webkinz

Do you know about Webkinz?

I didn't.

Maybe we do *occasionally* miss some of the latest fads because we homeschool. But usually, I am at least aware of current trends. I had no idea how popular these plush little things are.

They are like beanie babies, but on steroids. Really. They are desperately cute, and oh-so-cuddly.

And like crack for small children.
 I'm not kidding.

Webkinz = Kiddie Crack.

 Because, when they get a Webkinz, there is a code, and you take this code and go online and there - on the screen - is a virtual version of your pet! How cool! And you can buy them clothes, and play games with them, and take care of them. Wow!!!

And then, you find out that there are codes everywhere, on all sorts of things. Special codes. Codes that get you special treats, features, etc in Virtual Webkinz Land. And then the whining begins...

"Moooommmmm, can we get on webkinz.com?!? I need to tell my pet I love them everyday, or they will get unhappy!"

"Moooommmmm, I need to get: (the lip gloss, the body spritz, the charms, the clothes, the bookmarks - each with its own SPECIAL SECRET CODE!!!) for my pet, pleassssssse?"

"Moooommmmm, when my year is up can I have your credit card so I don't lose all the prizes I have won?" (Seriously, my child just asked me that. I laughed. Hard.)

Now, you may wonder why we even have these little critters. My Uncle, who I will now refer to as Uncle Dealer, got them for my children, in an attempt to have all the grandkids/cousins have a way to stay in touch. I figured, oh, okay, sounds cute, and they can connect with their cousins online.

But instead I have strung out little junkies who need their webkinz fix.

However....

it is a good motivator...

"Finish your Math, or no webkinz."
"Do your chores, or no webkinz."
"Stop whining, or no..."

...you get the idea...

bad Mommy :)