Naked Brothers Band vs. The Jonas Brothers

Boy bands certainly have changed since N'SYNC and The Backstreet Boys. I mean, instead of funky dance moves and tight harmonies, these boy bands rock hard and play all their own instruments. I am a frequent watcher of Disney Channel and, therefore, know all about the Jonas Brothers' craze. But recently, I was surfing the channels and came across Nickelodeon's answer to the Jonas Brothers, The Naked Brother's Band. I find it very interesting that Nickelodeon feels a need to compete with Disney. But get this: "Naked" isn't even their real last name. The two brothers are Nate and Alex Wolfe. Unlike the Jonas Brothers, there are other members of the band that play with them. They are a manufactured kids group. The Jonas Brothers have blown up over night, but this band is just as popular with their own special fan base. They perform as if they are a real band and they have real fans. Are these guys going to square off one day? Which band do you prefer? Both are all about rocking out but staying kid appropriate with a wholesome image. I guess it's up to what these pre-teen girls prefer.

The 6 main ways Minti can help you...

MINTI splits their reasons for using their site into 6 different main points. I thought this was the best way to prove how beneficial it can be for all you parents out there.

1. There are over 8,000 parenting articles to choose from, ranging from advice about newborns to how to handle your overly dramatic teenagers.

2. If you have any parenting questions, any at all, they are answered fast.

3. Share your experiences as a parent in a safe environment.

4. You might be wondering if there are other parents out there that have gone through the same experiences as you. Well, Minti helps you find those people who share similar parenting challenges.

5. Minti has a "moolah" point system with their members. You participate, you earn points, and those can be exchanged for cash! Who doesn't love money?

6. And of course, Minti membership is free!

*I have been writing for months about appropriate television for children. If you are still searching for ideas, this site has a great "TAG" bubble as well as constantly updated articles and blog posts. All you have to do is type in "Children and Television" and you will find a slew of information*

I understand being weary of joining such an open site. However, I am very thorough in my research and have found nothing but positive comments and feedback from its members. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Let's get going and fix it right!

I bet some of you don't know that I am quite the handyman. Not as cool as Bob the Builder or Handy Manny of course, but I can hold my own with a hammer and nails. Some of you are probably asking yourselves, what is Dora talking about? Well, in true Dora fashion, I am always trying to find ways to better your life and educate you at the same time! I have found a great internet tool that could help when dealing with any questions you have about raising children in this media driven society.

MINTI is a great tool for parents. The site is actually powered by parents. There are many different sections that allow you to ask questions, post pictures, make blogs, and even create your own family page. Parents are always looking for a way to connect with other parents out there on the internet. I understand that my blog deals specifically with children television, but I also talk about child development and parenting. This site has many different subjects that you can click on and discover something new.That is the best part about MINTI. It has everything you want in one place. Other sites in competition with it only deal with their specific subjects like appropriate television and movies for children, how to get your family more active, and different and effective disciplining techniques.

Here are some important background facts about the site...
[History of Minti]

• Idea and initial research by Rachel Cook early in 2005
• Saw a need for a "parent to parent advice-opedia"
• Saw benefits of Wikipedia
• Wrote the first business plan

[Mission]

Their mission is to create a "the world's largest parent to parent advice-opedia".

[Who is behind Minti?]

• Minti.com Pty Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vibe Capital Pty Ltd which is a privately held Australian company.
• The management team includes:
• Clay Cook - CEO & Co-Founder
• Matthew Macfarlane - CFO & Co-Founder

Here is a fun video tutorial guide that goes more in depth about the various sections on the site...

And all that jazz...

My rough draft made me realize that I wanted to explore the idea of how certain kids' programming can be beneficial to their active imaginations and physicality. I am now working towards using my resources to support my thesis that television shows for children must stimulate ALL their senses, not just the visual and audio sensory. I have already researched the idea of how television on in the background of a child's play area will interrupt their playtime. This play time is crucial to their furthering development.

I still feel children should not be exposed to television at a very young age, but I also understand that certain programs geared toward educating toddlers and infants, can have a positive effect on their development IF they structure their program around the idea of getting their minds and bodies active.