A new survey has revealed that the average American child under the age of 10 is handed $1,360 per year by their parents, either as allowance, rewards for good behavior or achievements and bribes to ‘be good’.
A leading coupon brand has revealed that the average child under the age of 10 in the US receives $1,360 per year, or the equivalent of $113 per month, from their parents in the form of allowance, bribes to get them to behave better and rewards for good behavior or achievements.
The survey, conducted by www.vouchercloud.net, was part of the company’s wider research into money management amongst young people, to investigate at what age citizens become financially astute and independent. 2,174 respondents took part in the survey, all of whom had children who were between the ages of five and ten years old at the time of the study.
The respondents were initially asked “Do you give your child money regularly?” to which the majority, 71%, confirmed that they did. The survey then asked the parents to state what they tended to give their children money for and asked them to select all relevant answers from a list, which revealed the following top five answers:
Monthly allowance – 77%
Rewards for good behavior/achievements – 61%
Bribes to make them behave/be good – 55%
Special occasions (birthday, Christmas) – 46%
In exchange for chores – 44%
The survey then sought to establish how much money children under the age of 10 receive from their parents each month, for whatever reason, which revealed an average answer of $113.00 per month; or $1,360 per year.
All relevant respondents were asked “How do you feel about the amount of money that you give to your children?” to which two thirds, 65%, stated that they would rather give their child less money. These parents were then asked why they gave their child more money than they would like to, to which the majority (45%) stated that they feel ‘in competition with other parents’. A quarter (24%) confirmed that they ‘don’t want to disappoint’ their child, while a further 17% stated that their child ‘likes expensive things and needs enough to buy them’.
“It’s difficult to dictate to a parent how much money they should or shouldn’t give to their children. The Mom and Dad know best but, to an outsider, $1,360 seems an awful lot of money for a kid that’s not even in the double digits yet! Children might want expensive things, but they also need to learn that they have to earn them and be patient!”
“A lot of the time, when parents spend substantial sums of money on the children, it suggests they feel guilty or are trying to make up for something, perhaps a busy work schedule or they have spent less hours in the home than they’d like. Money really isn’t the most important thing and, although of course you don’t want your children to fall behind the other kids in the schoolyard, quality time is the most important thing. If you’re playing with them, nine times out of ten they won’t care if they are playing with an iPad or a yo-yo.”
There’s certainly something to be said for Christmas in July. After all, even though the chill of winter may be the furthest thing from our minds as we grill and watch the fireworks this weekend, the holiday season is only a few months away, and it’s never too early to get ready! That’s certainly the attitude Disney had toward things when they recently showcased their upcoming products for the 2014 holiday season. It’s set to be quite the exciting time this year for boys, girls, and even moms and dads, with toys, games, electronics and apparel based on some of Disney’s hottest properties.
For boys, superheroes are a perennial classic, and this year looks to be no different, with a big push toward the sure-blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy (due in theaters this August). The film’s minuscule hero Rocket Raccoon is getting a particular dose of star treatment, with action figures, plush, and more bearing the character’s image (and phrases voiced by none other than Bradley Cooper, who lends his acting charm to the character in the movie as well!) The Avengers are also a big focus this year, with a holiday children’s book featuring narration by Marvel legend Stan Lee, and of course the upcoming Disney Infinity 2.0! Infinity 2.0, a follow-up to last year’s wildly successful Disney Infinity, will center around Marvel heroes like the Avengers, Spider-Man, and more, and is ready to hit shelves this September.
Girls this year will be more than ready to “Let it Go” with the stars of Disney’s Frozen, who will feature on a number of playsets, books, and costumes inspired by the instant classic. The film’s booming fanbase has only continued to grow since the film’s debut last winter, and Frozen‘s spike in popularity has in turn led to the two princess leads, Anna and Elsa, (and their lovable snowman pal Olaf) appearing anywhere and everywhere you could imagine. Coming this winter, be sure to keep an eye out for new Animator’s Collection dolls of Anna and Elsa, an Olaf snow cone maker, and more!
