChat - Pre-determined text - Clubhouse), but can not go into the KinzChat Plus Clubhouse without me there.
The simple resolve to this, if you think that your child will sneak into the KinzChat Plus Clubhouse without you, is to not "allow" them in there in the first place.
Simply… when you get the email that asks if they can go there, just say NO.
OR….. even BEFORE you get that request (or if your cherub has managed to figure out his/her way past this), you can go to Webkinz MAIN PAGE, go into the parent's area link, and click "Manage Your Child's Account".
Here, you will be able to PROHIBIT your child from accessing the KinzChat Plus area before they even ask. You can completely BLOCK them from going into KinzChat Plus.
Here's a link to the Main Page:
http://www.webkinz.com/
And here's a link to the Parent's area:
http://www.webkinz.com/parents_area.html
Ahhhhhh…. ~ relaxing sigh…..
Well,….. When the "day" is done, and you've shopped till you dropped, you'll want to remember one VERY IMPORTANT thing. Always make sure you put Kinzy to bed, and then click "LOG OUT" (you'll find "Log Out" on the same scroll up menu).
The reason this is VERY IMPORTANT is because, if you don't, poor Kinzy will be left wandering around in cyber-space, lonely and getting hungrier by the minute. When you come back, you'll find his health way down, and the poor thing will be half starved to death.
When you put your Webkin to bed and log out, this "freezes" Kinzy, until you get back. His health and hunger level will be exactly the same as when you saw him last.
Oh, and one more WARNING !!
This product can befarmore addictive to PARENTS, than it is to their children !!!
You will find yourself secretly logging in to check on Kinzy. You will be compelled to play arcade games and answer Quizzys, just to get some more Kinzcash so you (I mean, your child) can buy more food for poor, hungry Kinzy.
You will feel the need to make sure that Kinzy is well fed. You may even find yourself buying Kinzy presents, to surprise your child when they get home from school.
Late at night, when your Cherub is comfortably snuggling in dreamland with the stuffed animal half of this product, you'll tip-toe to the computer to sneak Cyber-Kinzy a midnight snack.
You will become obsessed with this new addition to your family. Trust me.... you will become addicted !!
Overall, this is an awesome product/web-site. It teaches your child responsibility (the need to feed and care for the pet), the concept & reality of spending (money doesn't just grow on trees, you need to "earn" money, if you want to buy things), and encourages education.
It encourages reading, as well. I had mentioned earlier that Kinzy will "say something". Often, this is in the form of a "thought bubble" that appears over his head, that your child will have to read. Also, there's the Quizzys, too. Your child will need to read the question and click the correct answer (multiple choice) to get points.
Basically, your child is having a grand old time, and isn't even aware that they are learning something in the process.
But.... all good things must come to an end (or do they). Webkinz are only good for one year.
"Oh, no !!.... I.... (I mean, my son) can't live without our precious Kinzy ! Say it isn't so !!! PLEASE say it isn't so !"
Well, don't panic yet. When you first register, it will tell you about the One Year expiration. But, it states that you will have an option (you'll get notified just prior to your deadline) to extend Kinzy's life.
So, if your child hasn't become bored with this in a year, and you absolutelycan't live without Kinzy in your life, then you can "renew" him.
WheeeeewwwwwWhat a relief !!
How?…. You adopt a new Webkinz. Allow me to explain.
Yes, my friends, we have fallen victim to the overpowering addiction of Webkinz. I have to admit, we have welcomed quite a few more Webkinz into our home. So now we have Kinzy, Kinzy II, Girly Kinzy, Monkey Kinzy, Froggy Kinzy, and many more ( YES, GirlyKinzy is mine..... HUSH... who asked you !!!!).
So, anyway, here's what you do when adopting a new Webkinz:
When you make the big leap into adopting a second (and third, and forth, and....) Webkinz into your home, you have two choices in adoption. I highly recommend the second, but I'll detail both.
First, (and I only recommend this if you have two children, and each one has his/her own Webkinz), you can go to the "main page" and click adopt a pet - the same way you did when you adopted your first. This will establish a new screen name, and the pet will have his or her own "house".
Having two children, each with their own pet, they'd probably want their own "house", so this would be the best.
But, if one child has several pets, AND/OR when you're adopting another Webkinz to KEEP YOUR ACCOUNT ACTIVE, you'll want those pets to share a "house" (be on the same account). They'll each get their own room, but connected to the same house, and able to go into each others rooms.
VERY IMPORTANT: Follow this process. (HERE'S THE CATCH TO KEEPING YOUR ACCOUNT ACTIVE AFTER THE ONE YEAR: )
Log into your current screen name. (You might want to check on Kinzy, maybe feed him, see if he wants to watch tv... etc.). Then, on your "Things to do" scroll up menu, you'll find the "adoption center". Go in there, and Mrs. Birdy will ask you if you want to adopt another pet. Go through the process, and "poof", your new pet is adopted.
You will find that his or her "room" has been "magically" attached to the existing "house", and that he/she got just as much Kinzcash and "surprise presents".
There you have it. Multiple adoptions, and/or extending the "life" of your cyber-pet.
But... now you have multiple mouths to feed, and multiple pets to keep happy.
Well, that just about covers what Webkinz are all about.
Now, if you'll pardon me... I've got to run. We have NINE Webkinz that I must feed and put to bed. I think I'll give them each some veggies, and then a slice of pizza.....
Good night Kinzy, Kinzy 2, Girly Kinzy, Kinzy Frog, Kinzy Monkey, Girly Kinzy Panda, Kinzy Dog, Girly Kinzy Unicorn, and Kinzy Puppy…[LOG OUT]
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