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Why I Switched to an Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet

By Shahrzad Warkentin
Partner Content

With a nine-year-old and three-year-old, tablets and screen time have been a part of our household for years—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I thought I had it all figured out with the devices we were using, being introduced to an Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet was a game changer for me as a mom. From Amazon’s worry-free guarantee to their FreeTime Unlimited library with over 20,000 books, videos and apps, there is so much to love about this device. I only wish I had discovered it sooner.

Don’t miss this exclusive offer just for Red Tricycle readers. Purchase an Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet and save 20% when you use code REDTRI at checkout!

photo: Shahrzad Warkentin

Reason #1 Why We Love This Tablet: Two-Year Worry Free Guarantee

When my son was born I quickly discovered what the phrase “we can’t have nice things” really means. Like a miniature version of Wreck-It-Ralph things just seem to break wherever he goes. Of course most things can be replaced, but that doesn’t mean you want to be constantly shelling out money just because you have kids at home. That’s why I instantly fell in love with the two-year worry-free guarantee that comes with every Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet.

If anything happens to the tablet, return it and Amazon will replace it. No questions asked. Simply return it and they’ll send you back a new one for free. If there’s anything I can appreciate as a mom, it’s having one less thing to worry about. I’ve got 99 mom problems, but the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet definitely isn’t one.

Reason #2 Why We Love This Tablet: The Kid-Proof Case

If your toddler is anything like mine, things get dropped. A lot. While I often hesitate to hand over my own devices for screen time, I feel as fearless as Wonder Woman when he handles the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet. Not only does it come with that worry free guarantee, but, unlike our previous tablets, it arrives out of the box already safe and snug in a Kid-Proof Case.

And, within minutes of turning on the tablet for the first time, sure enough it had slipped from my three-year-old’s hands and bounced to the floor. And when I say bounced, I mean bounced. Thanks to the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet’s durable, lightweight and totally squishy case it landed without breaking, perfectly safe and ready for more play. Now I don’t even bat an eye or bother to utter the “be careful” warning I repeat each time he handles something remotely fragile because I know it’s perfectly safe even in his little (slippery) hands.

 photo: Shahrzad Warkentin

Reason #3 Why We Love This Tablet: One Year of Free Amazon Unlimited FreeTime

With our previous tablet a day never went by without my kids begging for a new game. It seemed like the battles and whining over earning a new app were endless. Amazon FreeTime Unlimited changed everything. Every game they could ask for is right there at their fingertips and for an entire year FreeTime is included with the purchase of an Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet. No extra downloads or “Mom I want a new game.”

Even after that first year, FreeTime Unlimited is just $2.99 per month for a single child for Prime Members—less than the cost of a typical single app purchase. The best part is: since we switched to the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet I haven’t had a single demand for new apps. Now that’s priceless.

Reason #4 Why We Love This Tablet: Parental Controls

You shouldn’t need a degree in rocket science to make sure your kids are using their devices safely. The parental controls for the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet make protecting my kids a breeze. I can easily adjust the age level and types of content I allow my kids to watch simply by toggling a few switches in the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

photo: Shahrzad Warkentin  

Reason #5 Why We Love This Tablet: Amazon Parent Dashboard

Besides creating profiles for each individual child set to age appropriate settings, the Amazon Parent Dashboard has several other features that make life as a parent in the digital age much easier. The Dashboard not only allows you to see how much time your kids have spent using the their tablet, but it also breaks it down into the types of content.

You can see how much of that one hour time limit a day (or whatever time you set it to) has been spent specifically on games, books and videos. The Dashboard also provides summaries and discussion points for certain apps so that you can engage your kids after they’ve been playing.

Starting at $99.99 on Amazon, check out all the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablets to pick the best fit for your kids.

Don’t forget to use code REDTRI at checkout for 20% off the Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet!

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Shahrzad Warkentin
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a Los Angeles native taking on the world with my husband, two adventure-loving tots and our dog and hamster. I have worked in digital media since 2009 and written for What To Expect and Care.com among others. Pre-kids I was a film and television writer with work featured on Nickelodeon. 

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Fly Right: A Parent’s Guide to Reagan National Airport

by writerredri

With three international airports in the DMV-area, there are plenty of hubs for families to choose from for spring break travel. But, Reagan National (DCA) leads the pack (by a long shot!) in kid-conveniences. For starters, the Metro stops smack dab in the middle of the airport’s B/C Terminal, allowing you to go from stroller to checkpoint to gate without batting an eye. Here are four more reasons to love DCA.