Finally, for the teens and adults in your life, Disney’s got plenty to offer as well, with lines of headphones, speakers, collectible items, and apparel featuring such licenses as Marvel and Star Wars, and of course the classic Disney characters and princesses. Standouts include a partnership with Vans to produce Stormtrooper-based shoes, bags, and apparel, a partnership with Under Armour to create Marvel-themed cleats, workout shirts, and more, and (going back to Star Wars), headphones based around the Rebels and Empire, and a portable Death Star speaker.
We’ve certainly got a great holiday season ahead of us from Disney, and I don’t know about you, but I for one am glad that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
The above video shows off the newly-announced Spider-Man Play Set, coming to Disney Infinity 2.0 this fall! The Spider-Man Play Set will feature a storyline which follows the Green Goblin as he tries to destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. once and for all. After capturing Venom to extract and clone symbiotes from him, he hires Mysterio to be his second in command and wreak havoc on the Marvel universe. Players will fight the spreading symbiotes and face Mysterio and Green Goblin in in the sewers, labs and skies above Manhattan. Key highlights for the Spider-Man Play Set include:
Play Set: Playable characters include Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom with additional appearances by White Tiger, Black Cat and Luke Cage. Players will be tasked to destroy the cloned symbiotes and advance to fight Mysterio.
Toy Box: Spider-Man, Nick Fury, Iron Fist, Nova and Venom will be playable in the all-new Toy Box 2.0 mode of the game, along with all characters previously released for Disney Infinity. Players will be able to use these characters, plus hundreds of Marvel and Disney-themed items, locations, props and vehicles, to create new adventures in customized worlds. Once players complete the Spider-Man Play Set, the S.H.I.E.L.D. Hover Car, S.H.I.E.L.D. Sky Cycle, Daily Bugle Building and more will be unlocked and can be used in Toy Box.
The Spider-Man Play Set will be available in retail stores this fall. Additional Play Sets and characters will be announced in the coming months.
Earth to Echo is this generations Goonies… It really is an awesome adventure movie that kids will love. The movie is rated PG and I certainly dont think its a movie for kids younger then 5 but for those kids older – this is their generations Goonies or a kid version of Indiana Jones.
Tuck, Munch and Alex are a closely bonded trio of inseparable friends, but their time together is coming to an end. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys find a cryptic signal has infected their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on and looking for one final adventure together, they set off to trace the messages totheir source and discover something beyond their wildest imaginations: hiding in the darkness is a mysterious being, stranded on Earth, and wanted by the government. This launches the boys on an epic journey full of danger and wonder, one that will test the limits of their friendship and change all of their lives forever.
Calling all adventure seekers! EARTH TO ECHO opens in theaters on July 2nd — but you can prepare for the journey in the meantime with the brand new Geocaching EARTH TO ECHO Adventure! Geocaching is a family-friendly activity, where adventure seekers can use an app or GPS on their mobile devices to search for cleverly hidden containers placed in nearby neighborhoods.
Go on a Geocaching adventure in your city with Earth To Echo! Play to unlock the mystery today.
Earth To Echo Frisbee, Fan, Beach Ball & Bike Clip
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. July 5th, 2014. Leave a comment why you want to win the Earth to Echo Prize Pack and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @dadarocks #EarthtoEcho – http://dad.am/1onQDWT and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want the #EarthtoEcho Prize Pack from @dadarocks – http://dad.am/1onQDWT #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter – www.twitter.com/DaDaRocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on Facebook – www.facebook.com/DaDaRocks >You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on Facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into Facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for G+ this page on plus.google.com (click on the little G+ icon below) You must comment that you have G+ it.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Relativity Media supplied the prizes for this giveaway. It is limited to the USA & Canada only.
Every year rolls around the thousands turn out to watch the fireworks but there is always the question of how do I get to see the awesome fireworks up close – thats called VIP tickets. It’s always nearly impossible to get VIP tickets to the big show until now… Our friends at the South Street Seaport Museum has a limited number of VIP tickets for sale.
*** UPDATE *** We have just been given a special promo code for 15% off the ticket prices use coupon/promo code: 4July1514.
