Friday, June 13, 2008

My Sneaky Resourceful Kids

OK. I've told you about my kids' love for Webkinz, right? Between the three of them, I think they have nine of the little critters. And, boy, do they have nice houses and play-things for their little friends in Webkinz World. They have fun doing their Daily Kinz Care, sending virtual presents to their Kinz friends, and playing games to earn more KinzCash - with which to buy, care for, and send all these wonderful virtual "things."
If I would let them, I bet my kids would spend most of their waking hours in front of the computer, playing in WebKinz World.
But I won't.
We have limits.
So what's a kid to do? If you have an unreasonable a concerned parent who won't let you spend hours a day in front of the computer, how are you supposed to have enough time to do your Daily Kinz Care, spin the Wheel of Wow, buy treats for your pet, play with your pet, send gifts to your friends and cousins, go to the employment office to earn KinzCash, and play games to earn more KinzCash? How can one possibly do all that in half an hour???
My sneaky resourceful kids have found the answer.

Play on your parents' weaknesses and work them to your advantage!

You see, I love word games and there is a really fun one in WebKinz World. And I'm really good at it. So my kids have started asking me if I want to "play that game [I] like" for them. They log me on to their account and get me to the game, and I earn them hundreds of dollars in KinzCash. And it doesn't count toward "their" computer time!
It made me laugh last night when Joshua came over to check on me just as I came up with a word that was worth a lot of points. He looked at me and said, "Wow, Mom. You're really good." That's right, Baby. Don't forget it!
This whole thing about me playing the game for them was fine. I thought it was cute. But then I saw my kids working the system to their advantage even more. One of them discovered there's a Solitaire game in Webkinz World, too, which you can play to earn KinzCash.
And guess who has a Solitaire affection?
Brian.
So last night when Joshua got me set up with my word game, Elizabeth said, "Hey, Daddy, do you want to play Solitaire for me to get KinzCash?" Of course, he obliged.
And there we sat, working away on the computers, earning KinzCash for our kids, impressing them with our word making/card playing skills, listening to their squeals of delight as they watched the "money" roll in, and all without taking away any of their computer time.

Sneaky Resourceful kids!

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10 comments:

Unknown said...

The thing that is so funny to me about this is that I had to join a group on Facebook called, "Parents addicted to Webkinz" So, I knew EVERYTHING that you referred to in this post. Sad, huh?
I'm actually a recovering addict. I finally walked away. Fun post!

Melissa said...

Hey, they're working "smarter," not "harder." I just hope my daughter doesn't figure this trick out!

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

That is so funny!!! My girls (well the two older ones) they love their webkinz. However we just had one "expire" and we were bummed. But it has kept them off the computer more!! And I know what word game you are talking about, my Taylor LOVES that game too!! Sneaky kids!! But at least they are creative in their thinking!! =)

Anonymous said...

YIPES! Mine tried that. It almost worked, but I have my own games to play on POGO. LOL

luvmy4sons said...

Yeah. I hear ya. Been there done that! I know EXACTLY waht's going on over there...'cause it goes on over here. LOL!

Anonymous said...

I'm scared tot each my kids how to use the computer... just 5 more years please?!?!?!!!

God bless-
Amanda

happyhome said...

Smart kids! I love that game too! Our kids have let their pets languish this past week in the wake of getting a new Wii from the grandparents. We're going to have to reign it all in soon.

Stacey said...

Oh, yeah, my kids love their webkins, too.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. If I encourage you to 'keep going' with running, you definitely encourage me to 'get started'! I think of running sometimes and how good it would be for me...but I don't get started!

Jenny said...

My daughter does this, too!! I play Cash Cow for her, and it's soooo addicting. She has one awesome house with accessories, tho' :) They are resourceful!

Zaankali said...

Too funny! I spent many hours last summer doing the same. My kids haven't asked me yet this summer but we have been pretty busy lately so maybe it is still coming.
Smiles!