#1 The views are stunning
It’s the windows that DCA is most proud of. Kids love posting in front of them to watch the planes and the ground crews in action. Look closely—from some of the windows you can even see the monuments and the top of the White House! Stroll from one end of the airport to the other to check out the views and burn off some of Junior’s energy before boarding.

#2 There are places to picnic
Don’t worry about shelling out for airport food. Historic Terminal A has an old lobby that houses a cute museum exhibit about the glamorous days of travel. This huge, empty space is a perfect spot to let the kids run wild, in between noshing on a packed picnic.
#3 Two words: family restrooms
A whopping 17 family restrooms are conveniently located with the other bathroom facilities. All are stocked with changing tables and extra square footage for all the little ones and their bags. The ability to lock the family in and not have to deal with the rest of the traveling world lets everyone focus on the task at hand.
#4 There is a cool park nearby
Flight delayed and kids are restless? Don’t stress! Gravelly Point Park is just outside the airport at the foot of the runway. The main draw is the vantage you have to watch airplanes take off and land (every few minutes). But, there are also trails to walk or jog on, a boat pier to wander around, and plenty of patches of grass to kick a ball around.
Reagan National Airport
2401 Smith Blvd. (Arlington, Va)
Online: metwashingtonairports.com/reagan
Where is your family going for spring break? Tell us in the comments section below.
—Sonya Gavankar
Photos courtesy of ears737 via Flickr, Heather W. via Yelp, be good and carry a stick via Flickr, bberg73 via Flickr, 
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Getting’ Fresh: Makeover Ideas for Multi-tasking Moms

by Phebe Wahl

Heat have you feeling a bit haggard? Think you don’t have time (or the budget) for a fresh look? Think again. Whether you need a new ‘do but hate the thought of shelling out for a haircut and a sitter—or in need of the perfect postpartum wardrobe that is trendy instead of tired—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your busy mom’s guide to looking chic on the cheap.  

Take Time for a Trim

Salon Red Kids
Technically, this Decatur haircut spot is just for kids—but the grownup salon is right next door. And since the kid salon includes all sorts of fun entertainment, including cool car seats with individual TVs, the awesome people here have been known to bring over a stylist from next door to give mom’s hair a quick cut while your little one is getting one too. Just don’t try this with a toddler who won’t sit still for a movie, because if your kid gets distracted by the candy and toy shop at the front of the store, your haircut experience may get cut short.

123 East Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur
404-377-6230

Lifetime Spa
You thought Lifetime was just a gym, right? Think again. You don’t have to be a member to get your hair done, and standard cuts start at only $32. You can get your kids’ hair trimmed here too, and after Junior’s hair is out of his eyes, drop him off at the complimentary childcare center so you can get your own done in peace.

5590 Roswell Road #250
Sandy Springs
678-832-2324

Trade Up Your Togs

Given Take Swap Boutique
Given Take was the brain child of East Atlanta mom Adrienne Tankersley. Not wanting to spend a lot of cash on a temporary postpartum wardrobe, even at consignment prices, she thought it’d be easier if she could just swap clothes with friends—and Given Take was born. Given Take organizes swap events. You buy a ticket and bring at least 10 items of clothing to swap—in season and in great condition, with no stains or tears. You leave with a bag of new clothes. Bonus? Each event also includes free spa activities. You will need to hire a babysitter for this one, since only infants-in-arm are invited to most swaps, but when the ticket costs less than one item of clothing, splurging on a babysitter ain’t so bad.

Soak Away Stress

 

Jeju Sauna and Spa
Jeju is hard to describe. Modeled after traditional Korean spas, it includes everything from massage to exfoliation to a pool and a restaurant. Kids are welcome, but be prepared: nudity is also welcome in some areas (separated by gender). Jeju is open 24/7, so you can also leave your partner with the kids and head out for some relaxation after bedtime.

3555 Gwinnett Place Drive
Duluth
678-336-7414

How do you freshen up when you are frazzled? Share your multi-tasking mama secrets below!

–Lisa Baker

Photos courtesy of Salon Red via Facebook, Given Take via Facebook and Jeju Sauna and Spa via Facebook

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