The Seaport Museum has two option to having an incredible view for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration… first option is to be on Pier 16 – the second option is take a sail aboard the Pioneer – talk about VIP it includes drinks & hors d’oeuvres – its limited to 40 people – what could be the most romantic way to watch the fireworks!
Plus the Seaport Museum does an amazing job at teaching our kids about the history of Manhattan and how important the waterways & shipping ports were to this city.
More about the South Street Seaport Museum…
South Street Seaport Museum is a non-profit cultural institution preserving and promoting the historic district of South Street Seaport in New York City. Founded on May 22, 1967, the South Street Seaport Museum (SSSM) is dedicated to telling the vital story of the foundation of New York and its link to its great natural harbor.
The museum preserves and interprets the history of New York City as a place where goods, labor and cultures are exchanged through work, commerce, and the interaction of diverse communities. Designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum in 1998, SSSM is located in a 12 square-block historic district on the East River in Lower Manhattan, the site of the original port of New York City.
The Museum is comprised of key historic locations such as Schermerhorn Row, our working trade centers on Water Street, and on the “Street of Ships” at Pier 16. These exhibitions and educational facilities are located in the South Street Seaport in New York City’s largest concentration of restored early nineteenth century commercial buildings.
The Museum houses exhibition galleries, working nineteenth century print shops, a maritime library, a maritime craft center, and the largest privately-owned fleet of historic ships in the country.
Personal security and safety are things everyone values, but they’re often taken for granted. VSN Mobil has introduced the V.ALRT, Personal Emergency Alert Device, a small wearable device that works with a smartphone to send out urgent calls and texts at the touch of a small button, summoning help wherever and whenever someone should need it. The V.ALRT is available for purchase at www.VSNMobil.com and Amazon.com for $59.99.
The V.ALRT is an ergonomically designed device that can be carried discreetly in a pocket or a bag, worn on the wrist with the included band or around the neck as a pendant. Using a multi-axis accelerometer and Bluetooth® SMART (Bluetooth 4.0 LE) technology in association with a software application from VSN Mobil, the V.ALRT initiates calls and text messages from a smartphone. With the push of a button, the V.ALRT connects with the smartphone to send personalized text messages and makes phone calls to three pre-selected contacts. The customizable text message will indicate that help is needed and also provide location information using the GPS feature on the smartphone (when available). The V.ALRT application can also be set to Fall Detect Mode to automatically notify your preselected contacts should a fall be detected.
The V.ALRT provides up to a year of use before needing to replace the battery. The V.ALRT’s companion app is available for both iOS and AndroidTM phones and is fully customizable, yet simple to set up.
Active and Secure – When running, hiking or riding a bike, as with a number of other outdoor activities, holding a smartphone is awkward and can lead to pricey repairs if dropped. Yet, active people who exercise alone want the ability to quickly signal for help if they become injured or feel their personal well being is threatened. The V.ALRT is a “go-to” device that can be carried in a pocket, worn around the neck or wrist, or attached to a keychain. Its fall detection feature can also send an alert in a critical situation.
Connecting Families – With the V.ALRT, children can enjoy their independence while parents maintain their piece of mind. Drop the V.ALRT in a backpack or a pocket, or clip it on a helmet and kids have a hotline to home at the touch of a button. All in an unobtrusive way that won’t make him or her the odd kid out.
Homebound No More – Since the V.ALRT is paired to a smartphone, and not dependent on a landline or other hardware, the V.ALRT can help people with medical conditions stay connected wherever they have their smartphone. In the yard, at the grocery store, and at home as well, if help is needed the V.ALRT will connect with the smartphone to send the programmed notifications when the button is pushed. When a fall has occurred and the button cannot be activated, the V.ALRT fall detection feature generates calls and texts to summon help. Slightly bigger than a quarter, the V.ALRT is discreet and lightweight to wear, and can even be worn in the shower.
Specifications for the V.ALRT button:
Size: 32 mm diameter, 10 mm thick
Weight: 8 grams
Environment: Waterproof (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)
Battery: Comes with a replaceable CR2032 battery that is commonly available and lasts up to one year depending on use.
