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Kazaana in the Washington Post: “Social networks confront challenges in rush to attract youngest users”

. In The News, Social Media . , ,

Today we are excitied to annouce that Kazaana is featured in a great piece by Cecilia Kang from  the Washington Post about the unique challenges that having a younger user base presents to social platforms. Safety has always been our first priority at Kazaana- after all, families can’t feel comfortable sharing together online unless they know that the site is a safe space. But secondly, we want to create an experience for kids that is fun, interactive, and always genuine.

“These are users who aren’t locked into anything right now that is safe,” said Pete Thomas, a partner at Silicon Valley-based ATA Ventures, which funded Kazaana.

Check out the article and tell us what you look for in a site for your kids in the comments section below, or join the discussion on our Facebook page!

cc courtesy from daz smith on Flickr

Fun Summer Science Experiments for Kids

. Education, Families, Kids & Tweens . ,
If your kids are into science, there’s no reason for the learning to stop when school is out. By raiding your pantry and Grandma’s candy supply, you can build a miniature laboratory in your kitchen. These experiments are appropriate for kids as young as six, with varying levels of help from Mom or Dad.
Check out the instructions below for two science-packed summer days.

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PixyKids Launches Family-Centric Social Platform In Beta, Changes Company Name To Kazaana

. Press Releases . , ,


Also Expands Advisory Board to Include Privacy Expert

MENLO PARK, CA, July 24, 2012 – PixyKids, an interactive and immersive social media platform where kids 6-12 can create, share with their friends and families, and have fun through their personalized digital space, announced today they are officially launching in open beta.  The company also announced they will begin operating under the new company name, Kazaana, effective immediately, and that they have added Shai Samet, founder of the kidSAFE® Seal Program and a children’s privacy expert, to their board of advisors.
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A Fun and Successful Weekend at the Menlo Park Connoisseurs Marketplace!

. Events .

A big thank you to all of you who came out to the Menlo Park Connoisseurs Marketpalce event this weekend! Everyone had a great time hanging with the Radio Disney AM1310 Crew, learning some new dance moves, and playing dress up in the Kazaana photo booth. We also handed out all 500 shoelaces, took about 400 photos, and gave out 100 pairs of sunglasses, not to mention all the stickers and temporary tattoos!

If you have any great photos of the event that you would like to share, post them on our Facebook wall or tweet them to us at @KazaanaMe!

cc courtesy of JefferyTurner on Flickr

4 Great Day Trips for Kids

. Families, Kids & Tweens . , , ,
Summer is fully upon us, and once school is out the days can get a little long. It’s great to mix up the routine when you can, but busy schedules and tight budgets can put a full-fledged summer vacation out of reach. Instead, consider doing a monthly or bi-weekly day trip with your kids. It’s a great way to get them out of the house and keep their minds sharp until fall. Below are three ideas for successful day trips.
Be a world traveler. If you travel without a plan, your kids will pick up on it and get restless. Use a world culture as a theme, and plan your day accordingly. Download a translator app on your smartphone and learn a few phrases in the language you choose. Then, order lunch from your country of choice! Listen to music from that culture, and check out a few books from the library about faraway places.
cc courtesy of cyclonebill on Flickr

10 Great Classic Movies That Both You and Your Kids Will Love

. Families, Kids & Tweens . ,
After a long summer day at the pool or on the beach, it’s time to curl up with your family and watch a great movie. Choose one of these 10 classic kids’ films to guarantee a night of family-friendly fun -that will also ignite some serious childhood nostalgia!


1. The Wizard of Oz

Your children will be inspired by this adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s classic novel in which Dorothy uses all her courage to navigate through a fascinating but dangerous magical world and return home to Kansas. With remastered bright colors, peppy songs and unusual characters, this movie has overarching appeal.


2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie’s tale is one of overcoming poverty and loss with pluck, honesty, and love. This colorful rags-to-riches story features catchy songs and includes fantastic characters (Oompa Loompas, anyone?) that your kids will love.


3. Old Yeller

This timeless story of a boy’s bond with his dog deals with themes of love, companionship and change–topics that your kids are learning to understand. Old Yeller does include some violence and is more suitable for older children.

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cc courtesy of woodleywonderworks on Flickr

Will personal reinvention become a thing of the past?]

. Kids & Tweens, Opinion, Social Media . ,

When I was seven years old, I had one of the most mortifying  experiences of my young life. No matter how many years go by, this event is scorched into my memory- even now as I write this, my cheeks are starting to burn with embarrassment by just remembering it.

On this day, I got all dressed up and went with my dad to a play at the local children’s theatre. My mom stayed home with my sister who was just a baby at the time, so it was just me and my dad- a lovely father daughter outing. At intermission we went out in the courtyard to enjoy a brownie and some lemonade from the snack stand then I decided to join a bunch of other kids in walking around the edge of the courtyard fountain. Big mistake. Trying to show off, I climbed to the top ring of the fountain to walk along its slippery, brick edge. Then I fell in. Sputtering and drenched, I was hauled from the fountain by various grownups while other kids (many that I knew from school) looked on and laughed their behinds off.  Continue reading →

cc courtesy of pettifoggist on Flickr

6 classic books your kids will love this summer

. Education, Kids & Tweens . , ,
There is nothing like taking a break from the heat of a summer’s day to stretch out in the shade with a good book. Today’s bookstores and libraries are exploding with tons of hip children’s and young adult literature. While it’s great to have so many choices, take some time this summer to share a book from your childhood with your kids. Before you pick up your next batch of reading material, review this list of six fabulous books to find some literary inspiration. Continue reading →