Range: Bluetooth 4.0 technology allows for a range of up to 75 feet indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors between the V.ALRT and the smartphone
Accessories: pendant and watch band Specifications for the V.ALRT software application:
The V.ALRT application is available on iTunes for iPhone®4s/IOS 7 or newer releases and in Google Play for AndroidTM 4.3 or newer releases
Sometimes we wait till the 11th hour to get things done and sometimes we blow right past that and end up needing something as we’re driving over to the persons house. I present to you 3 great super last minute items that you can pickup at JC Penny.
Are you looking for clothing, kitchen appliances, shoes, watches or anything else as you start to drive over to your dad’s for that BBQ, you cannot go wrong with stopping into JCPenney. There are plenty of great deals for fathers day online at JCPenney too. Check out some of the JCPenney Fathers day best buys and you too can give some great ideas to your loved ones so you won’t be stuck without a fathers day gift.
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. June 20th, 2014. Leave a comment why you want to win a $100 gift card to JC Penny and please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email).
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @JCPenny @dadarocks #FathersDay #JCPStyle – http://dad.am/SKrBW8 and you must also comment with the link to your tweet.
Example: I want to win a @JCPenny $100 #GiftCard from @dadarocks #JCPStyle – http://dad.am/SKrBW8 #giveaway
You get 1 extra entry for following @dadarocks on twitter – www.twitter.com/DaDaRocks You must comment that you’re a follower.
You get 1 extra entry for becoming our FAN on Facebook – www.facebook.com/DaDaRocks You must comment that you’re a fan.
You get 1 extra entry for liking this page on Facebook (like button at the top of the post NOTE: you must be signed into Facebook for it to work!)
You get 1 extra entry for G+ this page on plus.google.com (click on the little G+ icon below) You must comment that you have G+ it.
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: JCPenny supplied the prizes for this giveaway. It is limited to the USA only.
This is the most advanced toothbrush I’ve ever owned… To me Oral-B took a ton of technology from NASA and packed it into this little brush… The rechargeable batteries have lasted days (which is great if you want to travel with it). There are different types of brush heads for different types of cleaning, if you want to focus on gum care or if you have sensitive teeth… There’s a head for that. If you want a deep clean or whitening there’s a head for that.
There is an LCD display called the Oral Care Control it gives you feedback on your brushing time, your brushing areas and even which mode you’re using.
Revisiting the long lasting nature of the battery because it’s important to note this great set comes with its own travel case. For those that have traveled with an electric brush and something bumps into the button you get to the hotel with a dead electric toothbrush.
While this is my brush for now – I’m pretty sure my wife loves it and wants one for herself. It does a really grab job giving me a clean teeth feeling and I think thats because its not only pulsates but its oscillates and rotates at the same time (they call that 3D action).
The Oral-B 7000 Black just came out and is the top toothbrush in their lineup… But I’ve got the hookup for you a $7 coupon!
Also if you havent seen this year’s Oral-B TV commercial it’s awesome! The Power of Dad spot is honest, real, not condescending and portrays life quite honestly. This is the second year of the Father’s Day program that Oral B has partnered with March of Dimes also. They’ve partnered with Football’s First Family too, New York Giant’s Quarterback Eli Manning, his father Archie and his daughter Eva to celebrate fatherhoods unforgettable moments.
This was sponsored by Oral-B for the #PowerofDad Father’s Day promotion and was compensated for my involvement but my thoughts are all my own.
With Father’s Day on the horizon, let dad kick back and relax with some great TV shows on Netflix! We’ve got ten suggestions for you right here– check out our list below:
1. House of Cards: Three Emmy Award wins including David Fincher (“The Social Network”) for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and nine nominations including Outstanding Drama Series went to this acclaimed political thriller. Lead Actor nominee Kevin Spacey stars as ruthless, cunning Congressman Francis Underwood, who will stop at nothing to conquer the halls of power in Washington D.C. His secret weapon: his gorgeous, ambitious, and equally conniving wife Claire (Lead Actress nominee Robin Wright).
2. The Killing: Seattle homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder are deeply affected by the murders they investigate in this dark, acclaimed crime series.
3. Mad Men: Set in 1960s New York City, this series takes a peek inside an ad agency during an era when the cutthroat business had a glamorous lure.
4. The Walking Dead: In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, survivors hold on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a fight for their own survival.
5. Breaking Bad: A high school chemistry teacher dying of cancer teams with a former student to manufacture and sell crystal meth to secure his family’s future.
6. Louie: Louis C.K. plays a fictional version of himself in this series that follows the comedian through the lows of being an awkward single dad in New York.
7. Luther: A dedicated urban detective tries to keep a grip on his personal life while dealing with the psychological factors underlying the crimes he solves.
8. Freaks and Geeks: A group of high school students in 1980 faces various social struggles. Lindsay rebels and hangs out with a crowd of burnouts for starters.
9. Shameless: Unemployed Frank Gallagher — a single father of eight kids — attempts to keep sane, often with a little help from a bottle.
10. White Collar: To avoid jail, an ultra-suave con man signs on to help an FBI agent catch other white-collar thieves but he conceals an ulterior motive.
In celebration of Father’s Day this year, WWE Superstars are inspiring dads throughout the country to get more involved in their children’s lives. WWE is joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Family Assistance, the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, and the Ad Council to launch a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that encourage dads to recognize their critical role and give them the tools to help get more involved. The ads, which feature stars like Roman Reigns, Alberto Del Rio, and Titus O’Neil, remind fathers across the country to “Take Time to Be A Dad Today” by showing these WWE stars sharing heartfelt moments with their own children. You can watch the videos below.
In addition to these videos, WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil shared the following letter about the importance of being a father:
Fatherhood is the greatest responsibility and honor a man can have placed upon him. I never met my biological father, nor did I grow up with a male figure in my home. I didn’t grow up with money, a nice home or fancy clothes. In fact, I spent the majority of my childhood living in the projects or with family members. However, thanks to my mom, I had no shortage of love. Because of that I feel very strongly that love, faith, strength and courage are the most important elements of growing and learning at any stage of life. Now, as a father, I strive to demonstrate these in my home because the greatest lesson my kids have taught me is how to love people unconditionally.
Being a father has allowed me to keep things in perspective, for which I am extremely grateful. When a young fan asks for an autograph or picture or when I visit hospitals and schools, I always think, “What if these were my kids? What if my children were sick or didn’t have the resources to obtain a great education, live in a safe neighborhood or live a comfortable life?” I am very grateful when people go the extra mile for my kids, and I make it a point to always return that favor. Life as a WWE Superstar is hectic and stressful at times, but the ability to positively change lives on a daily basis motivates me to work hard. My kids could not care less if I win or lose a match or if I have a bad day at work. I’ve come to find not just my kids but WWE fans love and respect me regardless because beyond the lights, cameras and the action in the ring, they continue to see a real, genuine person. My philosophy with my kids is simple…I expect them to do their best and be the best people they can be and they expect the same of me.
To me, being a father is simple. I live for my kids, not through my kids. I’m not trying to force them into doing the things I did as a child in sports or extracurricular activities because they are who God made them to be. As their father, my job is to provide my children with the best positive guidance, motivation, discipline and resources possible to help them reach their greatness. I do this with plenty of love and try to be a living example instead of a telling example. I’ve learned kids respond more to what they see you do, as opposed what you tell them to do. I am their first role model, and I take that very seriously. They might not take the same path I did, but as long as they respect people, work hard, are positive about life and give their absolute best effort, I always will be proud of them.
To me, the most important part of being a father is being present. Kids really remember the moments and time you spend with them more than the things you buy them. The smallest moments make the biggest impact on a child’s life. I often am asked what I like most about being a father and my answer is always that I love everything about being a father – the challenges, the responsibility, the discipline, the laughter, the school functions…you name it, I love it. Father’s Day is really a special day, but for me, every day is Father’s Day because I get another day to enjoy all of the wonderful characteristics my two sons display. I also get to be part of a very great fraternity….FATHERHOOD! I am honored, humbled and proud to be a father.
Earth to Echo is this generations Goonies… It really is an awesome adventure movie that kids will love. The movie is rated PG and I certainly dont think its a movie for kids younger then 5 but for those kids older – this is their generations Goonies or a kid version of Indiana Jones.
More about the South Street Seaport Museum…
